Trump tells prayer breakfast he wants to root out “anti-Christian bias” and urges “bring God back”
Washington DC, US AP President Donald Trump said Thursday that he wants to root out “anti-Christian bias” in the US, announcing that he was forming a taskforce led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the “targeting” of Christians. Speaking at a pair of events in Washington surrounding the the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump said the […]
“A shining example”: Religious leaders praise the late former President Jimmy Carter
Washington DC, US RNS A broad array of religious and political leaders across the country issued outpourings of support for former President Jimmy Carter following news of his death, heaping praise on the evangelical Christian Democrat known for teaching Sunday School and being unapologetic about his faith. Among the first to mourn the passing of […]
In the US state of Oklahoma, state superintendent orders schools to teach the Bible in grades five through 12
Oklahoma City, US AP Oklahoma’s top education official this week ordered public schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades five through 12, the latest effort by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms. The directive drew immediate condemnation from civil rights groups and supporters of the separation of church and state, with some calling […]
Biden administration finalises rule on religious liberty protections
United States RNS Nine agencies of the Biden administration have finalised a new rule that officials say will improve religious freedom by protecting the rights of beneficiaries of social services funded by the government. In particular, the rule will affect those receiving help from the many social service providers that are faith-based and will ensure […]
Church-state separation: Alabama Chief Justice’s Christian reasoning in IVF opinion sparks alarm for some, rejoicing for others
PETER SMITH and TIFFANY STANLEY, of Associated Press, look at responses to the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are considered children…
Essay: In the US, Christian nationalists have provoked a pluralist resistance
RUTH BRAUNSTEIN, director of the Meanings of Democracy Lab at the University of Connecticut, says, in an article first published on Religion New Service, that those fighting for democracy should be making headlines, too…
US: IN BATTLE OVER PROTESTANT-ONLY FOSTER CARE AGENCY, LAWSUIT ASKS “WHO IS A CHRISTIAN”?
YONAT SHIMRON, of Religion News Service, reports…
Essay: Trump’s evangelical pander – a sin or violation of the law?
US religion and politics commentator JACOB LUPFER, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says US President Donald Trump’s focus on evangelical Protestants – and especially those who support him unconditionally – is problematic in many ways…
Evangelicals’ White House meetings illegal, church-state watchdog says
RNS A church-state watchdog is demanding a halt to meetings between the Trump administration and an informal group of evangelical advisers who have proved to be among the President’s staunchest supporters. Americans United for Separation of Church and State said the group is violating the Federal Advisory Committee Act, a 1972 law that provides transparency […]
US campaign to blitz the country with ‘In God We Trust’ laws takes root
RNS As the summer heat waxes and state legislative sessions wane, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation has scored a few small but significant victories. This year, five state legislatures passed laws mandating that every public school prominently display the US motto, “In God We Trust.” The addition of Arkansas, which passed such a law in […]