When the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are considered children under state law, its chief justice had a higher authority in mind. By citing verses from the Bible and Christian theologians in his concurring opinion, Chief Justice Tom Parker alarmed advocates for church-state separation, while delighting religious conservatives who oppose abortion. (Smith & Stanley, AP News)
Read MoreIn an evening filled with apocalyptic rhetoric, patriotic songs and campaign promises, former President Donald Trump promised Thursday (Feb. 22) that he would make a triumphant return to the White House next year and that he would restore Christian preachers to power in American culture. (Smietana, Religion News Service)
Read MoreWhile the wording of the bill is not striking, it could create a way for LGBTQ couples to have their fundamental right to marry denied. By federal law, religious leaders are the only ones on the list allowed to refuse to marry someone. The new state law gives that power to current and former elected officials. (Gainey, WPLN)
Read MoreThe most important First Amendment cases of the internet era, to be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday, may turn on a single question: Do platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X most closely resemble newspapers or shopping centers or phone companies? (Liptak, The New York Times)
Read MoreThe number of antisemitic incidents registered in Denmark since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel that ignited the war in Gaza has reached levels not seen since World War II, the head of the Scandinavian country’s small Jewish community said Thursday. (Olsen, AP News)
Read MoreGuthrie, 52, has long relied on prayer to navigate challenges or setbacks in her life, such as the death of her father when she was a teenager and a brief failed marriage in mid-30s. She admits she turned to faith during her career ascent to the anchor desk at “Today,” which was fraught due to longtime viewers’ anger over the treatment of her predecessor Ann Curry. And she still looks for spiritual guidance to get her through tough assignments. (Battaglio, Los Angeles Times)
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