RNS Morning Report: Evangelicals for Trump; Reinhard Bonnke Funeral; Soleimani Killing Response

Supporters of President Donald Trump cheer as he arrives to speak during an “Evangelicals for Trump Coalition Launch” at King Jesus International Ministry on Jan. 3, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Need to know: Monday, January 6, 2020

In speech to evangelicals, Trump says God is ‘on our side’

'We’re going to win another monumental victory for faith and family, God and country, flag and freedom,' Trump said.

Memorial for Reinhard Bonnke, ‘the Billy Graham of Africa,’ draws thousands

The Pentecostal pastor died Dec. 7 in Orlando, where he moved his international ministry, Christ for All Nations, in the early 2000s.

Faith leaders offer mixed response after missile strike kills Iranian commander

Religious leaders were split along liberal and conservative lines, though even the president's staunchest supporters appeared unsettled about the potential blowback from the attack.

In response to rising anti-Semitism, Jews plan march and declare #JewishandProud

American Jews have increasingly been scared to identify their faith publicly. An October survey by the AJC found that 31% of Jews avoided wearing symbols or objects identifying them as Jews.

United Methodist leaders propose plan to split church over LGBTQ ordination, marriage

Bishops and representatives of a number of United Methodist groups have announced a proposed agreement to split the United Methodist Church.

Trump is no religious freedom champion

No advocate of religious liberty should hail President Trump as a champion on these issues, writes Melissa Rogers.

Rose Parade 2020: Sikhs roll out a float to sow seeds of hope, generosity and harmony

Local Sikhs see the annual Rose Parade as an educational opportunity. For the sixth year, they created a dazzling float to highlight their faith and to promote ideas of “freedom, equality, compassion and service.”

 


 

Latest news from RNS

Trump launches ‘Evangelicals for Trump’ by visiting megachurch led by a Latino pastor

El Rey Jesús Global, or King Jesus International Ministry, is led by Guillermo Maldonado, who is a member of the ‘Evangelicals for Trump’ coalition.

United Methodist #MeToo complaint against Bud Heckman settled

(RNS) — A United Methodist clergyman accused of sexual misconduct has ‘retired under complaint,’ ending the denomination’s judicial process against the Rev. Donald ‘Bud’ Heckman.

Sikh holy site in Pakistan mobbed by locals, trapping worshipers

(RNS) — The demonstration may have been sparked by a local dispute between Muslim and Sikh residents.

More views from RNS

Behind the tensions between Muslims and Sikhs in Punjab

(RNS) — A Muslim mob surrounded the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, marking the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi. 

The hero of the film ‘Just Mercy’ could be you

The biopic about the work of Bryan Stevenson isn't about a man, but a social justice movement that any one of us can join, writes Shane Claiborne.

When retail and reverence collide

Yoga's ubiquity has put Hindu imagery in the mainstream, but until HIndus are seen as equals in the U.S., mocking our faith's images defines us as colonialist caricatures, write Indu Viswanathan and Parth Parihar.