A constitutional watchdog group has filed a second lawsuit against the Trump administration’s Anti-Christian Bias Task Force. The president created the commission in a Feb. 6 executive order directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch investigations into “anti-Christian conduct”…
Federal judge stops Arkansas from posting Ten Commandments in public schools
A federal judge has blocked Arkansas from implementing a new law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public-school classrooms. In issuing the Aug. 4 preliminary injunction, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks described Arkansas Act 573 as “plainly unconstitutional” under the…
Man-made catastrophes devour possibility of ending hunger
A perfect storm of war, pestilence and budget cuts has dashed any hope of ending national and global hunger by 2030, anti-poverty advocates say. The United Nations set a goal in 2015 of eradicating global food insecurity by the end…
‘Pro-family’ policies may worsen American women’s maternal health
Christian groups that identify as “pro-family” say America’s declining birth rates are an urgent crisis, and they support President Trump’s efforts to spawn a “baby boom.” But policies promoted by these groups may actually make becoming mothers more difficult —…
Open and Relational Theology conference to feature leading proponent Oord
Proponents of Open and Relational Theology — or ORT — affirm that, through relationship, God affects people, and people affect God, according to a video produced by theologian and author Thomas Jay Oord. ORT stresses God suffers with people and…
Immigration detention update: Ohio chaplain, Maryland pastor, new lawsuit
A former children’s hospital chaplain remains detained in Ohio as the federal government attempts to deport him. Attorneys for Ayman Soliman had hoped an immigration judge would release “the interfaith imam” during a hearing July 29, but the court instead…
Two more men accuse Michael Tait of sexual assault
Two more men have come forward alleging singer Michael Tait sexually assaulted them. This time, the survivors say, the abuse occurred while Tait still was in the band DC Talk. In an interview with The Guardian, former Evanescence bandmember Jason…
Within the Church of God, a small movement toward inclusion
At least 17 ministers in the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) have lost their ministerial credentials for coming out as inclusive of LGBTQ Christians. The relatively small religious body — which does not identify as a denomination — includes about 7,800…
Trump admin says federal workers may proselytize
Federal workers are now free to preach and pray in the workplace and are even encouraged to proselytize colleagues while on the job, according to a new memo from the U.S. Office of Personnel and Management. “Employees may engage in…
Trump tries to criminalize homelessness
Claiming the nation is under threat from unhoused people, the Trump administration has announced “a new approach” to ending homelessness that includes expanded police powers and mass incarceration. “Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the…
Leatherwood quits ERLC
The embattled president of the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee resigned July 31. Brent Leatherwood tendered his resignation with no apparent future employment lined up. He has been the lightning rod for criticism from the far right…
1,000 nonprofits protest loosening Johnson Amendment
More than 1,000 churches and nonprofits in 50 states have signed a letter protesting the Trump administration’s attempt to shield congregations from a law banning tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates. Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Billy Long agreed July 7…