RNS Morning Report: Accusations Against Strang; Clerics Selected for Synod; ‘Smart’ Streetlights

Cameron Strang in 2014. Video screengrab

Need to know: Monday, September 23, 2019

Relevant founder Cameron Strang accused of creating racially insensitive workplace

In online testimonies from people who used to work for Strang, both African American and white, men and women, registered indignation about what some called a toxic environment that they say Strang created.

US clerics O’Malley, McElroy selected to attend Amazon synod at Vatican

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, and Bishop Robert McElroy of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego have been invited to the Vatican’s upcoming Amazon synod, two of only three Americans selected to participate.

In San Diego, Muslims question rollout of city’s ‘smart’ streetlights

An analysis of San Diego's controversial 'smart' streetlights, equipped with cameras and sensors, suggests that many of the city’s mosques could be monitored by the city.

Academic antisemitism returns

Has Judaism become not cool for school? Jeffrey Salkin writes.

Doctor’s cache of human remains shows the moral cost of practicing abortion

Participating in our violent throwaway culture leads us to discard our own humanity, writes Charles C. Camosy.

Why it matters if your Bible was translated by a racially diverse group

Publishers should ensure that their committees bring all relevant voices to the table. Christians of color and women also need to remember that Bible translation belongs to us as much as to anyone else, writes The Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

Feds cite Islam focus in review of Duke-UNC language grant

The Trump administration is threatening to cut funding for a Middle Eastern studies program, arguing that it's misusing a federal grant to unfairly promote "the positive aspects of Islam" but not Christianity or Judaism.

United Methodists float plans to split denomination after LGBTQ vote

The most likely proposals provide for dissenting congregations to exit the denomination, while retaining ties to United Methodist support organizations. 

How does a church make the poor visible? This one immortalized them in a fresco

When completed later this month, the 27-foot-by-10-foot composition, painted on wet lime plaster at a cost of nearly $300,000, will illuminate in bright colors the faces and gestures of the people who visit Haywood Street Church.

More views from RNS

People of faith know what must be done on climate change

(RNS) — Noah’s prophetic witness called on his community to heed the darkening skies and take action to save their world before it was too late. 

Why the Arizona Supreme Court ruling in favor of our art studio is a win for everyone

When we decided to start an art studio together, we knew there would be highs and lows. We didn’t know the lows would include the threat of facing jail time. But the highs of winning a tremendous victory for free speech? We really didn’t see that coming, either, write Joanna Duka, and Breanna Koski.

Willow Creek’s troubles can be found in its word cloud

The recent job description posted for Willow Creek Community Church’s new head pastor is little more than a repetition of the reshaped pastoral role defined by and embodied in Bill Hybels, writes Scot McKnight.