RNS Morning Report: Mission Fire Investigation; Pandemic Mental Health; China Sanctions US Officials

The interior of the San Gabriel Mission is seen in the aftermath of a morning fire, Saturday, July 11, 2020, in San Gabriel, California. The fire destroyed the rooftop and most of the interior of the 249-year-old church that was undergoing renovation. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Need to know: Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Fire that destroyed roof of the San Gabriel Mission church remains under investigation

The fire has not only ignited Catholics to stand in support of the church, but also caused concern among Native people and scholars who fear the flames destroyed Indigenous artifacts and the structure itself, which was built by the Tongva people.

As depression, anxiety, grief spike during pandemic and protest, churches offer hope, mental health resources

Many Christian leaders, organizations and churches are providing resources not only to care for their spiritual and physical health, but also their mental health.

China sanctions Cruz, Rubio, Smith, Brownback for criticism

China said Monday it will impose sanctions on three U.S. lawmakers and Ambassador for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback in response to similar actions taken by the U.S. last week against Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses against Muslims.

Changing the Washington NFL team’s name is something, but not enough

While this decision is a big one, it’s not enough to show that Indigenous peoples have a place in this nation and that we never deserved the genocide, hate and oppression we have faced, writes Kaitlin Curtice.

Yes, Catholic Church got billions in federal coronavirus aid — and thank goodness

The AP's criticism of the Catholic Church's decision to apply for PPP loans misses the fact that many local Catholic organizations are staffed by essential workers, writes Charles C. Camosy.

Court ruling paves way for Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia to revert to mosque

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has formally converted Istanbul’s crowning architectural jewel, the Hagia Sophia, from a museum into a mosque – a politically charged decision that has drawn international criticism but delighted his conservative base.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

John Ortberg’s megachurch announces new investigation

Elders at Menlo Church say their initial investigation into concerns about megachurch pastor John Ortberg's son fell short.

Evangelical, Catholic leaders say Trump has left persecuted Christians in danger

Evangelical leaders from World Relief and Open Doors — along with Catholic bishops — say Trump administration policy leaves persecuted Christians in danger.

Without church or internet, many South Africans turn to liturgies at home

'The church in South Africa, still, is rooted in the Mass experience,’ said a parish priest of Our Lady of Peace in Johannesburg.

More views from RNS

25 years after Srebrenica, what happened to ‘Never Again’?

If we are to make good on our promise to stop mass atrocities from happening, we must restore principled American leadership in multilateral institutions, writes Ari Gordon.

Trump unmasked his racist campaign strategy — and Christians have choices to make

(RNS) — Donald Trump’s reelection campaign is designed to fuel our divisions in the name of ‘law and order’ — all for Trump’s own benefit (his only real goal in life).

Stay home from church

Anyone insisting on a quick return to life pre-COVID is ignoring a foundational principle of Christian faith: that God is in the business of perpetually creating new life, writes Amy Butler.