Capital punishment opponents are rejoicing after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Oklahoma Death Row inmate Richard Glossip must receive a new trial in the 1997 killing of a motel owner in Oklahoma City. But death penalty abolitionists also acknowledge…
Now Ryan Walters seeks bids for Bible-based curriculum in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Education has opened the bidding process for a Bible-based curriculum designed for public elementary school children, according to a newly posted Request for Proposal. The move comes as state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters deals…
Democrats will use ‘bully pulpit’ to stand against Trump’s cruelty, Congressman says
Democrats in Congress will pull out the stops to oppose the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on federal agencies and its collateral effects on the American people, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said during a virtual town hall hosted by Democracy…
Dramatic changes in early childhood centers affect churches too
Many of the nation’s early learning and child-care systems have reached a critical turning point as revenues decline, wages stagnate and families are priced out of options, experts in the field say. “Costs are exorbitant and providers can’t afford to…
House and Senate budget proposals would starve the poor and feed the rich, critics warn
Immigration advocates are denouncing a U.S. House budget resolution for siphoning billions of dollars from social safety net programs into increases in defense spending, border security and ongoing deportation efforts. “If passed, this budget bill would leave millions of Americans,…
89% of Americans disagree with Trump cutting off US foreign aid
The disruption of U.S. overseas aid operations is placing the Trump administration at odds with a growing majority of the American public, according to a new survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation. The Feb. 6-7 study…
Dismantling DEI is about making America white again, Lewis warns
Donald Trump’s prohibition of government diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with subduing marginalized communities, pastor, activist and author Jacqui Lewis said during a recent episode of “The State of Belief”…
Tulsa Race Massacre was more planned than previously reported
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was less an act of spontaneous vengeance against Black residents and more premeditated and organized than previously known, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Justice. The study also found local law…
Show up and speak up to save democracy, panelists urge
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he is struggling to fully comprehend the Trump administration’s overwhelming assault on basic freedoms as well as its ongoing attempt to dismantle federal programs and agencies. Calling the situation a “crisis” would be an…
Churches called to be bold and flexible in immigration ministries
Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigration is pushing faith-based groups to be more bold, flexible and creative in their ministries to immigrants, a panel of experts said during a webinar hosted by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. The session…
Refugee resettlement ministries sue Trump administration
A new federal lawsuit seeks to overturn the Trump administration’s suspension of refugee admissions and to restore funds Congress already approved to serve refugees recently admitted to the country. Three refugee service organizations and nine individuals filed Pacito v. Trump…
Culture wars caused evangelicals to vote against their interests, author says
Right-wing influencers propelled Donald Trump to power by spreading misinformation that convinced the MAGA base to support political agendas detrimental to their own interests, according to Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American…