The Slingshot: Johnson Amendment; Confederate statues; Crystals

August 16, 2017
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Boxes of letters from clergy who are opposed to repealing the Johnson Amendment, a federal law that bars tax-exempt houses of worship from engaging in partisan politicking, prior to delivery on Capitol Hill. Photo courtesy of Americans United


Need to know: Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Thousands of faith leaders ask Congress to protect Johnson Amendment

The letter — signed by a wide range of clergy and lay members — was spearheaded by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.

Rex Tillerson: Protecting targets of ISIS’ ‘genocide’ a religious freedom priority

The secretary of state issued his department’s first international religious freedom report since President Trump took office.

A Q&A with Hillary Clinton’s pastor: Bill Shillady on ministering to the candidate

“She doesn’t wear her religion on her sleeve, but I know that she practices it and she has spiritual disciplines,” Shillady said.

Children of Catholic priests live with secrets and sorrow

By any reasonable measure, there are thousands who have strong evidence that they are the sons and daughters of Catholic priests. (Subscription may be required.)

‘To our Jewish guests’: A Swiss hotel singles out Jews

Outrage erupted Tuesday after a small Swiss hotel posted a sign asking Jewish guests to shower before using the swimming pool. (Subscription may be required.)

Latest news from RNS

The next bishop of Raleigh is from Latin America — like many in his flock

RALEIGH (RNS) — The appointment of a Colombian native to lead the Diocese of Raleigh is another indication of the growth in the number of Hispanic Catholics in the U.S., who now make up about 40 percent of Catholics in the nation.

Religious leaders react to the violence in Charlottesville

(RNS) — Some religious leaders criticized President Trump's initial response denouncing hatred and violence 'on many sides,' while a few conservative evangelicals rushed to defend the president.

Robert Jeffress on God, Trump and North Korea: A pastor explains his politics

Anyone who knows the Bible shouldn’t take issue with the idea that God has given President Trump authority to take out North Korea’s dictator, said Robert Jeffress, the megachurch leader who drew sharp rebukes for stating just that.

More views from RNS

LDS Church rebukes Mormon white supremacists, who rebuke the Church right back

The LDS Church just reissued its statement on race and Charlottesville, and the 2nd release is a virtual smackdown of the alt-right -- including its Mormon adherents.

Religious liberty for all

(RNS) — Evangelical Christians in the founding of our republic understood something worth remembering. The flourishing of their communities depended on the extension of religious freedom, not only to minority Protestant dissenters like themselves, but to all.

Trump’s evangelicals need to do the right thing

Walk away from this president.

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