RNS Morning Report: Abuse by Muslim Religious Leaders; Refugee Resettlement Lawsuit; World Watch List

Women pray at the Islamic Center of Greater Miami, on May 8, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Need to know: Thursday, January 16, 2020

‘A long time coming’: These Muslims are bringing sex abuse by sheikhs out of the shadows

Over the past two to three years, scholars and advocates say, North American Muslims have risen up in an unprecedented movement to openly confront sexual and spiritual abuse perpetrated by Muslim religious leaders.

Federal judge blocks executive order on refugees in lawsuit by three faith-based organizations

The preliminary injunction is part of HIAS v. Trump, a lawsuit by three faith-based organizations against the US government over the order.

Open Doors warns of ‘rise of the surveillance state’ as North Korea tops watch list again

This year, Christian watchdog organization Open Doors USA is highlighting the ‘rise of the surveillance state’ and its impact on Christians and Muslims in China in its 2019 World Watch List, released Wednesday (Jan. 15).

Pope names 1st woman manager in Vatican Secretariat of State

Francis has called for women to be given greater decision-making roles in the Vatican often reserved for priests, bishops or cardinals.

Texas’ misguided decision on refugees is state-sponsored Islamophobia

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's decision rests in part on the lie that Muslims from war-torn countries are dangerous, which is itself the most dangerous view out there, writes Omar Suleiman.

Trump to reinforce protections for prayer in schools

President Trump will use the power of his office to empower students who want to pray in their schools — and remind public schools they risk losing federal funds if they violate their students' rights to religious expression.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

Teach your children well: Viral tweet sparks debate over passing on faith

A viral tweet sparked a conversation among Christians about the morality of parents passing on the faith to their children.

Cyntoia Brown-Long to speak at Catholic church anti-abortion rally

Cyntoia Brown-Long will be the keynote speaker at OneLife LA, an anti-abortion event hosted by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Benedict XVI steps back from book that put him at odds with pope

Former Pope Benedict XVI asked Tuesday (Jan. 14) not to be mentioned as co-author of a book scheduled for release in February, according to a close aide. Excerpts from the book published on Monday appeared to place the pope emeritus at odds with Pope Francis on priestly celibacy.

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Baptism for mission, not only the remission of sins

(RNS) — If we continue the mission of Jesus, then the Father can say of us, ‘These are my beloved sons and daughters, with whom I am well pleased.’

3 ‘glass-half-full’ news items about Mormon growth

The LDS church's growth may be slowing, but research shows that 2019 saw more missionaries, more temples and more reactivating of lapsed members around the world, writes Jana Riess.

We need these “Jewish” movies now

Time for the Jewish Academy Awards.