Religion News Service – Jana Riess

• The Satanic Temple is a real religion, says IRS April 25, 2019
  (RNS) — The Satanic Temple says it was recently recognized as a church by the IRS. The group, which is nontheistic and argues religion can be 'divorced' from superstition, has said it should have the same rights and protections as other religious groups. The post The Satanic Temple is a real religion, says IRS appeared […]
  Menachem Wecker
• Practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions fear increasing intolerance under Bolsonaro April 25, 2019
  SAO PAULO (RNS) — During his campaign, Brazil's new president unapologetically dismissed the concerns of Afro-Brazilian communities, announcing at one point, 'The state is Christian and the minority will have to change.' The post Practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions fear increasing intolerance under Bolsonaro appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Eduardo Campos Lima
• Bookmobile, groceries and relationships help niche bookstore stay afloat April 24, 2019
  SPOKANE, Wash. (RNS) — As major Christian bookstore chains fold, niche faith-based bookstores look for creative ways to survive and thrive. The post Bookmobile, groceries and relationships help niche bookstore stay afloat appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Bob Smietana
• MoveOn co-founder: Seeing the divinity in everyone might give our politics a new start April 24, 2019
  (RNS) — When we cut each other off, we deepen our division and we make our world smaller and our opportunities to learn, fewer. The post MoveOn co-founder: Seeing the divinity in everyone might give our politics a new start appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Joan Blades
• Aretha Franklin sings sweet sounds, recalls roots in ‘Amazing Grace’ documentary April 24, 2019
  (RNS) — The long-awaited documentary was delayed for almost five decades in part because of technical issues. The post Aretha Franklin sings sweet sounds, recalls roots in ‘Amazing Grace’ documentary appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Adelle M. Banks
• As Sudanese protesters demand democracy, Catholic bishop pushes for freedom of worship April 24, 2019
  NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — While cheered by the role Christians have played in liberating the largely Muslim country from its dictator, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku wants to see the laws that impede religious freedom change as well. The post As Sudanese protesters demand democracy, Catholic bishop pushes for freedom of worship appeared first on […]
  Paul O'Donnell
• Religion News Service, AP and The Conversation launch global religion journalism initiative April 24, 2019
  NEW YORK  — Religion News Foundation (RNF), Religion News Service (RNS), The Associated Press (AP) and The Conversation announced today the creation of a global religion journalism initiative, an effort to expand religion news reporting in the U.S. and around the world. This initiative includes the creation of a joint global religion news desk aimed […]
  RNS Press Release Distribution Service
• Is there a war against Christianity? April 24, 2019
  Fewer people living with faith. More people dying for faith. A sacred paradox. The post Is there a war against Christianity? appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Jeffrey Salkin
• Craig Gross opens conversation about Christians using cannabis April 24, 2019
  Podcast Host, Author and Christian Leader Announces His Latest Resource, ‘Christian Cannabis’ PASADENA, Calif. — Craig Gross, author, Craig Brain podcast host and founder of XXXchurch.com, is spearheading dialogue based on his own experience and conversations with Christian leaders around the nation regarding marijuana use among Christians. Through his new website, christiancannabis.com, Gross wants to […]
  RNS Press Release Distribution Service
• Civil rights advocates drop lawsuit against Oklahoma’s ‘Muslim-free’ gun range April 24, 2019
  (RNS) — The gun shop owners say 'terrorists,' and not Muslims, were the true object of their ban. The post Civil rights advocates drop lawsuit against Oklahoma’s ‘Muslim-free’ gun range appeared first on Religion News Service.
  Aysha Khan