New Jersey
COMMENTARY: Chris Christie and our self-absorbed culture of irresponsibility
By Tom Ehrich — January 13, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) During a two-hour apologia, Chris Christie talked mostly about himself and how his feelings were hurt by this story of political vengeance. This is what our national epidemic of narcissism looks like.
Priests accused of abuse hiding in plain sight
By Mark Mueller — November 7, 2013
RUTHERFORD, N.J. (RNS) Monsignor Peter Cheplic is one of at least seven alleged sexual predators quietly placed in a Rutherford retirement home for priests in the past 15 years -- on the same block as a Catholic grade school. This is hardly an isolated case: Across the country, clerics who have been removed from ministry are being housed by dioceses in neighborhoods teeming with children, and residents rarely know about their presence.
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie won’t appeal gay marriage rulings
By Salvador Rizzo — October 21, 2013
TRENTON, N.J. (RNS) Colin Reed, a spokesman for Gov. Chris Christie, said the state Supreme Court "left no ambiguity about the unanimous court's view on the ultimate decision" on gay marriage.
Judge in N.J. same-sex marriage case has deep Catholic roots
By Thomas Zambito — October 17, 2013
BAYONNE, N.J. (RNS) Regardless of how Judge Mary Jacobson might feel personally about a subject, or what her Catholic faith might say about it, she decides cases based on the law and the facts, say those who have worked with her through the years.
Is Christian-owned Hobby Lobby boycotting Hanukkah?
By Lauren Markoe — October 1, 2013
(RNS) The national craft store owned by conservative billionaire Steve Green seemingly refuses to carry merchandise related to Hanukkah because of Green’s “Christian values,” and some Jews are taking offense.
American Atheists leader wins fight for ‘ATHE1ST’ license plate
By Kimberly Winston — August 28, 2013
(RNS) "'Atheist’ is not an offensive or objectionable word anymore than the word ‘Jew’ or ‘Christian’ or ‘man’ or ‘woman’ is,” said David Silverman, president of the New Jersey-based American Atheists.
Jewish ‘ex-gay’ group faces suit for consumer fraud
By Corrie Mitchell — July 18, 2013
(RNS) The suit is being brought by four young men and two of their parents, who claim that JONAH induced them to pay for services by making deceptive claims that sexual orientation is a choice that can be changed.
Gov. Chris Christie, a Catholic, tiptoes on gay marriage
By Martha T. Moore — July 17, 2013
(RNS) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has said he does not believe being gay is a choice, nor is it a sin. But as he ponders a presidential run, he has to please Republicans.
After Rhode Island, is gay marriage ‘inevitable’? Conservatives say no
By Susan Page — May 3, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) As Rhode Island becomes the 10th state to approve same-sex marriage, a leading opponent blames Hollywood, academia and the mainstream media for the movement.
Jim McGreevey’s redemption is the real deal
By Brian Donohue — March 29, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) I used to think Gov. Jim McGreevey was one of the most disingenuous phonies I had ever met. But his recent redemption after a public fall from grace is the real deal.
Muslims detail fear from NYPD spy probe
By Omar Sacirbey — March 11, 2013
(RNS) In a new report, Muslims detail how fears of being spied on compelled them to refrain from social activism, and change how they dress, and sowed intracommunity mistrust.
Churches, synagogues press for federal rebuilding aid after Sandy
By Solange De Santis — January 10, 2013
NEPONSIT, N.Y. (RNS) The waterlogged West End Temple and other nonprofits aren't included in the $51 billion aid package to help rebuild areas devastated by Superstorm Sandy, and civil liberties groups think that's how it should stay. Others say churches and synagogues should be eligible for federal rebuilding funds. By Solange De Santis.
Is it ethical to defy evacuation orders?
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — November 2, 2012
(RNS) As Sandy cleanup continues, so does an ethical debate: Is evacuation a moral duty? By G. Jeffrey MacDonald.
Orthodox Jews use smartphones, websites to complete Talmud cycle
By Chris Lisee — July 31, 2012
(RNS) As 150,000 Orthodox Jews in North America celebrate the completion of a seven-year Talmud study program August 1, it’s easier than ever to study scripture, with the advent of websites, podcasts and smartphone apps. By Chris Lisee.
NYPD did no wrong in secretly surveilling N.J. Muslims, attorney general report says
By Ted Sherman — May 25, 2012
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) Islamic leaders say they are shocked that a review by New Jersey's state Attorney General into the New York Police Department’s secret surveillance operation targeting Muslim businesses and mosques in New Jersey found the NYPD did nothing wrong. By Ted Sherman.
