Lead story
Editor's note:
A survey by the National Association of Evangelicals found that 95% of evangelical leaders planned to get inoculated against COVID-19. But theologian Curtis Chang, who has pastored churches and is on the faculty at Duke Divinity School, said that number hasn’t translated into widespread advocacy from the pulpit.
“I would say that the vast majority are paralyzed or silent because of how polarized it has been,” said Chang, in a recent story by Associated Press writer Jay Reeves.
As the delta variant spreads rapidly across the Bible Belt, Reeves explores how pastors in the region are both helping and hurting efforts to get more people vaccinated.
Religion News
Refugee aid groups criticize Biden for stumbles in evacuating ‘desperate’ Afghans
Leaders of faith-based resettlement agencies called the administration's visa process for American allies 'impractical,' and 'now it's impossible.' By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service
A key voice in pushing the SBC toward a long-awaited reckoning, Williams' defamation complaint appears aimed at demanding policy changes. By Megan Botel/Religion News Service
NY let childhood sex abuse victims sue; 9,000 went to court
New York temporarily set aside its usual time limit on civil lawsuits to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue churches, hospitals, schools, camps, scout groups and other institutions and people they hold responsible. The window closed Saturday after thousands of lawsuits were filed. By Michael Hill/The Associated Press
Religious health care providers win injunction on ACA rules
A federal judge issued a permanent injunction on behalf of religious health care providers who feared the Biden administration would interpret the Affordable Care Act as requiring them to perform abortions or gender-transition treatment. By Peter Smith/The Associated Press
Commentary and Analysis
A political philosopher argues why the current situation in Afghanistan should weigh heavy on the American conscience. By Michael Blake for The Conversation
I beg anyone reading this who is not vaccinated to prayerfully consider getting vaccinated. But your conscience comes before all else. By Charles C. Camosy/Religion News Service
Megachurches and the men who lead them can be superrich. So why don't the IRS and local authorities see a cent in taxes? A scholar explains. By Ryan Cragun for The Conversation
Warrior, servant, mother, unifier – the Virgin Mary has played many roles through the centuries
Mary has acquired popularity among celebrities of late. A religion scholar writes about how for nearly 2,000 years, the Virgin has been viewed as an exemplar by different Christian groups. By Eric Vanden Eykel for The Conversation
Traditional Indian wrestlers engage in a bout during Nag Panchami festival in Prayagraj, India, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. Every year, the wrestlers offer prayers and hold bouts to mark the festival, which is primarily dedicated to the worship of snakes. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
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- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
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