High Court Skeptical of Texas Death Row Inmate Prayer Demand
Conservative Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Tuesday about a Texas death row inmate’s demand that his pastor be allowed to pray out loud and touch him during his execution.
Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Vaccine Exemptions
In this issue of A Public Witness, we roll up our sleeves to examine prominent Christian leaders challenging vaccination mandates. And we warn of the danger of an underlying spiritual-but-not-religious individualism infecting our society.
Southern Baptist Seminary Sues Over Biden Vaccine Mandate
Two Kentucky seminaries filed a legal petition Friday (Nov. 5) to challenge the Biden administration’s private employer vaccination mandate. The Alliance Defending Freedom filed the suit on behalf of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary.
Top U.S. Catholic Bishop Calls Social Justice Movements ‘Pseudo-Religion’
Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, railed against “new social justice movements” during a speech Thursday, decrying them as “pseudo-religions” that ultimately serve as “dangerous substitutes for true religion.”
Foes of Death Penalty Offer Spiritual Support at Executions
After Sister Barbara Battista, a Roman Catholic nun staunchly opposed to the death penalty, agreed to accompany a condemned man at his execution in federal prison, she wondered doubtfully, “Am I just part of this whole killing machine?”
On the Chopping Block
In this edition of A Public Witness we slide into the cultural battle sparked by the World Series to highlight how this moment provides both Christians and our larger society a chance to reckon with an ugly past.
Deep in the Heart of Texas
In this issue of A Public Witness, we strip away the arguments about churches and government regulations. And we peek at the consequences that could arise from this proposed Texas ballot initiative that purports to uphold the freedom to worship but actually compromises principles of religious
The Power of Inoculation
In this issue of A Public Witness, we’ll consider our current context and what we might learn today from the rhetorical approach of an 18th century minister trying to save his flock from the ravages of an ancient disease.
The War on Military Chaplains
In this issue of A Public Witness, we interrogate the arguments about military chaplains in the recent confirmation hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee. We also testify to the proper role of military chaplains and the problems with a misguided, sectarian approach favored by some
Top Democrats Woo Black Churchgoers in Virginia Governor’s ace
Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams on Sunday (Oct. 17) urged Black churchgoers to turn out for Democrat Terry McAuliffe in next month’s Virginia governor’s election, saying that what happens in the most watched race this year will “show the world who we are” in future contests