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.
‘Woke Wars’ Infiltrate Christian Colleges, Prof Under Fire for Racial Justice Unit
An English professor at a private Christian university in Florida has been accused of “indoctrinating students.” Samuel Joeckel, who has taught at the university for over 20 years, reports that his contract renewal is being delayed while his lessons on racial justice are reviewed.
Debate Over Allowing Missouri Campus Groups to Limit Membership Focuses on Discrimination
A Missouri bill that would allow religious and other "belief-based" organizations to refuse membership to certain students raised concerns Wednesday evening that it could open the door to discrimination on college campuses, especially against LGBTQ students.
How Far Must Employers Go To Accommodate Workers’ Time Off for Worship? The Supreme Court Will Weigh In
Professor Charles J. Russo explores the context surrounding a U.S. Supreme Court case that will soon address the extent to which employers must make “reasonable accommodations” for the religious beliefs and practices of employees. What exactly that means has been unclear for decades.
Putting ‘God’ in Schools
This issue of A Public Witness offers a quick class on the history of our national motto “In God We Trust” and recent Christian Nationalistic efforts to display it in public schools before considering the elementary flaw with such legislation.
Denying Religious Freedom During an Execution
This issue of A Public Witness explores how Leonard “Raheem” Taylor was killed without a spiritual advisor at his side, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent record of requiring states to allow clergy in the death chamber, and the advocates who were pushing Missouri’s leaders to