Texas
Latest Catholic scandal spotlights questions of consent in priest-parishioner relationships
By Jack Jenkins — June 5, 2019
(RNS) — The fact that the accuser is an adult has not spared the church new scrutiny about its slowness to respond to sexual misconduct claims or about what experts have been quick to call confusion regarding what constitutes consent.
To Botham Jean’s parents, fatal shooting still feels ‘as if it just happened’
By Bobby Ross Jr. — May 30, 2019
DALLAS (RNS) — Almost nine months have passed since an off-duty police officer entered Botham Shem Jean’s apartment and opened fire, killing the church song leader. Bertrum and Allison Jean reflect as a racial unity summit paid tribute to their slain son.
Texas church opens new sanctuary 18 months after massacre
By Clarice Silber — May 20, 2019
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — A South Texas church unveiled a new sanctuary a year and a half after a gunman killed more than two dozen congregants in the deadliest mass shooting in state history.
Faith-based bills advance in Texas in defiance of ‘almighty dollar’
By Max B. Baker — April 10, 2019
(RNS) — Some faith and business leaders oppose a proposal that they say would let Texans use their faith as a shield to deny services as mundane as plumbing or towing a car.
Using holograms and AI to preserve firsthand stories of the Holocaust
By Nancy Churnin — March 22, 2019
DALLAS (RNS) — Holocaust survivors themselves have been the most effective way to bring the Holocaust's horrors home. New technology now makes it possible to capture their stories in perpetuity.
Top US cardinal let priest accused of sexual abuse lead Mass
By Nomaan Merchant — February 2, 2019
(AP) — Cardinal Daniel DiNardo allowed the accused priest to lead the 9 a.m. Thursday Mass at his parish, the statement said, because he “was already scheduled to celebrate” it.
Catholic leaders in Texas name 286 accused of abusing minors
By David Warren — February 1, 2019
(AP) — The number represents one of the largest collections of names to be released since an explosive grand jury report last year in Pennsylvania.
Texas GOP leader who is Muslim declares victory over bigotry
By Bobby Ross Jr. — January 11, 2019
(RNS) — The vote ends a bid to unseat a Tarrant County GOP vice chair by those who consider any follower of Islam as a soldier in a 'stealth jihad.'
Texas GOP dispute pits religious freedom against claims of ‘stealth jihad’
By Bobby Ross Jr. — December 11, 2018
FORT WORTH, Texas (RNS) — The appointment of a Muslim doctor to a county's party leadership has fractured the Republicans of Tarrant County.
What does having a meal mean for our souls?
By Andrew Greer — November 21, 2018
(RNS) — It is around the table that we learn that we are loved and accepted, but this weekend is a good time to remember that for many around the world, mealtime is not a reality.
6 months after massacre, Sutherland Springs pastor says nation should put God first
By Adelle M. Banks — May 4, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'From the blood that was spilled, from the ashes, glory is rising,' said Pastor Frank Pomeroy.
After 50 years, clergy work together again in San Antonio, for affordable housing
By Yonat Shimron — April 12, 2018
(RNS) — Unlike interfaith efforts that focus more on dialogue, the project centers on action toward a constructive social good.
Prayer and a packing pastor: A church’s response to mass shooting
By Yonat Shimron — February 23, 2018
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (RNS) — In this dusty crossroads town of 600 people with one blinking red light, church members have taken a starkly different approach from that of the Florida high school students agitating for change.
Billy Graham never lived in Texas but belonged to a Dallas church for 54 years
By Bobby Ross Jr. — February 21, 2018
DALLAS (RNS) — Why did Graham place membership at a church nearly 1,000 miles from his home in Montreat, N.C.?
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.'
