RNS Morning Report: Democrats’ Faith Outreach Director; Sister Sobieck; Cuban Jewish Cemetery

Several of the many 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. (AP photos)

Need to know: Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Democrats’ new faith outreach director launches ‘listening sessions’

Faith, the Rev. Derrick Harkins said, “will be a priority going into 2020, but even more importantly, beyond 2020.”

Meet the Catholic sister nominated for an ESPY Award for her wicked curveball

Last year, Sister Mary Jo Sobieck bounced a baseball off her bicep, threw a perfect curveball and became a viral sensation. Now she’s nominated for an ESPY.

Cuba restores oldest Jewish cemetery as Havana is spruced up

Slowly, the oldest Jewish cemetery in Cuba is beginning to be rehabilitated, along with the memory of many of the island's early Jewish forebears.

Why Catholic bishops need a year of abstinence on preaching about sexuality

The hubris displayed in making sexuality the lynchpin of Catholic identity when bishops have failed to convince their flock that they are prepared to police predators could be countered with some listening, writes John Gehring.

Thou shalt not compare historical horrors?

Yes, the Holocaust is unique. But, exactly how unique? writes Jeffrey Salkin.

Robert E. Lee descendant: Reparations are necessary if people ‘Want to fix racism’

“If people are saying they want to fix racism or fix this issue in our country, then they need to put their money where their mouth is,” says the Rev. Robert W. Lee IV.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

American cardinal severs ties with Bannon-linked group

Cardinal Raymond Burke said in a statement Tuesday that he was terminating his relationship with the Dignitatis Humanae Institute immediately.

Greek Orthodox church in US gets 1st new leader in 20 years

Elpidophoros was unanimously elected by senior Greek Orthodox officials last month to succeed Archbishop Demetrios, who recently retired at age 91 after serving in the post since 1999.

Taylor University president resigns after hosting VP Pence as commencement speaker

Taylor University President Paul Lowell Haines has resigned from the nondenominational Christian university a month after it hosted Vice President Mike Pence as commencement speaker.

More views from RNS

100 years of Mormon temple garments

Here's a blast from the past, when competing retailers used to advertise their "approved" Mormon temple garments.

Julián Castro: Democrats ‘put in a box’ on religion and morality

(RNS) — For both sides, treating human beings with basic respect and dignity, no matter who they are, is a test.

Richard Levy was a “real Jew,” and a great rabbi

There are, at least, two kinds of piety, You don't have to choose between them, writes Jeffrey Salkin.