Church Isn’t Like a Manicure
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reacts to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on coronavirus restrictions and worship. He argues a majority of the justices wrongly compare worship gatherings to commercial activities.
High Court Creates New Religious Exemption to COVID Rules in California
In an unsigned order from the Supreme Court’s “shadow docket” late Friday (April 9), five justices on the high court ordered California to lift restrictions on religious gatherings in homes — even as the same restrictions remain on any other gatherings in homes.
Alabama Revises Voter Form with Religious Oath, Lawsuit Ends
An atheist group asked a judge Wednesday to end its federal lawsuit against the state of Alabama since officials have revised its voter registration forms, which required an oath to God.
Appeals Court Rules Against Football Coach in School Prayer Case
A U.S. appeals court ruled against a high school football coach who claimed his former school district violated his rights by dismissing him for leading students in prayer.
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.
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.
The Democratic Sin of Congressional Chaplains
Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor argues in this guest piece at Roll Call that the historic appointment of U.S. House Chaplain Margaret Kibben obscures need to abolish antiquated position. Read full piece
Trump Eases Rules for Religious Social Service Providers
The Trump administration on Monday moved to loosen restrictions on religious organizations that receive federal money to provide social services. The administration said it was clearing barriers that it claimed make it difficult for religious groups to participate in federal programs.
On the 1st Day of Christmas … Teachers Got a Legal Headache Over Blurring the Line Between Church & State
The Supreme Court has yet to set clear parameters about how religious holidays can be celebrated in public schools and whether granting access to all faith traditions is either constitutionally necessary or acceptable.
Why Do So Few Clergy Serve in Congress?
As Rev. Raphael Warnock, the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, campaigns for the U.S. Senate, it raises questions about religion in politics. Why do so few clergy serve in Congress? And what kind of effect might this have on the priorities and policies