Need to know: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
How a quarantine matchmaking project for Muslims found itself navigating anti-Blackness
Through Eye Meets Soul, a virtual blind matchmaking experience for Muslim millennials, founders hoped personal appearance, race and ethnicity would fade into the background. Easier said than done.
LGBT Christians push to overturn Young Life’s ‘sexual conduct’ policy
A movement advocating for broader LGBT inclusion, has shared hundreds of stories of exclusion, and its petition has garnered over 6,700 signatures.
How the Black Plague turned the Shroud of Turin into a beloved relic
The Shroud of Turin and other relics have often provided comfort in times of great struggle.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton lightens up on social media with viral neon Luther rose
The lighting of Bishop Eaton’s Luther rose was accompanied by the buzz of neon, the trumpet blast of Luther’s hymn ‘A Mighty Fortress’ and enthusiasm from Lutherans on social media.
With Falwell on leave, Liberty board names Jerry Prevo acting president
The chair of Liberty University's board of trustees will serve as acting president with Jerry Falwell Jr. on leave
Trump couldn’t be more wrong about Biden’s faith
Biden speaks readily and movingly about his personal faith, including the duty to love one’s neighbor. But even more importantly, he lives out his faith on a daily basis, writes Melissa Rogers.
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Kansas pastor Adam Carter asks for help to #FindMarilane after his wife goes missing en route to Alabama
A Kansas pastor is asking for help to find his wife, who reportedly went missing while traveling to seek help for her mental health.
Jerry Falwell Jr. taking indefinite leave of absence from Liberty University amid calls to step down
Jerry Falwell Jr. is taking an ‘indefinite leave of absence’ from his role at Liberty University.
As Massachusetts bans female genital cutting, survivors and activists celebrate
After seven years of advocacy by survivors and activists in the state, Massachusetts is now one of 39 states in the U.S. that has criminalized female genital mutilation and cutting.
More views from RNS
Our California church met in person. Then the police came by. And said ‘well done.’
(RNS) — We all need to follow Scripture’s commands first, while seeking to live peaceably with our community and work for the common good.
Do American Jews have a prayer during COVID?
(RNS) — No, American Jews do not worship as much as other Americans. But there is more to the story than that.
To save Liberty University’s soul, its board must reject Jerry Falwell’s vision
(RNS) — Liberty University's business success under Jerry Falwell Jr. has distracted the school from its mission.