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The Rev. Joel Hunter walks up the sanctuary steps at Northland, A Church Distributed, in Longwood, Fla., on Dec. 14, 2006. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Need to know: Thursday, August 3, 2017
Joel Hunter to step down from Orlando megachurch
The megachurch pastor, who tried to lead the nation’s evangelicals toward more moderate, center-right positions on issues such as climate change and immigration, is stepping down as leader of Northland Church.
Serving God by suing others: Inside the Christian conservative legal movement
Liberty Counsel and similar organizations constitute a collection of advocacy groups working in the legal, public policy and public relations arenas to advance and protect conservative Christian moral values.
I’m a black pastor. Here’s why I’m staying in the Southern Baptist Convention
The Rev. Dwight McKissic says his denomination is not pefect, “but I am called to work within to help it become what it can be.” (Subscription may be required)
The Vatican’s America problem
Why Pope Francis’ men are condemning conservative Catholic politics in the U.S., according to columnist Ross Douthat. (Subscription may be required)
Why exorcisms are on the rise in France
The exorcism business is on the rise in France, because customers get much-needed benefits from the rituals, exorcists say. (Subscription may be required)
Latest news from RNS
David Lowery on ‘A Ghost Story,’ the afterlife and other spooky questions
CHICAGO (RNS) — When ghosts are invoked, questions about the meaning of life and what happens after we die take viewers into the realm of religion and spirituality.
Blast at Shiite mosque in Afghanistan kills dozens
Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan and have been threatened by the affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates in the country’s east.
Escaping Pakistani persecution, Ahmadi activist finds refuge — and purpose — in US
Given his fiery online writings about minority rights — a potential death sentence for Pakistani activists and journalists — Ehsan Rehan’s parents encouraged him to leave the country, despite the fact that he was their only child.
More views from RNS
Remembering the Oak Creek tragedy
BOSTON (RNS) — Sadly, violence against Sikhs continues five years after the horrific massacre.
A Bible study led by 92-year-old Jimmy Carter is a sight to behold
PLAINS, Ga. (RNS) — Waiting for Jimmy are many of Maranatha’s 130 members, along with a few hundred visitors from across the U.S. and three young women from China.
Who becomes a saint in the Catholic Church, and is that changing?
(The Conversation) The pope’s decision to create a new category for beatification raises the question: Is the Catholic understanding of sainthood changing?
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Bonus tracks
- Uneasy welcome as Ultra-Orthodox Jews extend beyond New York
- Democrats willing to fund pro-life candidates to win back Congress
- 10 Etsy artists who share their faith through craftsmanship
- Man’s ‘Ministry of the Walking Stick’ shares insight into God’s love
- Breaking the Ten Commandments: A short history of the contentious American monuments
