Participants at the Islamic Education in the 21st Century hackathon work on developing the Khaldun app in London on Jan. 26, 2020. RNS photo by Aysha Khan
Need to know: Wednesday, February 5, 2020
At Muslim hackathon, techies build community and tools to access Islamic learning
Led by local groups Muslamic Makers and Deen Developers, around 50 young British Muslims joined a two-day hackathon in the city to help build the future of Islamic education.
Activist William Barber II urges blacks in Congress to mobilize poor voters
'If you organize 2 to 10 percent of the poor around an agenda, you can fundamentally shift every election,' Barber predicted.
Federal judge accepts religious liberty defense of immigrant rights activists
U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez argued that not only are the activists' beliefs sincerely held, but also that prosecuting them amounts to a substantial burden on their faith.
McCarrick report: Questions needing answers
Thomas Reese writes, the McCarrick report needs to respond to simple questions that may require complex answers: Who knew what, when and where about McCarrick’s activities?
Donald Trump’s Mormon problem continues, new study shows
A new study shows that Trump is having a hard time generating enthusiasm among Mormon voters, especially women and young adults, even though Mormons remain supporters of the GOP, writes Jana Riess.
Catholic priest pledges to deny communion, church roles to pro-choice lawmakers
The Rev. Richard Bucci declares that Rhode Island lawmakers who backed an abortion rights bill can’t serve as godparents.
Latest news from RNS
J. Dana Trent is on a mission to discuss death with the post-Millennial generation
Her fascination with death is part of a growing movement whose adherents believe in wresting control of death from the funeral industry and breaking the silence around death through frank discussions.
Sanders wins endorsement from Muslim group, Iowa’s only Muslim state legislator
The Vermont senator received an endorsement from Muslim Caucus in America and its advisory committee member Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, a Des Moines native.
Pastor John Ortberg allowed volunteer who was attracted to minors to work with children
John Ortberg, megachurch pastor and author, apologized for not banning a volunteer who confessed to being attracted to children.
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The four loves (of New York Life)
(RNS) — A New York Life Super Bowl ad about agape love misses the point about unconditional love.
Why do they hate the Jews?
(RNS) — A recently deceased philosopher had an answer to that eternal question. It's not pretty.
Kanye, Flame and Augustine: Hip-hop and the conversion narrative
(RNS) — Hip-hop conversion stories such as Kanye's and Flame's have as much a place in the discourse about religious conversion narratives as does Augustine's 'Confessions.'
