(RNS) — Republicans and Democrats say they listen more than ever to the religious wings of their parties, but in truth both religious camps are more likely to follow than lead.

(RNS) — Even as we get a clearer view of what each side is ultimately advocating for, it’s not likely that our divided political climate will allow either side to prevail decisively and indefinitely.

(RNS) — Four years after the raucous response to Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a mistaken claim of religious conscience shows how a promising consensus may be forming.

(RNS) — The divide between liberals and conservatives has been baked into the UMC from its inception in 1968. It’s time to let go.

(RNS) — Any independent who wants to peel voters from the major parties in decent numbers should focus on religious voters who are economically progressive and socially conservative.

(RNS) — Unless we treat our neighbors who believe differently with grace and tolerance, we put our heritage as a pluralistic society at risk.

(RNS) — Political observers seem to assume that Trump’s Christian base will follow him no matter what. But recent polls show a decent Republican alternative could peel them away from the president in the 2020 primaries.

(RNS) — A run by even a centrist on abortion would enliven a national debate that has poisoned our politics without doing much to help children (born and unborn) or families.

(RNS) — Responsible actors, including the IRS, seek no change because the current law works in the best interests of churches, the government and society at large.

(RNS) — To continue to make progress in the next Congress, Republican-aligned groups will need to be as willing to work with liberal Democrats as they have with their own tribe.

(RNS) — As a teenager, J. Nicole Morgan believed that inner beauty matters most for Christians. Reality — not to mention diet devotionals — didn’t conform to those expectations.

(RNS) — Religious conservatives need to realize that they are not the only ones who believe religious freedom is a sacred right. And progressives, whether religious or not, should not dismiss the entire concept.

(RNS) — Faith leaders are excoriating Trump and Sessions for recent immigration policy changes, but this crisis is Congress’ fault — specifically, House Republicans who have bet their survival on nativist politics.

(RNS) — As President Trump’s attention turns to international affairs, members of his loyal evangelical Protestant base need to ask themselves: What do we want out of U.S. foreign policy?

(RNS) Anyone who thinks Russell Moore should lose his job is advancing a vile heresy and a dangerous idolatry — that Christian leaders should ardently praise the Republican Party’s chosen leader no matter how vile, obnoxious and un-Christian he is.