Students work on yoga postures during “mindful studies” class at Wilson High School in Portland, Oregon, on Oct. 1, 2014.(AP Photo/Gosia Wozniacka)
Need to know: Thursday, April 2, 2020
Baptist, vegan ex-football player may overturn Alabama’s ban on public school yoga
For some of the state's residents, 86% of whom identify as Christian, yoga and other non-Christian practices have long been considered satanic.
Florida officials: Arrested pastor not exonerated by new order listing religious services as ‘essential’
‘Nothing has changed,’ said a representative for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Franklin Graham on his Central Park field hospital: ‘We don’t discriminate. Period.’
Some New Yorkers have questioned whether the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital would treat LGBTQ patients equally.
A court win for Standing Rock gives new life to defenders of sacred land
A federal judge’s call for an environmental study may not stop oil from flowing, but it brings some vindication for indigenous people’s fight to protect the sacred, in the courts and on the ground, writes Michael D. McNally.
The Seder’s secrets to enduring a pandemic
Passover is coming this year just in time to remind us to bless what God has given us, the first greens of spring and the maror, the bitter herb. Ellen Bernstein wonders, how will we bless the bitterness this year?
Want to hear a frank, funny ‘Muslim Love Story’? ‘That Can Be Arranged’
In her new graphic memoir 'That Can Be Arranged,' cartoonist Huda Fahmy recounts how she met and married her husband. The subtitle is 'A Muslim Love Story' — and Fahmy says it's exactly that.
Latest news from RNS
Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A rare quiet has already fallen over the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which normally draws thousands of worshippers throughout the day and night, circling it and praying toward it.
Churchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus ban
CENTRAL, La. (AP) — Pastor Tony Spell has confirmed that he is facing misdemeanor charges, but said the summons wasn't deterring him.
Hobby Lobby clarifies coronavirus sick leave policy amid accusations
‘Employees in certain states were asked to use personal paid time off and vacation benefits in the early stages of a store closure, with the Company temporarily paying 75% of average wages after,’ read a statement from the company.
More views from RNS
For Mormons, a General Conference to remember–but let’s leave our smugness at the door
Here is what I’m hoping for this weekend: that we focus on a bigger God and a less grandiose church, writes Jana Riess.
Surviving April
(RNS) — It’s not the month we wanted, but it is the month we’ve been given. And we will get through it.
Released from quarantine into social distancing
(RNS) — Being quarantined is a minor place in purgatory compared with the hells of having the virus itself, losing a job or living in a society in chaos.
