US faith-based groups challenge Trump orders in two court cases

Washington DC, US RNS More than two dozen religious groups pushed back on President Donald Trump’s actions and executive orders, filing two lawsuits a day apart challenging the President’s attempt to effectively freeze the federal refugee resettlement program and defending a rule that prevents immigration law enforcement agencies from raiding houses of worship and other […]
US Speaker Mike Johnson pushing to replace House chaplain

Washington DC, US RNS US House Speaker Mike Johnson has launched an effort to select a new House chaplain, working with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on a framework to select a new person to fill the post just days after the current chaplain offered a 6th January prayer asking God to help lawmakers defend against […]
US election: These evangelicals are voting their values – by backing Kamala Harris

CURTIS YEE and TIFFANY STANLEY, of Associated Press, report on how a small and diverse coalition of evangelicals is looking to pull their fellow believers away from the former President Donald Trump to support Kamala Harris…
Southern Baptists: After a slew of controversies, the SBC turns to a low-key leader to keep things cool

YONAT SHIMRON, of Religion News Service, reports that Clint Pressley does not have a national following or a big social media presence. As SBC president, his goal is to tone down the acrimony…
United States: Bills to enhance religion in schools spur fights between faiths

JACK JENKINS, of Religion News Service, reports that as lawmakers push faith-focused education bills, the statutes are facing pushback from an unexpected source: other religious people…
“Why I Left the Church”: Meet the US pastor behind that “quitting the church” essay

A pastor’s last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church. BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, reports…
In the US, reparations campaign takes new forms with Bible study, Juneteenth march

United States RNS The long campaign for reparations for slavery in the United States has taken numerous forms. Members of Congress have supported a commission to study the matter. Pastor Les Robinson interacts with members of the congregation at The Sanctuary Church on Sunday, 14th May, 2023, in Santa Clarita, California. For Black Californians who […]
Conversations: John Blake, journalist on religion and race, goes personal with new memoir

“We really need to tell these stories about hope. There’s a lot of Americans now who have given up…and believe racism is just a permanent part of American life.” ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, speaks with Blake…
Advent: With race in mind, Christians reconsider language of dark and light

EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports on the growing number of Christians who are having conversations around Advent imagery of dark and light…
US Christian leaders asked January 6 committee to investigate Christian nationalism

Washington DC, US RNS A group of prominent Christian leaders, including the heads of major denominations, say they submitted a letter earlier this year to the House select committee investigating the 6th January attack on the US Capitol, urging members to examine Christian nationalism and arguing the ideology played a crucial role in the insurrection. […]