RNS Morning Report: Dale Partridge; Iranian Cultural Sites; Pope Calls for De-Escalation

Dale Partridge. Courtesy photo

Need to know: Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Dale Partridge, Christian ‘influencer’ and church planter, haunted by plagiarism claims

Partridge says that house churches — small, intimate communities of faith — can restore hope to those who have lost faith in organized religion. The social media guru and serial entrepreneur has reinvented himself as pastor for the digital age in recent years. But he has struggled to overcome a history of plagiarism.

Iranian cultural sites include landmarks important to Jews and Christians, too

Among Iran's important religious sites are the tombs of Esther and Mordecai, Daniel and King Cyrus.

Amid US-Iran escalation, Pope Francis and Catholic leaders call for restraint, dialogue

Concern about the growing tensions between the United States and Iran has been bubbling within the Vatican, as Pope Francis and high-ranking prelates urge global leaders to seek peace.

Future of Sikh worship site in Southern California remains unclear

A Sikh temple thought it was safe from being replaced by condominiums. Then it received a notice to move out.

Atheists prefer cats, Christians love dogs, study shows

New questions on the General Social Survey reveal some interesting connections between faith and pets, writes Ryan Burge.

The ‘ex-closeted gay jihadist’ bringing meditation to Jakarta

Once a campus fundamentalist who hid his sexuality, today Bagia Arif Saputra helps others find harmony in Indonesia’s capital.

 


 

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