Government & Politics
Texas abortion ban stays in force as justices mull outcome
By Mark Sherman — November 17, 2021
They raised expectations of quick action by putting the case on a rarely used fast track. And yet, to date, the court's silence means that women cannot get an abortion in Texas, the second-largest state, after about six weeks of pregnancy.
Dalai Lama says China’s leaders ‘don’t understand’ diversity
By Associated Press — November 10, 2021
On Wednesday, the 86-year-old Buddhist monk said he wished to remain home in India rather than get involved in the “complicated politics" between China, run by the officially atheist Communist Party, and strongly Buddhist Taiwan.
Vice President Kamala Harris headlines antisemitism conference
By Yonat Shimron — November 7, 2021
(RNS) — This was Harris’ first appearance at an Anti-Defamation League conference after an event at George Mason University last month in which she appeared to praise a student who accused Israel of committing 'ethnic genocide.'
Texas judge rules religious businesses exempt from LGBTQ bias claims
By Kathryn Post — November 3, 2021
(RNS) — The ruling allows religious businesses to fire or refuse to hire LGBTQ people without fear of liability.
Poll: Most Americans support church-state separation; Christian nationalists differ
By Yonat Shimron — October 28, 2021
(RNS) — Americans also support some intermingling of church and state. Three in 10 said public school teachers should be allowed to lead students in Christian prayers, and 4 in 10 said it’s OK to put up Christian symbols in the public square.
Protesting Zionism, climate activist group won’t rally in DC with Jewish groups
By Yonat Shimron — October 20, 2021
(RNS) — The statement shocked many Jewish groups who said the position essentially excludes Jews.
Sailors, Marines seek religious accommodation to wear beards
By Joseph Hammond — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — One Orthodox Jewish sailor and three Muslim sailors joined in a lawsuit alleging the Navy’s beard policy amounts to a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Randall Balmer on why racism, not abortion, birthed the religious right
By Yonat Shimron — September 22, 2021
(RNS) — In his new book, he shows it was government interference in ‘segregation academies’ such as Bob Jones University that sparked the growth of the religious right. Opposition to abortion was an afterthought.
Faith-based agencies celebrate ‘return to moral leadership’ as Biden raises refugee ceiling to 125,000
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 21, 2021
(RNS) — Even as they praised the higher refugee ceiling, the groups also asked Congress to commit to rebuilding and fully funding the U.S. refugee resettlement program so it could reach that number.
She spent three years in church sanctuary. A new documentary tells her story.
By Yonat Shimron — September 17, 2021
(RNS) — Espinal, who is married and has three adult children, had been living in the United States since she was 16.
Franklin Graham calls for a day of prayer for people of Afghanistan
By Yonat Shimron — August 20, 2021
(RNS) — Graham has been sharply critical of President Biden’s pullout from Afghanistan, saying, "the blood of this nation' will be on his hands."
Infrastructure bill includes energy efficiency grants for houses of worship
By Yonat Shimron — August 11, 2021
(RNS) — Deferred maintenance at aging sanctuaries has become an ever-increasing burden. A $50 million pilot program would award grants of up to $200,000 for energy efficiency.
White House appoints liaison to Jewish community
By Yonat Shimron — August 6, 2021
(RNS) — Chanan Weissman also served as President Barack Obama's Jewish liaison during the last year of his presidency.
Mired in crises, Lebanon marks 1 year since horrific blast
By Zeina Karam — August 4, 2021
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon marks one year since the horrific explosion at the port of Beirut with a national day of mourning.
During Disability Pride, Religious institutions still behind on accessibility
By Kathryn Post — July 30, 2021
(RNS) — The Americans with Disabilities Act was a watershed moment for civil rights law, yet religious entities remain exempt from ADA requirements.
