The Slingshot: Hearts and ashes; Pence and Jesus; Carnival and curling

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February 14, 2018, is both Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Photo by MaxPixel via Creative Commons


Need to know: Wednesday, February 14, 2018

When Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, what’s a clergyperson to do?

Faith leaders seek to reconcile this Christian calendar clash, the first of its kind since 1945.

Omarosa on Mike Pence: ‘He thinks Jesus tells him to say things’

The ordained minister and reality TV star says the vice president believes he is relaying divine messages. “I’m like, ‘Jesus ain’t saying that.’” (Subscription may be required)

Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander describes difficult split with her church in midst of Nassar sex abuse case

When she raised concerns about a ministry’s child sex abuse cover-up to her church’s leaders, some raised questions about the quality of her character, and about her faith.

Jews and Muslims invited to celebrate Carnival in Germany

But could Jews forget the way the Nazis used to ridicule them in Karneval parades during the Third Reich? And could Muslims attend festivities featuring heavy beer drinking?

Former Olympic curling hopeful now cheering Team USA from the priesthood

The Rev. Andrew Roza, a former Olympic hopeful turned vocations director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, will be praying for the American curlers this year.

Muslim boys who insulted Christianity sentenced to memorize verses of Quran that honor Jesus

In a country once torn apart by sectarian warfare, the ruling handed down by a Christian judge is being praised as message of coexistence.

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‘It’s all right,’ Christian Kelly Clark says after final Olympics run

The five-time Olympian didn't get a medal, but the snowboarder says her true sense of self-worth comes from her faith.

Glitz and a surprise guest at the prom for those who often don’t get to go

The honored guests — ranging in age from 14 to 74 — were shocked to see Tim Tebow himself show up for their prom at Oklahoma’s Putnam City Baptist Church.

Vatican expert to meet delegation in Chile bishop dispute

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican's sex abuse investigator has agreed to meet with a delegation of lay Catholics and priests from the Chilean diocese of Osorno who have opposed the appointment of a bishop strongly backed by Pope Francis, according to an email seen Monday by The Associated Press.

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Love is in the air. That’s the problem.

(RNS) — Mystical tradition has a take on the story of Adam and Eve that teaches us something essential about our own pursuit of intimacy.

Lent + Prayer Wheel = Aha. Finally.

I've given up chocolate, TV, spending . . . but this year I'm trying something different with a medieval prayer wheel, and I hope you'll join in.

Mainliners’ wrongheaded push for American disarmament

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Now, as during the Cold War, church groups pushing American disarmament as key to world peace rely on assumptions and proposals that are utopian and dangerous.

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