Texas
High court skeptical of Texas death row inmate prayer demand
By Jessica Gresko — November 9, 2021
The outcome won't take anyone off death row but could make clear what religious accommodations officials must make for inmates who are being put to death.
Texans vote in favor of prohibiting governments from limiting religious services
By Alejandra Molina — November 3, 2021
(RNS) — The measure is in reaction to public health orders that shut down houses of worship amid the pandemic.
A new generation of Muslim American media puts women in focus
By Joseph Hammond — November 1, 2021
(RNS) — 'I think today there is a shift in the media industry writ large with more and more women going into the profession,' said the editor in chief of American Muslim Today. 'That is being reflected in the Muslim community.'
Texans will vote in November on whether governments can limit religious services
By Alejandra Molina — October 20, 2021
(RNS) — If voters approve the measure, known as Proposition 3, it would add a new section to the Texas Constitution forbidding governments from prohibiting or limiting religious services.
There are no opposing views of the Holocaust
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 15, 2021
(RNS) — What is wrong with these people in Southlake, Texas?
Congressional members share own abortion stories at hearing
By Jim Salter — September 30, 2021
Three Democratic members of Congress on Thursday offered deeply personal testimony about their own abortions as a congressional committee examined how to respond to conservative states that are passing laws limiting abortion access. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said she was raped on a church youth trip. Rep. Barbara Lee of California said she received […]
Another Texas execution delayed on religious freedom claims
By Juan A. Lozano — September 17, 2021
The Supreme Court granted him a stay because his spiritual adviser was not allowed to accompany him in the death chamber.
We had to terminate a pregnancy. It was our sacred right to do so.
By Jeffrey Salkin — September 9, 2021
(RNS) — A sad memory brings with it a shofar blast of warning about women’s rights.
Comparing Texas’ abortion ban to Islamic law is inaccurate, perpetuates Islamophobia, experts say
By Alejandra Molina — September 3, 2021
(RNS) — While opinions vary over when a pregnancy can be terminated, there is no complete ban on a woman's right to end a pregnancy under Islamic law, experts say.
In Texas, ‘Reproductive Freedom Congregations’ catch on as new abortion law looms
By Alejandra Molina — August 25, 2021
(RNS) — In a gathering at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, faith leaders with Just Texas announced Wednesday (Aug. 25) that 25 churches had achieved the Reproductive Freedom Congregations designation since first launching the effort in 2016. Another 70 are in process.
Death-row inmate sues for pastor’s touch during execution
By Associated Press — August 13, 2021
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — A Texas death-row inmate has sued state prison officials to allow his pastor to lay hands on him as he dies from a lethal injection.
In sermon, Stacey Abrams supports Texas Democrats ‘in exile,’ preaches on voting rights
By Adelle M. Banks — August 9, 2021
(RNS) — ‘If the act of electing those to speak for us is not a sacred duty, I do not know what is,’ Abrams told a DC church.
Clergy among advocates suing Texas over new law deputizing citizens to enforce abortion ban
By Alejandra Molina — July 16, 2021
(RNS) —'If we as people of faith want to remain free of interference from the government, S.B. 8 should worry us beyond what we think is right or wrong about abortion,' said the Rev. Daniel Kanter.
The death penalty’s last gasp?
By Shane Claiborne — May 18, 2021
(RNS) — Quintin Jones' death will be the first state execution in nine months.
As policies shift, Protestants and other faith groups join Catholics in helping immigrants at the border
By Jack Jenkins and Alejandra Molina — April 13, 2021
(RNS) — As the number of arrivals increases, Catholic groups are often relying on an array of faith-based ecumenical partners to handle the influx of people hoping to cross the border.
