“Crossing the Sea.” Image courtesy of Yoram Raanan
Need to know: Friday, July 6, 2018
After a fire destroyed his life’s work, an artist renews quest to paint Torah
An American-Israeli painter finds new inspiration for paintings that depict key scenes from the Torah.
Pruitt in resignation letter to Trump: You are president because of God’s providence
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is stepping down after months of ethics controversies, and his resignation letter is heavy with God talk.
Cardinal warns of ‘possible collapse’ of Earth’s livability at Vatican event
The Vatican's secretary of state said humanity is facing a "possible collapse" in the Earth's ability to sustain life during a conference hosted by the Catholic Church.
Does Buddhism need a blasphemy “army”?
An organization that combats “profane” depictions of the Buddha raises questions about disrespect, appropriation and policing others’ behavior, Matthew Gindin writes.
Why synagogues started putting American flags in the sanctuary
When Jewish tourists from North America visit synagogues around the world, they may be surprised to find that national flags are rare inside the sanctuary.
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New Lambeth Palace Library key to preserving Anglican history
LONDON (RNS) — Work has begun on a new library to house the biggest collection of religious works in the world, outside the Vatican. It is the first edifice in 100 years to be built on the grounds of Lambeth Palace, home of the archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion.
Episcopal couples, advocates hope the church removes gay marriage restrictions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (USA Today) — Episcopalians will consider altering rules related to weddings for same-sex couples when they gather this month in Texas for the denomination's triennial meeting.
10 months on, the babies of Rohingya rape survivors arrive
UKHIYA, Bangladesh (AP) — More than 10 months have passed since Myanmar's security forces launched a sweeping campaign of rape and other brutalities against the Rohingya, and the babies conceived during those assaults have been born.
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As Episcopalians meet, debate looms about their place in the Anglican world
(RNS) — As the Episcopal Church's General Convention begins this week, a debate rages in many countries, including the United States, about whether the stalwart of mainstream American Protestantism can rightly claim to be the legitimate expression of Anglicanism.
Why white evangelicals voted for Trump: Fear, power and nostalgia
(RNS) — Eighty-one percent of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, but why? Especially when there were three experienced evangelical candidates in the primary season? Historian John Fea traces a legacy of fear, power, and nostalgia among white evangelical voters.
By any other name: Why the ‘travel ban’ really is a Muslim ban
The phrase 'travel ban' is neither neutral nor objective, Todd Green says. "When journalists repeat this language, they become complicit in amplifying Trump’s propaganda and in inscribing anti-Muslim prejudice into federal immigration policy."
