Congress
‘Nones’ get their first congressional caucus
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 1, 2018
(RNS) — The new caucus comes as the religious 'nones' — those who claim no religious affiliation — jumped from about 16 percent of the U.S. population in 2007 to nearly 23 percent in 2014, according to the latest Pew data.
‘Purpose over politics’ at the National Prayer Breakfast
By Jerry Pattengale — February 9, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In its 66th year, the event was a reminder that the dream needs to be stronger than the struggle.
Paul Ryan faces an urgent moral challenge
By John Gehring — February 6, 2018
(RNS) — More than 100 young immigrants a day lose protection and the ability to work legally. House Speaker Paul Ryan is now the most important leader in determining their future.
Faith bodies must affirm opposition to nuclear war
By Chuck Currie — January 31, 2018
(RNS) — God’s creation is at stake.
January was tough on the poor. So was tax reform.
By Peter Gyves — January 29, 2018
(RNS) — During the past month, we have seen how those living in poverty are most vulnerable because of homelessness, inadequately heated homes and the increased prevalence of infectious diseases in their communities.
Forget ‘Happy Holidays.’ Let’s talk about Congress this Christmas.
By Jonathan Merritt — December 23, 2017
Talking about public policy may not seem like a festive activity, but it is sorely needed.
Giving tax reform a bad name
By Thomas Reese — December 5, 2017
(RNS) — Once again, an opportunity for true tax reform has been missed. Rather than reform, Congress is moving the tax system in the wrong direction.
North Carolina imam urges Congress to ‘celebrate’ difference
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — At the opening prayer in Congress Wednesday, a North Carolina imam delivered a message: human diversity is God-given.
Q&A: The abortion foe in Congress who made the Affordable Care Act possible
By Charles C. Camosy — August 16, 2017
(RNS) — 'The Democratic Party is no longer the 'The Big Tent Party.' I fear the Democratic Party has become the 'pro-abortion rights' party,' former U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., tells RNS contributor Charlie Camosy.
Thousands of faith leaders ask Congress to protect Johnson Amendment
By Adelle M. Banks — August 16, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Changing the law would threaten the integrity and independence of houses of worship,' they wrote.
Lawmakers, religious leaders pray for victims of congressional baseball shooting
By Madeleine Buckley — June 14, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) In the wake of the shooting at a GOP congressional baseball practice, the Democratic baseball team and various church officials prayed for the victims, including Catholic congressman Steve Scalise.
Muslims on Capitol Hill learn how to lobby
By Aysha Khan — May 2, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) During Muslim Advocacy Day, Muslims from 30 states navigated the labyrinth of House and Senate office buildings on either side of the Capitol as they made the case for protecting civil liberties.
Senators want $20 million for JCCs and other faith-based community centers
By Lauren Markoe — March 2, 2017
(RNS) More than 75 Jewish community centers across the nation have received bomb threats since Jan. 9.
Trump’s missing agenda in Congress speech? Moral issues
By David Gibson — March 1, 2017
(RNS) He won praise from pundits and the public for appearing 'presidential' in his first address to Congress. But a few religious conservatives are upset that Trump ignored their concerns.
Soft-toned Trump reaches out to religious and other minorities
By Lauren Markoe — February 28, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) 'We are all made by the same God,' he said in a speech that emphasized commonalities among religious groups but is unlikely to mollify critics who accuse him of scapegoating Muslims and sending mixed messages on anti-Semitism.
