RNS Morning Report: Houston Mosque Threat; Summer Camp Abuses; Drew Marshall Show Ends

The Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston recently received threats. Photo courtesy of Google Maps

Need to know: Wednesday, June 19, 2019

After fascist threat to Houston mosque, Texas Muslims call for increased security

A 4chan user threatened to use Houston’s Baitus Samee Mosque to re-create the massacre that left dozens dead at two mosques in New Zealand.

Not just churches: Camps are also prone to child sexual abuse

The camp where a counselor was arrested last week for "inappropriate touching" is not accredited by the American Camp Association.

Canada’s Drew Marshall, ‘raw and real’ Christian radio host, ends his 16-year run

A 'skeptic on an irreverent search for the sacred,' Marshall said he will focus on the renewal of his marriage and possible writing projects.

Atheist watchdog drops fight to halt clergy housing allowance

The Freedom From Religion Foundation said it hopes its strategy will allow the issue to be reconsidered when the high court has a different makeup.

20 changes the new Mormon president has made to appeal to Millennials and Generation Z

Mormon leaders have been hard at work to change missionary expectations, temple rituals, and curriculum to improve the Latter-day Saint experience for Millennials and Generation Z. Will it be enough? Jana Riess writes.

Quebec bans religious symbols in some public sector jobs

The Quebec government passed a bill late Sunday barring schoolteachers, police officers, judges and other public employees from wearing religious symbols in the workplace.

 


 

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Amid broad drop in charitable donations, giving to God down $3 billion last year

Giving to religion — perennially the biggest sector — is estimated to have declined by 1.5% in 2018 (a decrease of 3.9% adjusted for inflation), with a total of $124.52 billion in contributions.

New report urges congregations to aid family caregivers

The report recommends that houses of worship provide volunteers who can help care recipients navigate their health decisions or give respite to caregivers.

Joe Biden and other candidates speak to diverse faith leaders, activists

Former Vice President Biden cited a family member who once responded to encouragement “Joey keep the faith!” by saying “No Joey, spread it — spread the faith!”

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America’s only Jewish boarding school closes. Why?

It was a major disappointment. And, also, an inspirational story. And, also, a cautionary tale.

Quebec’s new law banning religious garments in public fails the reality test

(RNS) — Where the arguments of laicity offered by defenders of Quebec's new law fall flat is in the real world.

The Trebek effect: The benefits of well wishes

As a practicing physician who teaches large numbers of medical students and residents, I believe that sharing well wishes benefits us in all sorts of ways that are not reflected in medical outcomes, writes Richard Gunderman.