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Robert D. Cornwall reviews Stepmother: Redeeming a Disdained Vocation by Dorothy C. Bass. The book delivers a deeper understanding of complex family relationships and seeks to redeem a “disdained vocation” through exploring life experiences and offering a word of grace and encouragement to those who find themselves serving as stepmothers.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered under the scorching Texas sun Friday to protest outside the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting, just days after 21 people died in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that has reignited a national debate on gun rights.

Since San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone barred House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving the Eucharist in his jurisdiction last Friday, three other bishops from the conservative wing of the U.S. Catholic Church have followed.

In this edition of A Public Witness, we look at the principalities and powers preventing us from doing something about gun violence, along with the Christian leaders aiding and abetting their cause. Then we denounce the idolatry that demands we sacrifice our children.

In this issue of A Public Witness, we call on state attorneys general to open investigations into Southern Baptist entities and conventions. After reviewing reactions to the Guidepost report, we build our case by examining the precedent set with similar state investigations into the Catholic Church.

Robert D. Cornwall reviews Holy Communion in Contagious Times: Celebrating the Eucharist in the Everyday and Online Worlds by Richard A. Burridge. The book is both a scholarly response and a personal reflection since Burridge draws on his own experiences watching, participating in, and leading online Anglican communion services.

A blockbuster report found that SBC lawyers worked for years to protect the institution and demonized abuse survivors and accused a prominent pastor of abusing a colleague's wife.

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, who oversees the Archdiocese of San Francisco, announced on Friday he is barring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from taking Communion in churches he oversees, citing her support for abortion rights.

Former Vice President Al Gore urged Black interfaith leaders and environmental activists to increase joint efforts to seek solutions to the “twin crises of climate and racial justice.” 

In this issue of A Public Witness, we hop down into this lion’s den to further consider Doug Mastriano, his attacks on the media, and the Christian Nationalism animating his campaign.