RNS Morning Report: Anti-Muslim Facebook Campaign; Prayer for Vaccination; A Dog’s Journey

In this Feb. 26, 2016 file photo, then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, looks on as a Trump supporter reaches for a sign that reads “Islamophobia is not the answer” at a rally in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Need to know: Monday, May 20, 2019

Report traces anti-Muslim Facebook astroturfing campaign to evangelical activist

Evangelical author Kelly Monroe Kullberg has been linked to a network of Facebook pages posting extreme anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric and conspiracy theories to some 1.4 million followers.

Israeli health advocate pens prayer to encourage vaccination

A concerned Jewish healthcare worker has composed a prayer to be said before vaccinations are given. She hopes the prayer, which has been posted in some well-baby clinics, will help ease the minds of parents whose children are being vaccinated.

‘A Dog’s Journey’ brings Bruce Cameron’s Bailey back to life — and back again

'A Dog’s Journey' plumbs dark topics, including domestic abuse, alcohol abuse and child abandonment as a route to portray redemption and forgiveness.

Jimmy Carter to teach Sunday school days after breaking hip

Former President Jimmy Carter plans to teach Sunday school this weekend just days after undergoing surgery for a broken hip, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

Could draconian abortion bans reverse Roe — and unite Christians in opposition?

It’s a brand-new day when a liberal, female Episcopal priest is in agreement with Pat Robertson, but perhaps this legislation can draw opposition from Christians across the spectrum, writes Kira Austin-Young.

Meet the Muslims feeding the homeless during Ramadan while fasting themselves

Volunteers from the charity As-Suffa fast for up to 19 hours a day during the holy month. But when they finish their day jobs they head to Lionel Street in central Birmingham to serve hot meals to the homeless, as well as providing companionship and practical help.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

Vatican, Catholic colleges weigh-in on emerging AI ethics debate

'The technologies are advancing but they are not neutral,' said a representative for the Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life.

Entrepreneur markets interfaith meats to combat surge in religious hate crimes

An Iranian-American interfaith activist and businessman is looking to unite the Muslim and Jewish communities by producing meats that satisfy both faiths' dietary laws.

A profitable ‘mismatch’ pairs strict Islamic islanders and partying Western tourists

On Gili Trawangan in Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Barat Province, year-rounders accommodate the several thousand tourists that flood the island every day out of necessity, while sticking to their religious lifestyle.

More views from RNS

State-level abortion laws push compromise toward the impossible

(RNS) — Even as we get a clearer view of what each side is ultimately advocating for, it's not likely that our divided political climate will allow either side to prevail decisively and indefinitely.

Why a $45 Trump prayer coin is no joke

(RNS) — A charismatic preacher named Lance Wallnau appeared on the program of disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker to hawk a Donald Trump/King Cyrus gold coin. He claimed that the coin can be used as a 'point of contact' between Christians and God as they pray for the re-election of Trump in 2020. It is no joke — as some charismatic Christians see Trump as a divinely appointed figure.

What Mike Pence got wrong at Liberty University

There are people across the world and in the United States who face genuine discrimination for their faith. Pence trivialized their plight by suggesting that he is somehow a victim, writes Chuck Currie.