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President Trump, flanked by evangelical leaders Paula White, right, and Jack Graham, in blue suit, speaks during the National Day of Prayer event at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 2017. Photo courtesy of Reuters/Carlos Barria
Need to know: Thursday, July 20, 2017
Conservative evangelicals revel in their ‘unprecedented’ presidential access
While religious conservatives are getting such intimate contact with President Donald Trump they can literally “lay hands” on him in prayer, other faith leaders say they're being kept at arm’s length.
Justices uphold refugee ban but say grandparents still OK
The Supreme Court says the Trump administration can strictly enforce its ban on refugees, but is leaving in place a weakened travel ban that allows grandparents to enter the country.
A look at why a Saudi woman’s miniskirt sparked an outcry
The brief detention of a Saudi woman videotaped walking around in a miniskirt and crop top highlights tensions between conservative, state-enforced strictures based in a version of Islam called Wahhabism and those pushing for greater rights.
After two drown in Tanzania, Christians re-examine safety of river baptisms
Christians in East Africa are now taking stock of their faith’s central rite after one such ritual turned tragic in northern Tanzania when two believers drowned.
‘Jet-set monk’ is back in Thailand after extradition from US
A former monk known for a jet-setting lifestyle was back in Thailand on Thursday after he was extradited from the United States, where he fled to escape charges including statutory rape and fraud.
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Latest news from RNS
Christian network kicks off new politics show with Sean Spicer as guest
(RNS) The presidential press secretary's appearance underscores the Christian media's access to President Trump.
Boston launches poster campaign to combat Islamophobia
(AP) — Titled "What to do if you are witnessing Islamophobic harassment," the posters encourage people to engage with the person who is being targeted and to draw attention away from the harasser.
Michigan doctor to stay in jail in genital mutilation case
DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit-area doctor charged with performing genital mutilation on girls from a Muslim sect will remain in jail while she awaits trial after a judge on Wednesday expressed concern that she might try to flee the country.
More views from RNS
Stripped of his title and illegally replaced, Eritrea’s spiritual leader languishes in detention
(RNS) What did Patriarch Abune Antonios do? He refused to betray his flock. He refused to betray his conscience. And he refused to betray his religious beliefs.
Faith communities offer a pathway to ending AIDS in Africa
(RNS) — Church elders are powerful educators. The respect and trust they engender allow them to address sensitive issues in ways that make their congregations comfortable and better able to protect themselves.
Hinduism and its complicated history with cows
... and people who eat them.
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Bonus tracks
- Who gets to own Iraq’s religious heritage?
- BYU-Idaho professor is fired after LGBT rights Facebook post
- Pig’s head in swastika bag left outside Australian Islamic school
- Fuller Theological Seminary closing campuses after decline in admissions
- Stun-gun-wielding rabbi kidnappers fail to convince court they were just practicing their faith
