Members of the media gather for a walk-through of the stage set-up for the first Democratic debate on June 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Need to know: Thursday, June 27, 2019
Eclectic field could turn first Democratic debate into a faith forum
Tonight's candidates' volubility about faith matters could make the first debate a free-for-all once religion comes up.
Slavery history still affects blacks, half of practicing Christians say in survey
Slightly more than a quarter of both practicing Christians and the general population (28%) say our society has moved past the history of slavery.
Victims question Kamala Harris’ record on clergy abuse
Survivors of clergy abuse and their attorneys complain that Harris was consistently silent on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal — first as district attorney in San Francisco and later as California's attorney general.
Lebanese town bans Muslims from buying, renting property
The ban only applies to Christian property — a Muslim resident or landowner of Hadat is allowed to sell or rent his property to Muslims from outside the town or to whomever he wants.
Tony Perkins is the wrong pick to lead religious freedom efforts
While taking up USCIRF's chair position, Perkins remains president of the Family Research Council, sending emails emphasizing how his group's ‘influence is being felt in Washington, D.C. and across our nation,’ Jack Moline writes.
U.S. Methodists consider what comes next after disagreements over LGBT clergy
Four months after the United Methodist Church strengthened a ban on LGBT clergy and same sex weddings, deep dissension over the move has brought the denomination closer to a formal split.
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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.
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.
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.”
More views from RNS
The death of trust and the triumph of suspicion
(RNS) — Unless we build bridges and trust, neither the church nor America has much of a future.
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.
