Wednesday’s RNS report features a story by Jeff MacDonald that takes a look at the Gaza withdrawal from the standpoint of those who see the state of Israel as a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy: “From factions of religious Jews in Israel and the Diaspora to Christian Zionists who believe the gathering of Jews in the Holy Land is helping prepare the way for their Messiah’s return, the Gaza pullout represents a problematic detour from what they thought was God’s plan. “

Rachel Pomerance reports on “intactivists,” activists against circumcision who have asked the United Nations to label the practice a human rights crime. What impact, if any, could their crusade have on religions that consider circumcision to be a sacred ritual?

Another feature today, by John Zukowski, examines the first 100 days of the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI, including “controversies, official pronouncements and signs of upcoming priorities.”