Missouri Blocks Spiritual Advisor Request for Prison Pastor’s Execution
With the execution of Lance Shockley approaching, this issue of A Public Witness unpacks the debate over his religious freedom rights for his final moments.
Judge Bars ICE From Taking Some Violent Actions Against Religious Activists, Journalists
The suit was primarily brought by journalists who allege they have been targeted by federal agents, but the list of plaintiffs also included the Rev. David Black, a Chicago-area Presbyterian minister.
In Chicago, Clergy and Faith-Based Protesters Say ICE Is Threatening Their Religious Freedom
Despite potential danger, religious leaders and faith activists have been a visible presence at Chicago-area ICE protests, some waving signs with slogans such as ‘Love thy neighbor’ and ‘Who would Jesus deport?’
Deportation Flight to Iran Included Christians at Risk
The Trump administration’s deportation of more than a hundred Iranians held in ICE custody includes Christian converts and other religious minorities who may face harsh penalties for their religious beliefs upon return.
Defending America’s Best Idea
In the first of a three-part special podcast series produced in partnership with Moravian Theological Seminary, Randall Balmer discusses how church-state separation has been good for both government and religion.
Pastor Pushing MAGA Conspiracy Theories Chosen as Public School Chaplain
This issue of A Public Witness heads to the land of swamps and alligators to see what public school ‘chaplains’ look like in practice.
Defense Secretary Hegseth Tests Constitution in Pentagon Worship Services
Speaking at a recent worship service at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the US needs to be ‘in prayer, on bended knee, recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’
Summit Challenges Christian Nationalist Attacks on Public Schools
This issue of A Public Witness takes you to the heart of Texas to consider the promise of public education and church-state separation.
Another Sign of Hawley’s Christian Nationalism
As Sen. Josh Hawley makes a push to require every federal building across the country to post “In God We Trust,” this issue of A Public Witness looks back at the real history of our national motto.
Oklahoma Catholic Leaders Scrap Religious Charter School Plans, Announce Private Online School
After their pursuit of taxpayer school funding failed to get approval from the U.S. Supreme Court, the plans to open St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School have been canceled.