Thoughts & Prayers (& Blood)
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the divergent behaviors of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on political issues before considering the protesters at an official prayer vigil in Allen, Texas, on Sunday.
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.”
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."
Putting God on the School Board
In this issue of A Public Witness, we offer a review for the test about the cultural and political forces targeting public education. Then we open up a new chapter about how Christians have added to this political polarization before answering the essay question about the
Interfaith Leaders Join Protest Outside NRA Meeting in Houston
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered under the scorching Texas sun Friday to protest outside the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting, just days after 21 people died in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that has reignited a national debate on gun rights.
High Court: States Must Allow Prayer, Touch in Executions
The Supreme Court said Thursday that states must grant the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their pastors pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.
Matthew Dowd Stakes His Run for Texas Lieutenant Governor on Kindness & Faith
Can a Democrat find the right mix of interfaith values voters to get him over the top in Texas? A former Republican aide and political pundit hopes to find out next year.
High Court Skeptical of Texas Death Row Inmate Prayer Demand
Conservative Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Tuesday about a Texas death row inmate’s demand that his pastor be allowed to pray out loud and touch him during his execution.
Deep in the Heart of Texas
In this issue of A Public Witness, we strip away the arguments about churches and government regulations. And we peek at the consequences that could arise from this proposed Texas ballot initiative that purports to uphold the freedom to worship but actually compromises principles of religious
Texas Man Gets Execution Delay Over Pastor’s Touch Request
A Texas death row inmate won a reprieve Wednesday (Sept. 8) evening from execution for killing a convenience store worker during a 2004 robbery that garnered $1.25 after claiming the state was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him