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.
Historical Echoes as Black Baptist Assumes U.S. Senate Seat
When Rev. Raphael Warnock joined the U.S. Senate, he assumed a seat previously held by Joseph Emerson Brown, an infamous White Southern Baptist politician who enslaved Black people. But to get to that position, Warnock had to overcome criticisms from a new generation of Southern Baptists.
Jen Hatmaker Apologizes for Line in Inaugural Prayer Critiqued as Erasing Native Americans
Jen Hatmaker was “proud” to offer the final prayer in the liturgy for the inaugural interfaith prayer service Thursday hosted virtually by the Washington National Cathedral. The popular Christian author, speaker and podcaster has also apologized for it — at least for the first line of the prayer.
Americans Who Live, Work, or Worship Near Capitols See Peace, New Hope
More than most people, Americans who work, live, or worship near state capitol buildings will have front-row seats on whether the change of leadership Wednesday in the White House will lead to a lessening of tension that has been afflicting the nation.
Baptist Group: Muslim & African Travel Ban Repeal is a ‘Victory for Faith Freedom’
On his first day as president, Joe Biden signed several executive orders to undo Trump administration actions. One order signed by Biden on Wednesday repealed the previous administration’s Muslim and African travel ban — a move that BJC quickly praised.