politics
For many South Korean Christians, reunification is a religious goal
By Diane Winston — June 11, 2018
Many Christian South Koreans see reunification of the Korean peninsula as a religious goal as much as a political one. And if reunification, as opposed to reconciliation, seems an uphill struggle, they believe that with faith anything is possible.
In red-state Oklahoma, marijuana ballot question splits people of faith
By Bobby Ross Jr. — June 6, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — Clergy on both sides of State Question 788, which would permit the distribution of medical marijuana, call it a moral issue, with proponents arguing that pot will reduce dependence on opioids and critics, including the state's Southern Baptist convention and Catholic conference, saying it will lead to recreational use.
What Comey learned from theologian Reinhold Niebuhr about ethical leadership
By Christopher Beem — April 24, 2018
(The Conversation) — Reviewers have noted the influence of one particular 20th-century American Christian philosopher in James' Comey's new book: Reinhold Niebuhr.
Pompeo’s Kansas church asks God to ‘give him strength’ in Senate confirmation process
By Bobby Ross Jr. — April 17, 2018
WICHITA, Kan. (RNS) — 'Mike has enemies because of his faith who may try to paint him in a poor light and make it difficult for him to reach the Secretary of State position,' the pastor of nominee Mike Pompeo wrote to his congregation.
Johnson Amendment remains intact in latest omnibus spending bill
By Jack Jenkins — March 22, 2018
(RNS) — The failure to gut the law was celebrated by faith leaders and nonprofit groups who say it protects them from political coercion.
Texas city council members censure colleague over anti-Islam Facebook post
By Delta Systems — February 18, 2018
PLANO, Tex. (RNS) — The post featured a student in a hijab and these words: 'Share if you think Trump should ban Islam in American schools.'
Protestant, Muslim, Atheist, Jew: 4 leftist perspectives a year into Trump’s presidency
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 19, 2018
(RNS) — If Trump has invigorated the religious right in America, he has also galvanized the religious left.
Anti-abortion Democrats navigate divide between March for Life and the Women’s March
By Jack Jenkins — January 19, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Democrats who oppose abortion while also holding progressive views find their position increasingly tenuous in today’s polarized political climate.
‘Pro-life’ must encompass more than opposition to abortion
By John Gehring — January 17, 2018
(RNS) — Many Americans recognize the complexity of abortion should not be reduced to talking points or bumper stickers.
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.
Effort to allow partisan politics in church reaches dead end
By Rachel Zoll — December 16, 2017
NEW YORK (AP) — A provision that would have freed churches to make political endorsements has been dropped from the Republican tax overhaul, dashing the hopes of a segment of religious conservatives on what has been a key issue to the Trump administration.
A dark horse emerges victorious in Alabama’s election: the black voter
By Larycia Hawkins — December 15, 2017
(RNS) — In a moment where the foundational fault lines of the American creed have been laid bare by the spilled blood and suffering of my black brothers and sisters, it turns out that black Christians, not white evangelicals, are the story.
Church-politics provision removed from tax bill
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 15, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic senator taking part in talks on the GOP tax package says a provision allowing churches to endorse political candidates and still keep their tax-free status won't be in the final bill.
Coroner: Accused state lawmaker’s death is apparent suicide
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 14, 2017
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Dan Johnson, a Republican state lawmaker in Kentucky and the pastor of Heart of Fire church in Louisville, had defiantly denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in the basement of his home.
Alabama fallout: Does character count?
By Yonat Shimron — December 13, 2017
(RNS) — The idea that Roy Moore lost Alabama's Senate election because white evangelicals were unwilling to vote for a flawed judge accused of sexual misconduct is not borne out by exit polls.
