In Texas, Republicans Push Bills Aimed at Enhancing Faith’s Role in School
Cantor Sheri Allen, co-founder of the Jewish congregation Makom Shelanu, called the bills a “blatant violation of the separation of church and state.”
Abortion Pill Rulings Undermine Religious Freedom, Interfaith Leaders Say
Multiple faith groups object to Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk’s ruling on mifepristone, saying it is motivated by a sectarian version of Christianity that tramples over their beliefs.
Remembering the Sabbath … in Court
With the issue of honoring the Sabbath coming to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, this issue of A Public Witness previews the case and explores the issue of Sabbath observance as something more than just attending church, having a nice meal, and watching a game
The Foundation Seeking to Spread Christian Education With State Support
The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation has awarded grants to schools that exclude LGBTQ students and families and paid for creationist science teacher training.
Can a Teacher Put John 3:16 in Email Signature? District Says No; Her Lawyers Say Yes
An official of a Virginia school district said its ‘determination is not based on any particular religious viewpoint.’
Narrow ‘Religious Freedom’ Gains Traction in Texas
Multigenerational Texan and seminarian Christopher Symms details the religious aspects of the political fight in his state over what Governor Greg Abbott calls the “woke agendas in schools."
Court Rehears Case To Protect Oak Flat, an Apache Sacred Site in Arizona
In a move the Arizona Republic has called unusual, a full panel of 11 judges reheard oral arguments in the case of Apache Stronghold v. United States on Tuesday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
State Lawmakers Push for Priests to Report Abuse Learned About in Confessional
Catholic leaders are pushing back against efforts to alter state laws that exempt clergy from reporting child abuse they hear about during the sacrament of confession, arguing the changes will force priests to choose between the law and their faith.
Baptist Joint Committee Gains Faith and Justice Center, Grows Religious Liberty Work
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is acquiring the Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation in a move its leaders say will help them broaden efforts to support a more universal range of religious freedoms in the country.
When Prayer Isn’t the Answer
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the reinvigorated crusade by politicians across the country to push official, government prayer in schools. And then this class session ends with an explanation of why a common remark about gun violence in schools is dead wrong.