Texas officials have revived a highly criticized anti-immigrant practice of the Trump administration while claiming their approach is more humane. The Houston Chronicle reports that in recent weeks, Texas Department of Public Safety officers have broken up at least two…
I was thirsty and you made me work in the heat without water
This morning, I took my dogs for a walk because it was the coolest time of the day when their paws wouldn’t be scorched on pavement in our multiple days of temperatures that feel like it’s 100+ degrees. Living in…
Four groups warn Texas schools against new chaplaincy scheme
Four church-state separationist groups have sent a letter to Texas school superintendents and school boards warning them a law enacted by the Texas Legislature this year is unconstitutional and they should not take the bait. Not said explicitly in the…
Supreme Court sides with White House and against Greg Abbott on immigration
A June 23 Supreme Court ruling affirmed the Biden administration’s prerogative to implement immigration rules limiting deportation actions to immigrants deemed national security or significant criminal threats. The court’s 8-1 ruling in United States v. Texas found states do not…
Author of Texas abortion bill is shocked its vague language is confusing
The Texas law banning abortions about six weeks after the onset of a pregnancy should not be used to stop medically necessary abortions, according to an author of the controversial legislation known as Senate Bill 8. “The statute was never…
Immigration advocates sound alarm on proposed state and federal immigration bills
Immigration advocates have been especially busy this month actively opposing anti-immigrant legislation proposed on state and federal levels. That’s because Republican lawmakers from Washington, D.C., to Tallahassee, Fla., have ramped up efforts to energize their base with bills critics have…
My home state is no longer safe for my family
My family and I are refugees in our own country. I’m just trying to be a good parent and love my kids, but the state that always has been my home no longer is a safe place for me and…
Texas megachurch relents; follows United Methodist rules to exit denomination
One of the largest United Methodist congregations in Texas, which said it would circumvent the denomination’s process on leaving, has relented and allowed its members to vote on the exit. It also has agreed to pay the required departure fees…
Can pastors please stop salivating over women’s bodies in sermons? A response to Jonathan Pokluda’s objectification of the ‘perfect’ woman
Megachurch Pastor Jonathan Pokluda made a splash on Twitter when a three-minute clip of his Jan. 22 sermon went viral. He narrated how, early in his marriage, he ventured to a restaurant with a friend for chips and queso when…