Archives: RNS Morning Reports
The Slingshot: Trump trip; selling the the apocalypse; American Muslims
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 22, 2017
After visiting Saudi Arabia, President Trump is on to Israel, the second stop of his first foreign trip, a kind of triple pilgrimage. Where were American Muslims in Trump’s speech on Islam? Jim Bakker is baaack!
The Slingshot: Trump trip; Old Testament; obscure theologians
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 19, 2017
Donald Trump has billed his first overseas trip as president as a sort of triple pilgrimage. Christians can no longer speak the language of more than half their sacred Scripture. Quick: Name the favorite theologian Trump critics have in common.
The Slingshot: GOP and immigration; Trump’s pilgrimage; Praying with presidents
By David Gibson — May 18, 2017
(RNS) New Jersey’s cardinal blasts Congress and the White House for ignoring immigration reform. Can Trump accomplish anything positive with his speech on Islam in Saudi Arabia next week? Presidential spiritual advisers should be careful what they pray for, and who they pray with.
The Slingshot: Trump’s trip; Irish Catholicism; Cannabis for Christ
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — May 17, 2017
Trump to speak about Islam in Saudi Arabia while his administration is under fire for its handling of Israel. The Roman Catholic Church loses influence in Ireland. Some Christians are using the Bible to argue that that marijuana is God’s “perfect medicine.”
The Slingshot: Evangelical women bloggers; Vocal black clergy; Barron Trump’s school
By Lauren Markoe — May 16, 2017
Women evangelical bloggers shake up the Christian internet. Black clergy call out Trump. And the president’s son will attend an Episcopal school.
The Slingshot: Vatican ambassador; Medjugorje doubts; Comey and Niebuhr
By Yonat Shimron — May 15, 2017
Callista Gingrich, wife of Newt, may be named ambassador to the Vatican. Pope casts doubt on Marian apparitions at Medjugorje. James Comey’s long history as an admirer of Reinhold Niebuhr. And 11 great summer reads.
The Slingshot: Pence’s meeting; Mormons and Scouting; Mother’s Day blues
By Yonat Shimron — May 12, 2017
The vice president meets with top Russian cleric. Mormons are scaling back involvement with the Boy Scouts. A Hollywood composer writes a requiem for his mom. Infertile women seek sensitivity at church.
The Slingshot: Graham’s genocide; Graham’s heir; Fatima’s secrets
By David Gibson — May 11, 2017
(RNS) Franklin Graham says Christians face a genocide today. Will there be another Billy Graham? Pope Francis is going to Fatima, but what about that Third Secret? ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is returning. Catholics are going green, Muslims are stepping up, and fidget spinners are kosher!
The Slingshot: Swaying pontiff; Paula White’s money; Nation of Islam sale
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — May 10, 2017
Francis frolics with the frum. Investigating Donald Trump’s spiritual soulmate. A diamond-encrusted gold ring worn by Elijah Muhammad, and more, on the auction block.
The Slingshot: Blasphemy in Indonesia; ‘Muslim ban’ in court; Baptist in retreat
By Lauren Markoe — May 9, 2017
The Christian governor of Jakarta is convicted of blasphemy against Islam. Appeals court judges take issue with Trump’s ‘Muslim ban.’ A Southern Baptist lawmaker criticized for his conservative views declines his nomination for Army secretary.
The Slingshot: Chibok girls freed; Johnson Amendment; cult of Prince Philip
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 8, 2017
Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross helped secure the release of 82 kidnapped Chibok girls from Boko Haram. The Johnson Amendment has never been used to persecute churches. Residents of one Pacific island believe Prince Philip is the incarnation of the son of a volcano spirit who travelled abroad to marry a powerful woman.
The Slingshot: Executive order slammed; Trump’s Vatican trip; patriarchal tales
By Yonat Shimron — May 5, 2017
Social conservatives express sharp disappointment in the religious liberty order. Trump will visit the Vatican this month. French clerics stymied by election. And a Hulu series brings Genesis tales of patriarchy to life.
The Slingshot: Trump’s religious liberty; Evangelical feast; Evangelical fight
By David Gibson — May 4, 2017
The president is set to issue a major executive order on religious freedom that may have minimal impact. Evangelical leaders toast (abstemiously) Trump at the White House. Meanwhile, other evangelicals argue over women, gays, and authority in the church. Plus: Brad Pitt’s Pentecostal youth.
The Slingshot: Pro-life Democrats; Muslim lobbyists; Narco saint
By Lauren Markoe — May 3, 2017
Nancy Pelosi says members of her party shouldn’t have to toe its line on abortion. Muslims on Capitol Hill fine tune their lobbying skills. And worshipping Jesus Malverde, the ‘saint of drug traffickers.’
The Slingshot: Methodist muddle; Medina arrests; Nigerian Jewish tribe?
By Jerome Socolovsky and Kimberly Winston — May 2, 2017
Conservative UMC group mulls split amid LGBTQ struggle. Dozens detained for bombing Prophet Muhammad’s mosque. The Igbo as a Lost Tribe of Israel.
