U.S.

Advancing religious freedom abroad starts at home
(RNS) — On this Religious Freedom Day, we are concerned about the rising threats around the world, but we are hopeful for progress in the years ahead.

Outgoing House chaplain says the job is to ‘be a counterpoint to the dominant spirit of this place’

How the Ebenezer Baptist Church has been a seat of Black power for generations in Atlanta

Is Dave Ramsey’s empire the ‘best place to work in America’? Say no and you’re out
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — For years, Dave Ramsey has boasted that his company is the best place to work in the country. COVID-19 and a failure by a high-profile leader put that to the test.

Anti-Semitism seen in Capitol attack raises alarms
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two white nationalists known for racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric livestreamed to their online followers after breaking into the Capitol during the deadly insurrection.

What Americans believe about violence against the government
(RNS) — The relationship between partisanship and support for violence against government is clear. Church attendance does not appear to fuel the fire — nor tamp it down.

Pakistan attempts to prosecute Ahmadi US citizens for digital blasphemy
(RNS) — In 2016, Pakistan enacted digital regulations that allow authorities to block online content in the ‘interest of the glory of Islam.’

For insurrectionists, a violent faith brewed from nationalism, conspiracies and Jesus
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As insurrectionists began the attack on the Capitol, a banner waved above the throng. It read: ‘Proud American Christian.’

On his way to prison, Catholic activist advocates for COVID-19 prisoner release
(RNS) — Patrick O’Neill will report to a federal prison Thursday for breaking into a nuclear submarine base to protest nuclear arms. Now he’s advocating for prisoner safety during a pandemic.

Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol
(RNS) — Author Tea Krulos talked to Religion News Service about how conspiracy theories have spread, how religion plays a role and how to talk to friends and family who believe them.

Don’t impeach Trump. Shun him.
(RNS) — Shunning — or its Catholic counterpart, excommunication — is the religious equivalent of amputation. It is an extreme measure to protect the community from infection.

How self-proclaimed ‘prophets’ from a growing Christian movement provided religious motivation for the Jan. 6 events at the US Capitol
(The Conversation) — Because Trump is God’s chosen candidate, they believe, any other candidate, no matter what the vote totals show, is illegitimate.

Liberty University sues governor over financial aid changes
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The suit accuses Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration of wrongfully denying financial aid to some of the evangelical school’s online students.

Change is slow — but it’s coming, and it’s why they rioted at the Capitol
(RNS) — The chaos at the Capitol was the work of a desperate group, clinging to false beliefs at all costs, unwilling to shift their paradigm. But it is their last gasp.

Samaritan’s Purse field hospitals much in demand as COVID case counts rise
LENOIR, N.C. (RNS) — The evangelical humanitarian relief organization has trained healthcare workers or treated COVID-19 patients in 30 countries. Its latest field hospital is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.