Faith

LGBTQ rights bill ignites debate over religious liberty
(RNS) — The bill maintains exemptions for houses of worship, but faith-based homeless shelters and adoption or foster-care agencies that get federal funding would not be permitted to discriminate against LGBTQ people.

As COVID-19 rages in Brazil, sisters in the Amazon fight hunger and isolation

Pope Francis dismisses ‘heresy’ charges for his commitment to Christian-Muslim dialogue

High court revives ex-student’s suit on religious literature
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is reviving a lawsuit brought by a Georgia college student who sued school officials after being prevented from distributing Christian literature on campus, but was only seeking $1.

The Central African Republic’s faith leaders are the country’s best hope for peace
(RNS) — ‘Our neutrality remains a very important factor,’ said Imam Abdoulaye Ouasselegue.

Why I empathize with Harry and Meghan
(RNS) — So the British royal family is screwed up. Aren’t we all?

‘You are not alone!’ Pope makes final appeal to Iraqi Christian community
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On his last full day in Iraq, Francis told Christians to forgive their oppressors, the better to put their energy toward restoring their country.

At ancient city of Ur, Pope Francis makes heartfelt appeal for fraternity of faiths
(RNS) — Earlier on Saturday, Pope Francis had a historic meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the Iraqi Shiite leader.

The religion of Trump’s Lost Cause
(RNS) — Its roots are in the Civil War.

As genocide designation becomes a political football, Uyghur activists push for action
(RNS) — Advocates for the Uyghurs say they expect the Biden administration to proceed on the understanding that China’s actions amount to genocide.

Black Protestants aren’t least likely to get a vaccine; white evangelicals are
(RNS) — A new survey by Pew Research shows that 64% of Black Protestants ‘definitely or probably’ plan to get vaccinated, compared to 54% of white evangelicals.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine creates a week of confusion for Catholics
(RNS) — An attempt to clear up confusion about the moral acceptability of the vaccine only created further uncertainty.

Why Oak Flat in Arizona is a sacred space for the Apache and other Native Americans
SUPERIOR, Ariz. (RNS) — The Apache believe Oak Flat is a ‘blessed place’ where Ga’an — guardians or messengers between the people and Usen, Creator God — dwell. The site is at risk of being turned over to an Australian mining company.

Dave Ramsey’s new crusade: Ending COVID-19 mask orders
(RNS) — Dave Ramsey, the Christian financial guru, has long been a skeptic of COVID-19 restrictions, saying that he and his company will not be ruled by fear.

Women of different faiths find ‘seat at the table’ co-hosting ‘Sister Act’ podcast
(RNS) — ‘Being female faith leaders, we are not always given the stage,’ said the podcast’s founder.