A coalition of small businesses, faith-based nonprofits and small governments returned to court Nov. 4 after the Trump administration gave mixed signals about its compliance with a judge’s order to resume food stamp payments during the government shutdown. The group…
Methodists jump to action with food ministries
Even as the Trump administration announced it would restore federal food benefits at half their usual levels, United Methodists across the United States rallied to feed hungry people while the U.S. government shutdown continues. Two federal judges ordered the restoration…
Federal judge bars freeze in food assistance
A federal judge in Rhode Island barred the Trump administration Oct. 31 from freezing food stamp spending during the ongoing government shutdown. About 42 million recipients were set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits Nov. 1 but Judge John…
Focus on the Family opposes free meals in schools
Colorado is one of nine states offering public school students free breakfast and lunch. Focus on the Family hopes the state’s citizens will vote tomorrow to eliminate the program. “There is a big difference between providing and encouraging the availability…
ACNA continues to struggle as new allegations emerge
The Anglican Church in North America faces an escalating crisis on multiple fronts, including a $1 million lawsuit from its former chaplaincy jurisdiction, the disaffiliation of that body and formal misconduct allegations against two of its most senior bishops. The…
Another lawsuit seeks to continue food stamp benefits
A coalition of faith-based nonprofits, small businesses and local governments filed suit Oct. 30 to challenge President Donald Trump’s refusal to continue food stamp funding during the government shutdown. The action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District…
ICE rampage reminds state rep of his communist past
Having a masked immigration agent point a loaded gun at him was frightening enough for Illinois State Rep. Hoan Huynh, but just as terrifying were the memories it evoked from his previous life in a communist country. “I think back…
Concerning heretics and those who burn them
Today marks the 508th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, marking the day in 1517 when Catholic priest and professor Martin Luther’s 95 Theses appeared on the Medieval scene in Wittenburg, Germany. The theses called the Roman Church to account for…
Report claims Assemblies of God prioritized forgiveness over safety
The Assemblies of God — one of the world’s largest Pentecostal denominations — has been thrust into a crisis of theology and failed accountability related to clergy sexual abuse. An exhaustive investigation by NBC News found a five-decades-long pattern of…
New Oklahoma schools chief is erasing the Walters legacy
The new superintendent of public schools in Oklahoma has formed a “turnaround team” to help restore public education in the state after the departure of Christian nationalist leader Ryan Walters. Veteran educator Lindel Fields was appointed to the position by…
Half of states sue Trump to keep food stamp funding going
Half of all U.S. states and the District of Columbia are suing to force the Trump administration to continue food stamp funding currently scheduled to end Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. The administration blamed its decision to suspend…
Caring for the unhoused changed this California church
When Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, Calif., made the decision to increase local outreach efforts, its leaders didn’t realize how serving their unhoused neighbors would change them along the way. For Robin Spurlock, outreach associate director, serving unhoused individuals in…