Many of those tasked with shuttering the U.S. Agency for International Development last year were completely unaware of the agency’s purpose and effectiveness, a former USAID official said. “I put Trump administration officials into two categories: Those who were cruel…
Judge says Trump may continue to target Somalis
A federal court ruled the Trump administration may continue to prioritize Somali asylum seekers for deportation while a lawsuit against the practice continues. Plaintiffs Hines Immigration Law and The Advocates for Human Rights expressed deep disappointment in the April 10…
At SBC seminary, Hawley says USA founded on covenant with God
U.S. government and society must be remade to conform with a 17th-century pact made by Protestant settlers to establish a Christian colony in America, Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said. “This country was founded on a covenant, and I don’t…
‘We need the moral courage to stand where Pope Leo stood this morning’
Posting an image of himself as Jesus, making apocalyptic threats against Iran and criticizing Pope Leo XIV gave faith leaders and political strategists plenty to condemn about President Donald Trump during a recent symposium hosted by Yale Divinity School. Speakers…
Dan Patrick says separation of church and state is a lie
The idea that the U.S. Constitution promotes separation of church and state is patently untrue, according to the chair of President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission. In fact, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick described the concept as the “biggest lie that’s…
Trump has a ‘God complex,’ Bishop Barber says
President Donald Trump’s Easter promise to send Iranians to hell and his anger at papal criticism of the Iran war shows the president has a God complex, civil rights activist Bishop William Barber said. “Why is the pope’s teaching getting…
Image of Trump as Jesus healing a man is too much even for evangelicals
One of the most common T-shirts, caps and banners displayed during the Jan. 6 insurrection says, “Jesus is My Savior, Trump is my President.” But Donald Trump erased the line between savior and president last Sunday evening by posting an…
New report says Dilley Detention Center is an American horror story
A new report by human and immigrant rights groups documents horrific conditions and treatment of families at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center located about 70 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. The April 1 report by Human Rights First and…
Taxpayers seek to intervene in Oklahoma Jewish charter school case
A group of seven mostly Jewish taxpayers has filed a legal action opposed to the establishment of a virtual Jewish charter school in Oklahoma. Teachers, clergy and parents with children in public schools were among those to file a motion…
Court again limits HUD changes on care for homeless
The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling temporarily blocking the federal government from limiting the scope of subsidized housing grants designed to help cities and states address homelessness. “As the Trump-Vance administration continues to weaponize…
Florida’s ‘anti-Sharia’ laws called threat to religious freedom for all
Two new Florida laws Gov. Ron DeSantis described as “anti-Sharia” measures are really about limiting free speech and denying due process, a group of interfaith leaders said. “Our Florida government is lying,” said Hiba Rahim, interim executive director of the…
Interfaith leaders call for next steps beyond No Kings Day
The rise of U.S. authoritarianism requires Americans to be deliberate in living their faith, Sojourners founder Jim Wallis said during a webinar hosted by Interfaith Alliance. “Faith has to be strategic. It’s deep in our conviction. It’s in who we…