(RNS) Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf reflects on why America is a Shariah-compliant nation, why Islamophobia has increased in the 10 years since the 9/11 attacks, and why the turmoil over the so-called "Ground Zero mosque'' actually increased America's standing in the Muslim world. By Daniel Burke.

(RNS) The Taliban in Afghanistan beheaded 17 people, allegedly for dancing, according to one Afghan official. The reports shocked people around the world and provided fodder to critics of Islam. Does Islam forbid dancing? By Omar Sacirbey.

NEW ORLEANS (RNS) Three days before the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that flooded their synagogue and two days before Hurricane Isaac hit landfall in Louisiana, the wandering Jews of Congregation Beth Israel are finally home. By Bruce Nolan.

The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, a Franciscan friar from New York who appears often on EWTN, a conservative Catholic TV channel, said that priests who abuse children "on their first offense" should not go to jail. 

CLEVELAND (RNS) Defense lawyers say a compassionate desire to help wayward brethren return to strict Amish ways was what fueled a series of beard-cutting attacks. By James McCarty.

Mormon motifs in Ann Romney's speech. Sikh temple shooter's death ruled a suicide. Catholic priest says pedophiles shouldn't be jailed for first offense.

ST. LOUIS (RNS) A church-state watchdog group in Washington has filed a complaint with the IRS accusing the Missouri Baptist Convention of violating federal tax law by intervening in two campaigns for public office, including Rep. Todd Akin's controversial Senate campaign. By Tim Townsend.

(RNS) Thank you, Family Research Council, for now conceding what conservative groups have been loath to acknowledge in recent years: the truth that incendiary rhetoric indeed does contribute to a climate conducive to politically motivated violence. By Tom Krattenmaker.

NEW YORK (RNS) In a move that could recast the reigning political narrative about the bishops and the election, Cardinal Timothy Dolan has accepted an invitation to deliver the closing benediction at the Democratic National Convention, a week after he gives a similar blessing to the Republicans in Tampa. By David Gibson. 

(RNS) The economy continues to weigh on pastors, with a new survey showing that nearly two-thirds say it has affected their churches negatively. By Adelle M. Banks.

TAMPA, Fla. (RNS) Two forces of nature were bearing down on Tampa this week. One, Tropical Storm Isaac, was thought likely to reach Tampa on Monday as a hurricane. The other, the Republican National Convention, was bringing 50,000 Republicans to nominate a president and vice president, to adopt a campaign platform, and to make the usual quadrennial noise. By Tom Ehrich.

The beard-cutting Amish trial gets underway. Jewish Republicans say they can do better in 2012. And the Catholic Church in Scotland battles same sex marriage.

NEW YORK (RNS) Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sparked controversy by agreeing to deliver the closing blessing at the Republican convention in Tampa this week, on Monday raised more questions about his political role by asking both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama to sign a “civility pledge” promoted by a leading conservative Catholic activist. By David Gibson.

CLEVELAND (RNS)  The law of God will collide with the law of man this week in a crowded federal courtroom in Cleveland, where 16 Amish defendants -- 10 men with full beards, six women in white bonnets -- will stand trial on charges related to a series of beard- and hair-cutting attacks against fellow Amish men and women last year. By James F. McCarty.