UCC HIDDEN HISTORIES

The United Church of Christ has a long history in Connecticut and the United States. If you want to know more about our historical origins, click here .

Are You the One?
Maybe some messiah will arrive someday who agrees that lying on the couch playing solitaire on my phone all day is exactly what they meant by sabbath.
Daydreamers
With nightmares permeating both day and night, it is easy for the words on our tongues to sour. But the beckoning of Advent is to be filled up with God’s dream so we sing with joy.
Tenderly
My family was Lutheran. We always prayed before we ate, ‘Come Lord Jesus, be our guest and let thy gifts to us be blessed.’ Is the time of blessing and gifts already here?
Ready…Or Not
The coming of the Lord is not just about rejoicing, but refinement. Advent is not just a celebratory occasion, but a call for self-examination.
Wondering
If you’re currently fighting with God, if you’re still waiting for the dawn, if you’re still wondering where righteousness is, then you are in the good company.

UCC celebrates Giving Tuesday generosity, maps next medical debt buys
On Giving Tuesday, hundreds of individuals across the life of the wider United Church of Christ joined the denomination’s campaign to forgive medical debt in low income areas across the country. More than $73,000 in gifts were recorded on Dec. 3, far surpassing the UCC’s Giving Tuesday goal of $50,000.
Church World Service to grow UCC/DOC/Brethren Disaster Recovery Support Initiative
A pilot program to help communities launch long-term recovery following disasters is growing ecumenically.
Clarence 'Clip' Higgins, former Conference Minister in Nebraska, dies at 90
The Rev. Clarence "Clip" Higgins, who led the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ from 1986 to 1994, died Nov. 25 in Lincoln, Neb. He was 90.
U.S. detention, asylum policies heighten need for local church help
First Congregational Church, UCC, has a reputation around Old Lyme, Conn., for helping immigrants. It even got national attention in 2018, when The New Yorker magazine profiled a Pakistani family living in protective sanctuary at the church. Now helping a young asylum seeker from Honduras, it's an example of the increasing demand on local churches […]

American Jesus
What would it mean for Christians to find their identity in Christ with an understanding of Christ’s lowliness?
Sidewalk Angels
There have been instances when I have encountered “challenges” and no “sidewalk angel” has appeared. This time one did.
You Too
You touched without permission. You silenced with intention. You were the problem. You are the problem.
Ready, Willing and Able for Peace
When the President told the United Nations that the United States was “ready, willing and able” for such destruction, he meant my husband.
The Lie of White Supremacy
White supremacy is a lie. It prompts us to indulge the theologically, socially, and economically unjustifiable.

Did FBI try to take down Trump? Three questions about DOJ’s report
President Trump has alleged that the FBI’s investigation into his campaign was political. The 434-page report provides answers – and suggests reforms.
FOIA reveals how US government misled public on Afghanistan war
A government report, obtained by The Washington Post via the Freedom of Information Act, quotes officials on how the conflict was misrepresented.
Democrats announce two articles of impeachment against Trump
A vote is expected within days on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, two articles unveiled by House Democrats Tuesday.
Scripps reforms National Spelling Bee rules, reducing wild cards
The 2020 bee will have fewer participants after this year's competition ended in an unprecedented eight-person tie.
Designing life: How college courses in coping are booming
Students flock to happiness classes to help them reflect on the big picture. Are helicopter parents or warp speed change to blame for their stress?

When Teens Abuse Parents, Shame And Secrecy Make It Hard To Seek Help
Most domestic assault offenders are adults, but about 1 in 12 who come to the attention of law enforcement are minors, according to a 2008 study by the U.S. Justice Department. In half of those cases, the victim was a parent, most often the mother.
Among U.S. States, New York’s Suicide Rate Is The Lowest. How’s That?
Suicide rates across the country have been rising for 20 years. That’s true in New York, too, but even so, its rate is about half that of the country as a whole.
Books, Binders, Bleed-Control Kits: How School Shootings Are Changing Classroom Basics
School districts around the country, including in Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas, now require bleeding-control kits and training at their public schools in this era of mass shootings.
Supreme Court Seems Sympathetic To Insurers In Obamacare Case
Justices from the right and left ask whether Congress needs to keep its promises.
‘Food Pharmacies’ In Clinics: When The Diagnosis Is Chronic Hunger
It's hard to manage chronic conditions without a steady source of healthy food. That's why more health care providers are setting up food pantries — right inside hospitals and clinics.

Trump To Sign Order Aimed At Combating Anti-Semitism On College Campuses: Report
The order, which has already sparked backlash online, will effectively interpret Judaism as a race or national identity, The New York Times reported.
Uber Passenger Charged With Hate Crime After Allegedly Assaulting Sikh Driver
The attacker choked the Uber driver while shouting derogatory comments about the victim's "dark skin," Indian heritage, and turban, police say.
Muhammad Appears In Top 10 Baby Name List For The First Time
The popular name for baby boys is a way for Muslim families to honor Islam's final prophet, the Prophet Muhammad.
India Protests Erupt Over Citizenship Bill That Discriminates Against Muslims
The bill would grant citizenship to non-Muslims who came to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan before 2015.
Kamala Harris Leads Senators In Demanding ‘Immediate Removal’ Of Stephen Miller
More than half of Senate Democrats say Miller's “demonstrable white nationalist ideology has been directly translated” into Trump administration policy.

Clergy Celebrate 25 and 50 Year Ordinations
More than 75 people gathered at the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury on December 5 to celebrate the 25th & 50th ordination anniversaries of authorized ministers who have guided churches and congregations, been leaders in the Conference, and who have been chaplains and educators in their communities. The celebration included a special lunch, presentations of […]
Delegate Counts Will Change for Some Churches
Delegates from all three conferences at the November Annual Meeting. The formation of the Southern New England Conference is bringing about a lot of changes, and one may be how many delegates churches should be electing to attend Annual Meeting. According to the bylaws of the new Conference, churches with between 0 and 300 members […]
Ruth Choate Is New Administrator at Silver Lake
By Jennifer Kronholm Clark SHARON – Silver Lake Conference Center is excited to welcome Ruth Choate to the year-round staff as Administrator. Say hi to Ruth Choate, the new Administrator at Silver Lake, when you call or come to camp. If you were at camp in summer 2019, you might recognize Ruth. She served on the […]
Greg and Pam Arifian Leaving CT Conference Staff
One family is leaving the Connecticut Conference - and their departure will leave two big holes on the Conference staff. Greg and Pam Arifian have announced their plans to move to Napa, California with their daughter, Lena. Greg has served as Site Manager at the Silver Lake Conference Center for the past eight years, and […]

RNS Updated Budget — Tuesday, December 10, 2019
EDS NOTE: Sikh-Gurdwara will not be coming today. NEWS STORY RNS-VEGAS-MOSQUE: ‘Mission accomplished’: How one woman built the mosque of her dreams in Vegas LAS VEGAS (RNS) — Four years ... The post RNS Updated Budget — Tuesday, December 10, 2019 appeared first on Religion News Service.
6 people killed, including a police officer, in Jersey City shooting
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (USA Today) — One officer was pronounced dead at a hospital, and three civilians and two gunmen died at a kosher supermarket, Police Chief Mike Kelly said at a news conference. The post 6 people killed, including a police officer, in Jersey City shooting appeared first on Religion News Service.
Actor Mark Ruffalo blends film and faith-fueled activism in ‘Dark Waters’
(RNS) — The actor said his own diverse faith background, not only motivated him to take on the starring role in "Dark Waters" and to produce the film, but it has also grounded his activism over the years. The post Actor Mark Ruffalo blends film and faith-fueled activism in ‘Dark Waters’ appeared first on Religion News […]
Religion News Foundation welcomes interim leader
NEW YORK — Religion News Foundation announced today that Jerry Pattengale has been named interim CEO and President of Religion News Foundation (RNF), and CEO and Publisher of its subsidiary ... The post Religion News Foundation welcomes interim leader appeared first on Religion News Service.
Postcards from the Protestant decline in America
A weekend trip to my hometown makes the statistics more personal (and painful): Only about one in five young adults were Protestant in 2018, compared to twice that when I was in high school. The post Postcards from the Protestant decline in America appeared first on Religion News Service.

Indigenous Youth & Elders at COP25 Protest Canada's Support of Dirty Tar Sands Projects
Indigenous women protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday morning to demand action to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls across North America. Madrid police shut down the protest within minutes. On Monday, indigenous youth and elders gathered outside the Canadian Embassy in Madrid to protest the […]
"Listen to Mother Earth": Indigenous Youth Leaders at COP25 in Madrid Protest Fossil Fuel Extraction
"Our movements must be bigger than recycling and braver than holding signs," said Rose Whipple, a member of the Santee Dakota and Ho-Chunk, and youth delegate with SustainUS, who joined a panel of youth climate activists at the United Nations climate summit in Madrid, Spain. Indigenous peoples from Canada and the United States are at […]
Amazonian Forest Protectors Rally Outside COP25 Amid Death of Two Indigenous Chiefs
On Monday, indigenous activists from the Brazilian, Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon rallied outside the COP25 venue to protest the targeting of indigenous forest protectors and the destruction of their lands, known as the "lungs of the Earth." Their protest came just days after two indigenous chiefs, Firmino Prexede Guajajara and Raimundo Guajajara, were gunned down […]
Asad Rehman on the U.K.'s "Climate Election" & Explosive Afghanistan Papers Revelations
We get response from London-based Asad Rehman, executive director of War on Want, on two major news developments: The United Kingdom — which will head the COP next year — is set to vote Thursday in what some are calling "the climate election," and the Washington Post has published a confidential trove of documents that […]
The U.S. Has Almost No Official Presence at COP25 But Is Still "Obstructing Any Progress"
This week, Democracy Now! is broadcasting from inside the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain, where representatives from almost 200 countries have gathered to negotiate solutions to the climate crisis. Known as COP25 for "conference of parties," the summit offers a rare opportunity for all countries, especially those on the frontlines of the […]

'Trump And His Generals' Author: The President Is Now Surrounded By 'Yes Men'
CNN analyst Peter Bergen reflects on Trump's soured relationships with Generals Mattis, McMaster and Kelly. "He's gotten rid of the most competent people he had in his circle," Bergen says.
Todd Marcus Tames The Raucous Bass Clarinet On 'Trio+'
Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio+ is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into.
Alex Borstein On 'Mrs. Maisel' And Being Her Family's 'Comic Relief' As A Kid
Borstein's won back-to-back Emmys for playing a tough, street-wise talent manager on the Amazon series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She says the character reminds her of her mother and grandmother.
Women Dominated 2019: Ken Tucker Picks His Top 10 Albums Of The Year
Lana Del Rey's Norman F****** Rockwell! topped Tucker's list of the best albums of the year, with Lizzo and Billie Eilish running a close second and third.
Fresh Air Weekend: Edward Norton; Best Books; 'Stranger Things' Star David Harbour
Norton discusses urban planning and "slow cooking" his new film, Motherless Brooklyn. Critic Maureen Corrigan offers her 2019 book picks. Harbour talks about living with bipolar disorder.

Christianity Today's 2020 Book Awards
Our picks for the books most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture. When the calendar flips from one decade to the next, we typically see a flurry of articles and blog posts taking stock of the decade just past. What were the defining events, trends, and personalities? Which films, albums, and books left […]
Cambodian Christians’ Government Endorsement Represents a ‘Modern-Day Miracle’
With major gatherings and promises of continued religious freedom protections, evangelists are eager to see the gospel keep spreading in the Buddhist nation. Last weekend the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association held its first rally in Cambodia, with Franklin Graham preaching before thousands in Phnom Penh. Organizers called it a “historic event” and the “perfect time” […]
What If I‘m Not the ‘Submissive’ Type?
I used to be repulsed by Ephesians 5. Then I learned to see Paul’s instructions through a gospel lens. An excerpt from CT’s Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year. Here’s the full list of CT’s 2020 Book Award winners. I was an undergraduate at Cambridge when I first wrestled with Paul’s instruction, in Ephesians, for […]
Christmas Celebrations Canceled in Iraq After Deaths of 400 Protesters
Amid show of solidarity by Chaldean patriarch, some Iraqi Christians hope to lead nation to Jonah-like repentance. Distributing food to protesters with 40 fellow church members under the Jumariyah bridge near Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Ara Badalian made a poignant observation. “This movement is a flood, occupying the hearts of the youth and the poor, […]
The Bible App’s Most Popular Verse of 2019: ‘Do Not Worry’
YouVersion users look for comfort the third year in row, while Bible Gateway’s list includes John 3:16 and multiple psalms. For the third year in a row, YouVersion users clung to exhortations against worry more than any other verses in the Bible. In 2019 YouVersion users read 35.6 billion chapters and listened to 5.6 billion […]

India Defends Divisive Citizenship Bill as It Nears New Vote
The government says it is trying to protect religious minorities from being persecuted in Muslim countries. Indian Muslims say the bill is discriminatory.
Johann Baptist Metz, Theologian of Compassion, Dies at 91
One of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century, he challenged his fellow German Catholics to face the reality of Auschwitz.
Does the Left Need Organized Religion?
A reader says progressives are doing fine without it, and another points out that the Catholic left is often overlooked. Also: Young scholars shouldn’t have to serve as waiters at writers’ retreats.
Thanks, Mom and Dad
In the season of gratitude, several successful people reflect on what they most appreciate learning from their parents.
Inside the War for California’s Cannabis Churches
Illegal marijuana dispensaries outnumber legal ones more than three to one in California. What’s the role of the cannabis church?

The Scientific and Ethical Elements of Human Enhancement
Human enhancement may be just around the corner. How do Americans view these emerging technologies that may one day enhance our human capabilities? The post The Scientific and Ethical Elements of Human Enhancement appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
U.S. Public Wary of Biomedical Technologies to ‘Enhance’ Human Abilities
Americans are more worried than enthusiastic about using gene editing, brain chip implants and synthetic blood to change human capabilities The post U.S. Public Wary of Biomedical Technologies to ‘Enhance’ Human Abilities appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
American Voices on Ways Human Enhancement Could Shape Our Future
Focus group participants discuss biomedical developments that could boost the performance of people’s bodies and brains The post American Voices on Ways Human Enhancement Could Shape Our Future appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
Human Enhancement
The scientific and ethical dimensions of striving for perfection The post Human Enhancement appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
Video: Are science and religion in conflict with each other?
A majority of the public says science and religion often conflict, but fewer say science conflicts with their own beliefs. And highly religious Americans are less likely than others to see conflict between faith and science. The post Video: Are science and religion in conflict with each other? appeared first on Pew Research Center: Internet, […]

Disaster recovery initiative UCC helped form is growing ecumenically
A pilot program to help communities launch long-term recovery following disasters is growing ecumenically. Over the past two years, the disaster ministries of the United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Church of the Brethren have joined forces to pioneer the Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI) in nine states and U.S. territories. Now […]
North Carolina hurricane recovery work sites now receiving volunteers
Volunteers are now being accepted to repair and rebuild homes in Eastern North Carolina. Hurricanes Dorian (2019), Florence (2018), and Matthew (2016) caused severe flooding and wind damage. There are 15 centers accepting volunteers of all skill levels to help repair homes affected by natural disasters.
Help for home and livelihoods restoration after Typhoon Hagibis in Japan
UCC Disaster Ministries just contributed $10,000 toward an ecumenical response through CWS Japan to assist 1,000 families with home and livelihood restoration, volunteer mobilization to clear debris, and capturing of lessons learned for reducing risk in the disasters that are sure to follow as climate change brings more unprecedented destructive weather.
UCC Disaster Ministries aids children displaced by Dorian
UCC Disaster Ministries has contributed $15,000 to support care for 25 orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned children evacuated from Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian destroyed the Children’s Home there.

An Advent Letter of Solidarity with Venezuela
To the members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ: Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. Jeremiah 31:15 (NRSV)
On Human Rights Day, European churches call for the protection of human life
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have endorsed again the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” One of the central concerns of churches is […]
MECC: Kairos Middle East Towards Churches Global Compact
The Theological and Ecumenical Department of the Middle East Council of Churches has launched its process entitled " Kairos Middle East Towards Churches Global Compact " in a first consultation seminar that brought together about 25 experts in theology and geopolitics from Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Cyprus and Jordan. The seminar took place over […]
Update on Centro Romero from Executive Director Carlos Correa Bernier
Carlos Correa Bernier, Executive Director of Centro Romero, was present for the 2019 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the 2019 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. As part of the workshops, Carlos spoke about the current work of Centro Romero.

We have a deal, folks
House Democrats have reached an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement more than two years after the Trump administration started the process of renegotiating NAFTA. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. Plus: robotic produce pickers, the fight over irrigation water and a conversation with the first woman to run an American record company.
Remembering Paul Volcker
Former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker, who helped shape American economic policy for decades, died this morning. Today, we look over his impact on the economy, and recall the time he raised interest rates to 21.5%. Plus: A new innovation that could make recycling more efficient, how to make kids’ entertainment more diverse, and the […]
Let’s do the numbers on Uber’s safety report
Uber reported today that of about 1.3 billion rides in the U.S. last year, there were 3,045 sexual assaults, nine murders and 58 people killed in car crashes. Today, we’re looking at those numbers in the context of Uber’s market share: some 70% of app-based ride services in the U.S. Plus: How Amazon changed Baltimore, […]
UPS and FedEx caught in the holiday hustle and bustle
We’re a week into the official holiday shopping season and, thanks to a late Thanksgiving, some shipping companies are already racing to the finish line. Plus: The end of the WTO as we know it, Sen. Rand Paul’s creative proposal for student loan debt and will 5G live up to the hype?
Where the money from food stamps is actually going
The Trump administration is tightening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or sometimes “food stamps.” The White House says low unemployment should make finding work easy, and the move will save $5.5 billion over the next five years. Today, we follow the money to find out what impacts the […]

United but Not Uniform: Finding Faith at the Women’s Convention
Thousands of women gathered in Detroit over Halloween weekend for the Women’s Convention, a conference meant to build upon the energy of January’s Women’s March—the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Our Women and Girls Campaign Associate Jenna Barnett attended the gathering to learn what role faith played in this Convention. She was surprised by what […]
Black and DACAmented in the U.S.
With the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in limbo, our Associate Web Editor Dhanya Addanki talked to Patrice Lawrence and Mwewa Sumbwe of the UndocuBlack Network about what the end of DACA could mean. This network was founded by undocumented black immigrants who wanted to center the voices of black undocumented people that […]
Can Virtual Reality Rescue Humanity?
Video games have long been dismissed from mainstream audiences as shallow or immature, but can they be something more? Our multimedia editor JP Keenan traveled to the "Games For Change" festival to talk with game designers about the power of "empathy games" and learn about future of virtual reality to see if it's the game […]
How These Christian Activists Are Putting the Death Penalty on Trial
In January 2017, 18 anti-death penalty activists were arrested and taken to jail for protesting against the death penalty on the steps of the supreme court. On this episode, our Associate Web Editor, @dhanyaddanki, talks to three of the 18 arrested death penalty abolitionists about why they fight against capital punishment. @ShaneClaiborne, Derrick Wayne Jamison, and SueZann […]
You Can’t Mute All the Trolls: How to Be a Journalist in 2017
On today's episode, our deputy web editor @chwoodiwiss chats with with journalists @sullivanamy, @dawn_cherie, and @ayshabkhan about something journos usually don’t like talking about: when doing our job becomes too much. We discuss the public's rising suspicion of journalism, dealing with traumatic images, fending off Twitter hate, and—whew—why we still love the work. For more, read our companion piece in […]

Letters to the Editor (Resurrecting this Historical Section): Redefining Anthropology?
Editor’s Note The lifeblood of science and social science is competition among ideas in healthy debate testing scholarly standards and findings. In recent years, as standards have begun to disappear in social science and as journals begin to advocate for doctrine in place of social science and discipline, the opportunity to challenge colleagues (and editors) […]
Returning Discipline to the Discipline: A Model Procedure for Reviews in Anthropology, Social Sciences, and Other Related Disciplines
This piece uses participant observation of and research into disciplinary procedures to reveal that review policies in anthropology, other ‘social sciences’, and related disciplines have become arbitrary and politicised with little to protect professional standards of a discipline and to avoid conflicts of interest that prejudice scholarship. To address the problem, this piece takes the […]
The Nonsense and Non-Science of Political Science: A Politically Incorrect View of ‘Poly-T(r)ic(k)s’
The purpose of this short essay is to highlight the failures in contemporary Political Science by sketching a small model of what the discipline would look like if it were in fact a “discipline” driven by scientific questions and methods responsive to public benefit rather than to indoctrination and control. Rather than simply accept, on […]
An International Legal Scholar’s View on “Is Economics in Violation of International Law? Remaking Economics as a Social Science”
An Ecological Economist’s View on “Is Economics in Violation of International Law? Remaking Economics as a Social Science”
Introduction Is mainstream economics with its many theories and recommendations compatible with international law, such as the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007) or the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development of 1992 (UN Rio Declaration, 1992)? Are globally renowned universities teaching economics in ways that violate international law? Can […]

It’s A Wonderful Life
Click for details The post It’s A Wonderful Life appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2019 Unity Campaign
2019 Unity Campaign: September 11-22 2019 Click Here to Make A On-Line Donation to this year’s campaign Why Is The Unity Campaign So Important? Our Goal is $30,000- Your gift will be boosted by matching funds The post 2019 Unity Campaign appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
Newsletter: Summer 2018
Download Our Summer Newsletter Here The post Newsletter: Summer 2018 appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2019 Run (or Walk) for Shelter
Thank you for supporting the 11th Annual Run (or Walk) for Shelter! For Finisher Times-Click Here The post 2019 Run (or Walk) for Shelter appeared first on The Religious Coalition.
2017 Report to the Community
2017 Report to the Community 2017 was a huge year of growth for us! We turned over a new leaf aesthetically and internally. We hired new talent, and we keep developing in fresh and innovative ways. We expanded programs and pruned old ideas. Our energy was put into changing and growing, moving towards sustainability and longevity […]

5 facts about crime in the U.S.
Both violent and property crime in the U.S. have declined over the long term, but Americans regularly say crime is up. The post 5 facts about crime in the U.S. appeared first on Pew Research Center.
Far more immigration cases are being prosecuted criminally under Trump administration
The first full fiscal year of the Trump administration saw large increases in the number of people arrested and criminally prosecuted for immigration offenses. The post Far more immigration cases are being prosecuted criminally under Trump administration appeared first on Pew Research Center.
Only 2% of federal criminal defendants go to trial, and most who do are found guilty
Trials are rare in the federal criminal justice system: Just 2% of criminal defendants went to trial in 2018. Acquittals are even rarer. The post Only 2% of federal criminal defendants go to trial, and most who do are found guilty appeared first on Pew Research Center.
From police to parole, black and white Americans differ widely in their views of criminal justice system
Attitudes vary considerably by race on issues including crime, policing, the death penalty, parole decisions and voting rights. The post From police to parole, black and white Americans differ widely in their views of criminal justice system appeared first on Pew Research Center.
The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking
Blacks have long outnumbered whites in U.S. prisons. But a significant decline in the number of black prisoners has narrowed the gap. The post The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking appeared first on Pew Research Center.

PBS NewsHour: Russia’s war in Ukraine leads to historic split in the Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church in Ukraine has been under the authority of Moscow since 1686. Until the 2014 war with Russia, that situation bothered few. Now a growing number of congregations, approximately 500 so far, have joined a new independent Ukrainian … More → The post PBS NewsHour: Russia’s war in Ukraine leads to historic split […]
PBS NewsHour: Following Father Theodore Hesburgh through Civil Rights era
The new documentary, “Hesburgh,” explores the life of Father Theodore Hesburgh, who served as a long-time president of the University of Notre Dame and is recognized now as one of the most important civic and educational leaders of the 20th … More → The post PBS NewsHour: Following Father Theodore Hesburgh through Civil Rights era […]
VIDEO: California’s first Muslim judge on faith and public service
Justice Halim Dhanidina was recently elevated to California’s Courts of Appeal, making him the state’s most senior judge of Muslim faith. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent David Tereshchuk talks with Dhanidina about engaging with supporters and critics alike, and setting an … More → The post VIDEO: California’s first Muslim judge on faith and public service […]
America’s Foremost Muslim Judge
America’s Foremost Muslim Judge By David Tereshchuk It wasn’t exactly a surprise for Halim Dhanidina to get a call in 2012 from California Governor Jerry Brown’s office saying he’d been picked to serve as a judge on the state’s Superior … More → The post America’s Foremost Muslim Judge appeared first on Religion & Ethics […]
The relationship between science and religion
The friction between science and religion goes back centuries. While the conflict often lies in beliefs and research, the common ground between the two is sometimes left unexplored. Researchers dive deeper into this debate. The post The relationship between science and religion appeared first on Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

Trump To Sign Order Aimed At Combating Anti-Semitism On College Campuses: Report
The order, which has already sparked backlash online, will effectively interpret Judaism as a race or national identity, The New York Times reported.
Uber Passenger Charged With Hate Crime After Allegedly Assaulting Sikh Driver
The attacker choked the Uber driver while shouting derogatory comments about the victim's "dark skin," Indian heritage, and turban, police say.
Muhammad Appears In Top 10 Baby Name List For The First Time
The popular name for baby boys is a way for Muslim families to honor Islam's final prophet, the Prophet Muhammad.
India Protests Erupt Over Citizenship Bill That Discriminates Against Muslims
The bill would grant citizenship to non-Muslims who came to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan before 2015.
Kamala Harris Leads Senators In Demanding ‘Immediate Removal’ Of Stephen Miller
More than half of Senate Democrats say Miller's “demonstrable white nationalist ideology has been directly translated” into Trump administration policy.

Meet the Pastor Who Performs Exorcisms Over Skype
Evangelical Pastor Bob Larson performs physical exorcisms on people who believe they’re possessed by the devil. But because this is the 21st century, he also performs them over Skype. Larson has built a business by exorcising demons via video chat, using hand gestures–like crossing people’s foreheads by waving his pointer finger in front of the […]
We’re Gonna Let You Finish, Christianity, But Yeezianity Is The Best Religion OF ALL TIME
In a track off his 2013 album Yeezus, Kanye West requested that we a) hurry up with his damn croissants and then b) remember that he is a God. An anonymous group of people have taken that song pretty literally, it seems, because they’ve formed an official religion centered around Kanye called Yeezianity. According to its website, […]
Here’s an Interactive Birthday Card for the Pope’s 77th Birthday
People who visit the English version of the Vatican’s website today will see a 32-page interactive pop up that says “Best Wishes, Holy Father” in honor of Pope Francis’s 77th birthday, The Guardian reports. Viewers hear a “whoosh” sound as they click through this compilation of photos of the Pontiff and some of his most inspirational quotes […]
The Grand Canyon Will Make You Believe in God
Calling all churches, Planet Earth is your new marketing tool. Though the BBC’s nature-focused series is far from a religious promotional video, a new study shows that Americans who watch Planet Earth are more likely to believe in a god or a higher power, the Independent reports. In a new study published in the journal Psychological Science, scientists asked a […]
Atheists Embrace Megachurch-Style Services
While evangelical Christians are known for celebrating faith in God at mega-churches, now atheists are celebrating their lack of faith in God in a “mega-church” setting. The Associated Press profiled the Sunday Assembly, a movement started in London in January 2013 that’s spearheaded by two British comedians, Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, who are bringing atheists together in […]