RNS Morning Report: Police Take a Knee; Internal Debates in SBC; #Sikh Hashtag Unblocked

Philadelphia police and Pennsylvania National Guard take a knee at the suggestion of Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Melvin Singleton, unseen, outside Philadelphia police headquarters on June 1, 2020, during a rally calling for justice over the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Need to know: Thursday, June 4, 2020

Thousands of police officers are taking a knee. Will it make a difference?

The gesture is intended to show contrition and solidarity with protesters. But some question its effectiveness and say it won’t lead to lasting change.

Without annual meeting, amid decline, Southern Baptists continue debate on race, women’s roles

Southern Baptists have struggled over the meaning of critical race theory in particular and the direction of the denomination in general.

Facebook, Instagram unblock #Sikh hashtag amid 1984 massacre remembrance

After nearly three months, Facebook and Instagram have unblocked the #Sikh hashtag, saying the block occurred ‘mistakenly’ after a user reported the hashtag in March.

Street art depicting Pope Francis highlights homeless struggle in Milan

The artist said his inspiration stemmed from seeing many people in Milan being forced to live on the streets due to the economic consequences of the pandemic.

Why cops attack racial justice protesters

Racism infects policing on every level, from policy to personal biases, writes Simran Jeet Singh.

Southern Baptists see historic drop in membership

Total membership in the nation’s largest Protestant denomination fell at a historic rate between 2018 and 2019, according to an annual report released Thursday.

 


 

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