The Christian right frequently exploits accusations of religious persecution to distract from the consequences of their political actions, particularly those related to the Trump administration and its policies. When anti-racism activists protested a church with ties to ICE, the church leadership and its allies falsely portrayed the event as an act of religious oppression. This response, along with the church’s promotion of controversial teachings, revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing their right to avoid criticism over addressing the impact of their actions on marginalized communities, as demonstrated by their opposition to criticism of ICE’s operations. The article suggests this narrative serves to shield the church from scrutiny, emphasizing that religious freedom should not be a barrier to questioning a church’s teachings, especially when those teachings promote or enable harm to others.
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In response to recent events, New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld has warned clergy to prepare for a potential “new era of martyrdom” and to finalize their affairs. The bishop’s comments were made at a vigil honoring Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer. Hirschfeld cited historical examples of clergy who risked their lives to protect others. Other religious leaders have also called for Christians to protect the vulnerable, emphasizing love and resistance amid the current climate.
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In a surprise statement posted online, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially invade Nigeria, a key U.S. ally in Africa. This announcement followed his declaration that Nigeria may be considered a “country of particular concern” due to alleged inaction regarding attacks on Christians by Islamic extremist groups. Trump’s threat, potentially motivated by claims of religious persecution, threatens to halt aid and potentially involve military action. The current Nigerian government has responded by stating that religious tolerance is a core tenet of the nation’s identity and that Trump’s characterization of the country does not reflect reality.
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A GOP representative’s call for a bishop’s deportation after a prayer service at which the bishop appealed for mercy and compassion towards marginalized groups has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The representative’s suggestion, made in response to the bishop’s impassioned plea, highlights a growing chasm in the political landscape.
This incident underscores a disturbing trend: the increasing willingness to silence dissenting voices through threats of punitive action. The bishop’s message, focused on empathy for vulnerable populations – including LGBTQ+ children and undocumented immigrants – was met not with dialogue, but with a demand for her removal from the country.
The implications of such a suggestion are deeply unsettling.… Continue reading
India has recently implemented a controversial Citizenship Amendment Act that has sparked debates and discussions worldwide. The law provides a fast-track to citizenship for immigrants from neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but with one major caveat – they must not be Muslim. The act specifically targets religious minorities persecuted on religious grounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. The real intention behind this law is to offer refuge to those who have faced discrimination and violence in their home countries.
However, the way this legislation has been portrayed in the media is both misleading and divisive.… Continue reading
Shame and Tax: The Case Against Pro-ICE Churches
The Christian right frequently exploits accusations of religious persecution to distract from the consequences of their political actions, particularly those related to the Trump administration and its policies. When anti-racism activists protested a church with ties to ICE, the church leadership and its allies falsely portrayed the event as an act of religious oppression. This response, along with the church’s promotion of controversial teachings, revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing their right to avoid criticism over addressing the impact of their actions on marginalized communities, as demonstrated by their opposition to criticism of ICE’s operations. The article suggests this narrative serves to shield the church from scrutiny, emphasizing that religious freedom should not be a barrier to questioning a church’s teachings, especially when those teachings promote or enable harm to others.
Read More
New Hampshire Clergy Prepare for Potential “Era of Martyrdom” Amid Political Tensions
In response to recent events, New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld has warned clergy to prepare for a potential “new era of martyrdom” and to finalize their affairs. The bishop’s comments were made at a vigil honoring Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer. Hirschfeld cited historical examples of clergy who risked their lives to protect others. Other religious leaders have also called for Christians to protect the vulnerable, emphasizing love and resistance amid the current climate.
Read More
Trump Threatens War on Nigeria in Rant, Endangering U.S. Ally
In a surprise statement posted online, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially invade Nigeria, a key U.S. ally in Africa. This announcement followed his declaration that Nigeria may be considered a “country of particular concern” due to alleged inaction regarding attacks on Christians by Islamic extremist groups. Trump’s threat, potentially motivated by claims of religious persecution, threatens to halt aid and potentially involve military action. The current Nigerian government has responded by stating that religious tolerance is a core tenet of the nation’s identity and that Trump’s characterization of the country does not reflect reality.
Read More
GOP Rep Wants Bishop Deportated After Trump Prayer Service Criticism
A GOP representative’s call for a bishop’s deportation after a prayer service at which the bishop appealed for mercy and compassion towards marginalized groups has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The representative’s suggestion, made in response to the bishop’s impassioned plea, highlights a growing chasm in the political landscape.
This incident underscores a disturbing trend: the increasing willingness to silence dissenting voices through threats of punitive action. The bishop’s message, focused on empathy for vulnerable populations – including LGBTQ+ children and undocumented immigrants – was met not with dialogue, but with a demand for her removal from the country.
The implications of such a suggestion are deeply unsettling.… Continue reading
India moves to implement controversial citizenship bill that excludes Muslims | CNN
India has recently implemented a controversial Citizenship Amendment Act that has sparked debates and discussions worldwide. The law provides a fast-track to citizenship for immigrants from neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but with one major caveat – they must not be Muslim. The act specifically targets religious minorities persecuted on religious grounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. The real intention behind this law is to offer refuge to those who have faced discrimination and violence in their home countries.
However, the way this legislation has been portrayed in the media is both misleading and divisive.… Continue reading