RNS Morning Report: Two Years After Travel Ban; Christian College Presidents; Green Burials

People protest during a rally about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s ban on travel from several mostly Muslim countries on June 26, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Need to know: Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Two years after Trump’s travel ban, faith-based refugee groups struggle

Since the start of fiscal year 2017, the country has lost one-third of its capacity to welcome and resettle refugees in local communities.

Muslim, Jewish college presidents focus on common goals with Christian educators

Zaytuna College and Yeshiva University, like their Christian counterparts, aim to reinforce their religious traditions to a younger generation as they educate them in fields ranging from liberal arts to law, their presidents said.

Composting may offer the latest option in green burials

The approach, called recomposition, is currently being discussed by lawmakers and, if approved, could become a legal third option for after-death care by 2020.

Students at Sundance explore film through the eyes of faith

Students from Fuller Seminary and a number of Christian colleges attended this year's Sundance Film Festival for a look at how spirituality and storytelling meet.

Bible reading in public schools has been a divisive issue – and could be again

A spate of new bills permitting the study of the Bible in classrooms threatens to reignite one of the oldest church-state controversies in U.S. politics, writes David Mislin.

Judge says Tampa conversion therapy ban violates First Amendment free-speech rights

A federal magistrate judge this week recommended that a ban on conversion therapy in Tampa be partially blocked, arguing it violates therapists' free-speech rights under the First Amendment.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

Pope in historic UAE visit urges faith leaders to reject war

Francis' speech to the gathering of faith leaders was the highlight of a 40-hour visit that concludes Tuesday with the first papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula.

Top US cardinal let priest accused of sexual abuse lead Mass

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo allowed the accused priest to lead the 9 a.m. Thursday Mass at his parish, the statement said, because he “was already scheduled to celebrate” it.

N. Korean Christians keep faith underground amid crackdowns

“I wanted to build my church and sing out as loud as I could,” said one North Korean woman who later defected to South Korea.

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How Julian Edelman became a Jewish hero

Julian Edelman is a touchdown for Jewish identity.

How interfaith values support New York’s Reproductive Health Act

Policies like New York's recently enacted Reproductive Health Act allows women of all religions to follow their own faiths and consciences in their own lives, argues Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

Why freaking out about Christian schools proves evangelicals’ irrational fears

(RNS) — Unless we treat our neighbors who believe differently with grace and tolerance, we put our heritage as a pluralistic society at risk.