Rosa Ortez Cruz has been in sanctuary at the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, N.C., since April 2018. Photo by Stef Bernal Martinez
Need to know: Friday, July 5, 2019
Sanctuary churches say fines against immigrants meant to sow fear
Some indigent immigrants would owe as much as $500,000 for overstaying their deportation orders.
Former Sojourners staffer recounts personal opioid crisis in ‘Addiction Nation’
In 'Addiction Nation: What the Opioid Crisis Reveals About Us,' published last month, Timothy McMahan King combines his story with Christian theology and scientific studies of addiction.
Excavation of Siloam Pool road leads to claims of attempt to ‘Judaize’ Jerusalem
The controversy is the latest political skirmish between Israelis and Palestinians over archaeological excavations.
Patriotism, nationalism and the American dream
Americans need to embrace a more mature and realistic patriotism, one that recognizes that everything is not perfect but that there is still something worth celebrating, writes Thomas Reese.
Rise of the ‘nothing in particulars’ may be sign of a disjointed, disaffected and lonely future
The data indicates that those who are 'nothing in particular' aren’t just cut off from organized religion. They have disconnected from many of the foundational structures that hold us together as communities, writes Ryan Burge.
The curious mystical text behind Marianne Williamson’s presidential bid
The New Age author was drawn to an esoteric kind of bible as an aimless young woman in the 1970s. It has made her a self-help megastar. And now it has entered the political mainstream.
Latest news from RNS
Sikh activists ask Kamala Harris for apology over beard ban for California prison guards
In 2011, as California’s attorney general, Harris fought to defend a policy that prevented state prison guards from keeping beards for religious reasons. Now, Sikh activists want an explanation.
Evangelical group hoped to shut down debate on gays. That may not be possible.
First Covenant Church Minneapolis is not alone in extending full rights to LGBTQ members. Less than 10 miles away in neighboring St. Paul, another Covenant church takes a similar stand.
UCC General Synod endorses Green New Deal
By the denomination’s reckoning, that makes it the first Christian body to endorse the environmental protection legislation sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
More views from RNS
Why can’t ex-Mormons just leave the LDS Church alone?
I was prepared for pushback from very orthodox Mormons who might be unwilling to admit there are serious retention problems in the U.S. LDS Church, but surprisingly, former Church members have been more resistant to the NMS survey findings, writes Jana Riess.
Welcome to the Jewish people, Karlie Kloss!
No more snark about people who choose to join the Jewish people.
An afternoon of Israel hatred
I went to a JVP event so you won't have to. This is bad stuff, writes Jeffrey Salkin.
