Review: This Is Going to Hurt
In “This Is Going to Hurt: Following Jesus in a Divided America,” Bekah McNeel analyzes the narratives surrounding six hot-button issues — immigration, COVID, abortion, critical race theory, gun violence, and climate change.
Seeking ‘Advent Not Arms,’ Global Christian Leaders Demand End of Arms Sales to Israel
A letter with more than 200 signatories, organized by Churches for Middle East Peace in the United States and Embrace the Middle East in the United Kingdom, was provided to A Public Witness ahead of its formal release today.
Christians in Syria Mark Country’s Transformation With Tears As UN Envoy Urges an End to Sanctions
Many Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population before Syria’s civil war, either fled the country or supported Assad out of fear of Islamist insurgents.
American Pilgrim Imprisoned in Assad’s Syria Calls His Release From Prison a ‘Blessing’
Travis Timmerman of Urbana, Missouri, said he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence.
Ohio Could Mandate Public Schools To Allow Third-Party Religious Ed During School Day
School boards would be required to permit Christian groups and the Satanic Temple alike to provide off-campus instruction.
Black Denomination Upholds Stance Against Same-Sex Marriage. A Gay Pastor in Its Ranks Seeks Change
Rev. Jennifer S. Leath hopes to help her denomination avoid the schisms that ruptured many mainline Protestant denominations as they dismantled LBGTQ+ bans.
Faith Leaders Express Dismay Amid Report Trump Will Allow Immigration Raids at Churches
‘I have 30 kids in a Sunday school class — I don’t know who is documented and undocumented,’ said one Latino pastor.
Pope Francis Makes Jubilee Year Appeal To End Hunger, Debt Woes and Death Penalty
The pope’s appeal was made for the World Day of Peace, coinciding with the launch of the 2025 Jubilee year.
Make Herod Great Again?
This issue of A Public Witness reconsiders King Herod to move beyond a flat, culture wars depiction of the religious-nationalism-pushing ruler.
Faith Leaders, Activists, the Pope Urge Biden To Empty Federal Death Row Before Trump Term
Activists and faith leaders hope to save the lives of 40 federal death row inmates, fearing Donald Trump would authorize an ‘execution spree’ after taking office.