EDS: CHASM-JEWS will not be transmitted today.
NEWS STORY
RNS-Calvillo-Evangelicals: A Mexican American evangelical examines how Latino identity is shaped by faith
(RNS) — As Latinos, particularly Mexicans, have represented a large chunk of Catholics in the United States, Jonathan Calvillo has often asked himself: What does it mean to be Mexican American and how has faith shaped my sense of who I am? Calvillo, a sociology of religion professor at Boston University, explores these nuances in his first book, “Saints of Santa Ana,” which is based in the Orange County city of Santa Ana, where nearly 80 percent of residents are Latino and many are of Mexican heritage. By Alejandra Molina. 840 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-PPC-Manchin: Poor People’s Campaign meets with Joe Manchin, vows to protest for $15 minimum wage
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Members of the Poor People’s campaign, a faith-led anti-poverty initiative, expressed frustration after meeting with Sen. Joe Manchin on Thursday (Feb. 18), arguing the West Virginia Democrat’s suggestion of including an $11 minimum wage in a forthcoming pandemic relief bill is inadequate, and plan on protesting outside his office next week. By Jack Jenkins. 675 words.
NEWS STORY
RNS-COVID19-Collaborate: Faith, medical leaders collaborate to get COVID-19 vaccine in arms of more people
(RNS) — Shirley Hill is used to needles. A diabetic, she pricks herself twice a day with an insulin pen. Still, she was a little nervous when she rolled up her sleeve for the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday (Feb. 17). The cooperation between the North Carolina’s houses of worship and medical officials is emblematic of collaborations that are developing across the country on local, regional and national levels. By Yonat Shimron and Adelle M. Banks. 1,000 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Muslims-CVE: As US refocuses anti-extremism programs on far right, many Muslims still oppose them
(RNS) — While federal investigations continue into the groups who organized the January 6th storming of Capitol Hill many are calling for new countering violent extremism efforts aimed at potentially violent White nationalists and other members of the far right. Muslim communities who have long been targeted by CVE programs are ambivalent about this shift. By Joseph Hammond. 1,225 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Espinal-Sanctuary: Edith Espinal leaves church sanctuary after more than 3 years
(RNS) — Edith Espinal, a Mexican native and mother of three, had been living at the Columbus Mennonite Church since Oct. 2, 2017. She and six allies walked into a local office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday morning where she was granted a so-called “order of supervision” meaning she will not be deported but must check in regularly with immigration officials. By Yonat Shimron. 600 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Fighting-Ethiopia: Attacks on ancient religious site in Ethiopia kill hundreds, reports say
(RNS) — People seeking shelter have been attacked at the Church of Our Lady of Mary of Zion in Aksum, purportedly the resting place of the biblical Ark of Covenant. About 125 miles east, the Al-Nejashi Mosque, which allegedly contains the tombs of 15 of the Prophet Mohammed’s disciples has also been killed. By Fredrick Nzwili. 617 words. (category: i)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Martin-Oped: Black history can’t be told without the Bible
(RNS) — The Bible has been a source of healing, hope and refuge from danger for Black Americans since the days of slavery. Its stories were passed on through songs and sermons so they infiltrated their common language, even among those who could not read. During the Civil War, freed slaves joined the Union Army and found jobs or places to settle in the North, and found new freedom to read the full Bible and express their faith in powerful ways. By Nicole Martin. 896 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Gregoire-Oped: Is the evangelical view of sex at the root of our sex scandals?
(RNS) — Evangelicals are pointing fingers at “celebrity Christian culture,” blaming it for the tragic Ravi Zacharias sexual abuse and rape scandal and the extramarital escapades of Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz (as well as so many more). But what if this epidemic is not just — or even mostly — caused by celebrity culture? What if it’s the evangelical view of sex? By Sheila Wray Gregoire. 1,542 words. (category: k)