Government & Politics

China is expanding its crackdown on mosques to regions outside Xinjiang, Human Rights Watch says

By Simina Mistreanu — November 22, 2023
(AP) — President Xi Jinping in 2016 called for the “Sinicization” of religions, initiating a crackdown that has largely concentrated on the western region of Xinjiang, home to more than 11 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.
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Protests suggest split among US Jews on war, but support for Israel is high

By Yonat Shimron — November 16, 2023
(RNS) — Younger Jews are less supportive of US policies toward Israel, but a majority still support Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

In bipartisan March for Israel, crowd rejects cease-fire, demands release of hostages

By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 14, 2023
(RNS) — The march was intended as a response to numerous demonstrations across the country and the world — some led by Jews — calling for an end to Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza.

Bestselling spiritual author Marianne Williamson presses on with against-the-odds presidential run

By Luis Andres Henao — November 13, 2023
Born in Houston to a Jewish family, Judaism remains her core belief, and she also embraces universal spiritual themes, like loving one another.

Progressive Minnesota US Rep. Ilhan Omar draws prominent primary challenger

By Steve Karnowski — November 13, 2023
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The war in the Middle East has already divided Democrats and upended the dynamics of some House primaries.

Emhoff visits New York’s Cornell University as he seeks to reassure Jewish community after threats

By Zeke Miller — November 10, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — He also discussed the Biden administration's work to combat antisemitism and security in schools and on college campuses, the White House said.

The Christian hard line on abortion dooms the GOP

By Mark Silk — November 9, 2023
(RNS) — It’s no longer a political question, but a summons to spiritual warfare.

House votes to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her Israel-Hamas rhetoric in a stunning rebuke

By Farnoush Amiri — November 8, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words."

Wisconsin Senate approves amendment blocking church closures during public state of emergencies

By Associated Press — November 8, 2023
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The amendment comes in reaction to a stay-at-home order Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued in 2020 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

India bars protests that support the Palestinians. Analysts say a pro-Israel shift helps at home

By Sheikh Saaliq and Aijaz Hussain — November 8, 2023
SRINAGAR, India (AP) —The restrictions reflect a shift in India's foreign policy under populist Prime Minister Narendra Modi away from its long-held support for the Palestinians.

As Ohio and other states decide on abortion, anti-abortion activists look to rebrand themselves as not religious

By Anne Whitesell — November 7, 2023
(The Conversation) — An analysis of anti-abortion rights groups in the US shows that while some specifically turn to Christianity to explain their positions, others are looking at broader, human rights arguments.

Abortion vote in Ohio pushes ‘pro-life pro-choice’ Black clergy to take a side

By Kathryn Post — November 6, 2023
(RNS) — For some clergy, the fall of Roe v. Wade has motivated them to speak out on abortion for the first time.

House Speaker Mike Johnson was once the dean of a Christian law school. It never opened its doors

By Brian Slodysko — November 1, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The chapter is just the latest to surface since the four-term congressman's improbable election as speaker last week.
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