RNS Morning Report - Paxton v. Talarico: a fight over faith in Texas

Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters   In Texas, Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are asking voters to choose between two dramatically different views of Christianity.   Paxton’s version insists conservative Christian values — such as protecting the unborn and preserving the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage — must prevail.   Talarico’s Christianity celebrates pluralism, affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and believes God transcends all partisan divisions.   Both candidates for U.S. Senate say their politics are informed by their faith, and both have questioned the other’s understanding of Christianity. Both candidates have also been criticized for falling short of being an authentic or true Christian — Talarico for his progressive Christian message, and Paxton for two alleged extramarital affairs.   Their clash reflects a long-running debate over who, if anyone, gets to claim the Bible, define Christian values and invoke God in political life. RNS reporter Ellie Ashby brings you the highlights from Paxton and Talarico’s campaigns, speeches and social media.         Top Stories Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — In a state where two-thirds of the adult population identifies as Christian and 45% say religion is 'very important' in their life, the candidates are asking voters to choose between two dramatically different views of Christianity. ICE detained Adventist pastor at Houston airport, church says he has legal work authorization (RNS) — Pastor Luis Morales Pérez is at least the third Texas pastor detained by ICE at an airport in the last month amid a mass deportation campaign spreading to airports. With three prisoners scheduled for execution, southern churches toll their bells (RNS) — Faith-based anti-death penalty activists have used the bell-tolling tactic throughout the country in various waves. Opinion The Episcopal Church is a story of renewal, not decline (RNS) — Ours is a story of renewal and change, not decline and death. The invitation is simply to say so, plainly, and to live it across our communities and neighborhoods. ICYMI Pope Leo hat giveaway turns White Sox game into the church of baseball CHICAGO (RNS) — After three terrible years, the White Sox are in the midst of a revival — with good young players and perhaps a little divine intervention. The team's best-known fan is Pope Leo XIV. ‘A gift rather than a curse’: Married couples in ministry navigate sacred, secret spaces (RNS) — 'We too can have rough patches in our marriage,' said the Rev. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of an Atlanta-area megachurch where is wife is an executive pastor. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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