James MacDonald preaches at Harvest Bible Chapel in an undated video.
Need to know: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
James MacDonald fired as Harvest Bible Chapel pastor
James MacDonald, the embattled pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, has been fired by the suburban Chicago megachurch he founded three decades ago.
MIT faces backlash over invited speaker’s anti-Muslim comments
Indian and Muslim groups are pushing MIT to disinvite a prominent Indian politician over his record of anti-Muslim remarks.
‘Brewery church’ is the latest in craft of luring folks to church
What its founders call their town's 'newest premier destination brewery' is also a spiritual community known as Castle Church.
‘Walk of Faith’ tour tells tale of Hollywood’s Christian beginnings
The place sometimes known as 'Hollywood Babylon' was founded as a preserve of an abstinent Christian lifestyle.
4 myths about ex-Mormons
Most didn't leave because they got offended, became atheists, or wanted to join another religion. Also, the vast majority of former Mormons say they're happy after leaving, writes Jana Riess.
Nun’s rape case against bishop shakes a Catholic bastion in India
The bishop, who has maintained his innocence, will be charged and face trial by a special prosecutor on accusations of rape and intimidation. But the church acknowledged the nun’s accusations only after five of her fellow nuns mutinied and publicly rallied to her side.
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In Malaysia, Lunar New Year keeps ethnic Chinese in touch with ancient customs
For ethnic Chinese Malaysians, Lunar New year celebrations can be both raucous street festivals and private, family affairs, a time to clean the house, pay debts and start fresh.
Southern Baptist leaders vow to improve addressing sex abuse after papers’ report
'I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure we never make these mistakes again,' Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear said in response to an investigation by Texan newspapers.
Rep. Omar apologizes for tweets on AIPAC’s influence
Speaker Nancy Pelosi's public rebuke of a freshman representative who helped deliver the Democratic House majority was the latest exposure of an increasingly tense split among Democrats over U.S.-Israeli policy.
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The education of Ilhan Omar
Learning that anti-Semitism is off limits in American politics.
The Catholic Church’s US seminaries need reform
(RNS) — The formation of a Catholic priest should be challenging intellectually but should also teach him how to empower the people in his parish.
“The Band’s Visit” is a dream
"The Band's Visit" shows us the invisible Jews. And, a very visible Judaism.
