Alabama Cancels Execution After Court Requires Pastor
An Alabama inmate on Thursday won a reprieve from a scheduled lethal injection after the U.S. Supreme Court said the state must allow his personal pastor in the death chamber.
New Arkansas Law Exempts Churches from Pandemic Restrictions
A new act signed by Arkansas’s governor on Wednesday (Feb. 10) would prevent the governor or other state or local officials from enacting restrictions on houses of worship and religious groups during a public health crisis.
Senate Resolution Would Condemn 1852 Missouri Supreme Court Decision in Dred Scott Case
A resolution heard Tuesday (Feb. 9) in the Missouri Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, and Ethics Committee states “that the times have once again changed and we declare the March 22, 1852, Missouri Supreme Court Dred Scott decision is fully and entirely renounced.”
Baylor & Southwestern Baptist Regain Control of Texas Foundation After Failed ‘Coup’
Two Texas Baptist schools have regained control over a Texas foundation established by a long-time benefactor. The two schools filed suit in September, alleging trustees of the Texas-based Harold E. Riley Foundation were part of a “coup” to divert support away from the schools.
Supreme Court Splits on California’s Pandemic Restrictions on Churches
The U.S. Supreme Court is telling California that it can’t bar indoor church services because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it can keep for now a ban on singing and chanting indoors.
Secular Groups Praise Biden’s Agenda But Express Concerns About Religious Rhetoric
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Like many on the political left, the leaders of secular-oriented advocacy organizations have celebrated early actions by President Joe Biden. It’s Biden’s words that have rankled many in the secularist community.
Iowa Judge: Mask Policy Didn’t Violate Worker’s Religious Rights
An Iowa judge has denied unemployment benefits for a dental technician who cited religious reasons for refusing to wear a face mask intended to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
Satanic Temple Sues Boston Over Opening Prayer Policy
The Satanic Temple has sued Boston after the city council declined to allow Satanists to deliver an invocation at the start of its meetings. The Salem-based group said Tuesday that the council’s policy for its opening prayer is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Some Southern Baptist Pastors are Calling Kamala Harris ‘Jezebel.’ What Do They Mean?
It didn’t take long after the inauguration of the nation’s first woman vice president for some pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention to start comparing her to the Bible’s most nefarious woman. Two days, to be exact.
Christianity on Display at Capitol Riot Sparks New Debate
The Christian imagery and rhetoric on view during this month’s Capitol insurrection are sparking renewed debate about the societal effects of melding Christian faith with an exclusionary breed of nationalism.