Nation

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Sometimes, the most profound truths about humanity — and God — are revealed when we take a small step back. Or rocket ourselves about 238,000 miles into space. Astronaut James Lovell had that epiphany 50 years ago as he became one of the first astronauts to orbit the moon.

The proposed tax plan drafted by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives contains a provision that would repeal the so-called “Johnson Amendment,” according to a Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) email sent out Dec. 11.

As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year in the case Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, In. v. Comer, Missouri taxpayers are footing the bill for new playground surfaces at churches and Christian schools — and that likely means some public schools and city parks did not receive funding.

(RNS) — Hanukkah is meant to mark the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression.

But in the days and weeks leading up to Hanukkah, which began Sunday (Dec. 2), many Jews have felt defeated as a steady wave of anti-Semitic incidents roiled the country.

HOUSTON (AP) — George H.W. Bush, a World War II hero whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94.

PARADISE, Calif. (BP) -- Members of Paradise Ridge Southern Baptist Church have asked pastor Bob Sorensen if they will continue to have a church but not because their building is gone. They ask because the Camp Fire destroyed much of their community.

(RNS) — President Trump signed a proclamation Friday (Nov. 9) barring anyone who enters the United States outside of official border crossings from applying for asylum in the country.

Trump hinted at such plans before the midterms, while discussing a caravan of would-be asylum seekers traveling through Central America toward the United States. 

(RNS) — Muslim women were elected to Congress for the first time. The number of non-religious elected officials expanded. And for the first time in memory an incumbent senator mentioned the upcoming Hindu holiday of Diwali in an acceptance speech.

NASHVILLE (BP) -- Abortion rights, marijuana use and legalized gambling drew mixed results on state ballots across the U.S. Nov. 6.

WASHINGTON (RNS) — A new survey shows a sharp racial and religious divide over whether the actions of President Trump are encouraging white supremacist organizations.