Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that he stands by remarks he made at a political fundraising event last week — that he believes Christians are “a little less scared” of COVID-19 because of their belief in eternal life.
The evangelical abortion myth: an excerpt from ‘bad faith’
The Religious Right’s most cherished and durable myth is its myth of origins. According to this well-rehearsed narrative, articulated by Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and countless others, evangelical leaders were shaken out of their political complacency by the United States…
Before Dropping Petition, SBU Sought to Block Discovery of Evidence
Trustees for Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, last week dropped their proposed new governing documents amid a six-month court challenge. But before they did, SBU’s attorney filed several motions, including an attack on Word&Way. While the motions are now moot because SBU…
Texas Churches Can’t Be Forced To Close — Ever — Under New Law
Last Spring’s 87th Legislature resulted in more than 650 new Texas laws. Public Radio affiliates across Texas have been collaborating to bring you more details on these laws.
Who is ISIS-K, the group officials blame for the Kabul airport bombings?
A horrific terrorist attack at a Kabul airport on Thursday (Aug. 26) has killed at least 12 U.S. service members as well as more than 60 Afghans attempting to flee the country, a death toll U.S. officials are attributing to an ISIS…
United Methodist leaders urge churches to end Boy Scout charters for now
n light of a recent bankruptcy court ruling about the Boy Scouts of America and sexual abuse claimants, United Methodist leaders are urging their churches to not extend current agreements to sponsor or house local scout troops beyond the end…
The ‘fake Christian’ deflection and contrarian concern trolling: how not to write about evangelical authoritarianism
Over the last couple of weeks, America’s conservative, mostly white evangelicals have once again generated considerable buzz—and deserved criticism—over their authoritarian attitudes and behaviors.
In Texas, ‘Reproductive Freedom Congregations’ catch on as new abortion law looms
In a state where a new law could soon allow any person to sue those who help a woman get an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, more than two dozen Texas congregations are publicly declaring their support for women…
Episcopal Diocese of Maine mandates vaccine for clergy
The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine mandated Monday (Aug. 23) that all clergy and staff in the diocese be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of September. It is one of the first COVID-19 vaccine mandates for clergy…
Israeli rabbis ask pope to clarify remarks on Jewish law
Israel’s top Jewish religious authorities have told the Vatican they are concerned about comments that Pope Francis made about their books of sacred law and have asked for a clarification.
Democrats spotlight abortion in bid to save Newsom
Democratic activists working to save Gov. Gavin Newsom from being thrown out of office by California voters next month are seizing on an issue better known for energizing voters on the right: abortion access.
Some Southern California church leaders pushing political extremes
When GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia came to Southern California in July, three secular venues canceled her planned political rally over her support for far-right policies. So Pastor Tim Thompson handed Greene the microphone during a Sunday service…