Government & Politics
Scotland to legalize gay marriage by 2015
(RNS/ENInews) Scotland announced it will allow same-sex weddings as early as 2015, becoming the first country in the United Kingdom to do so. By Trevor Grundy.
Obama appoints first Mormon to White House faith-based council
(RNS) As he competes against a Mormon in the presidential election, President Obama has appointed the first Mormon member of his White House faith-based council. By Daniel Burke
Liberal Jewish group launches political lobbying arm
(RNS) The liberal Jewish organization Bend the Arc has broken new ground with a lobbying arm and a political action committee. By Lauren Markoe.
As candidates run for office, some run from their church
Rep. Michele Bachmann’s Muslim Brotherhood claims draw fierce fire
WASHINGTON (RNS) Rep. Michele Bachmann's claims that the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the U.S. government are drawing fierce criticism. By Chris Lisee
Atheist’s plan to whip the Quran won’t be allowed in the Capitol, official says
HARRISBURG, Pa. (RNS) The Pennsylvania atheist who wanted to desecrate the Quran using a whip to protest a “Year of Religious Diversity” resolution by state lawmakers can’t – because whips aren't allowed in the Capitol. By Nick Malawskey.
Family Research Council hires controversial former Army officer, Jerry Boykin
(RNS) The conservative Family Research Council has named a former top Delta Force commando and outspoken culture warrior, retired Army Lt. Gen. William G. "Jerry" Boykin, to run its day-to-day operations. By David Gibson.
Pennsylvania atheist threatens to desecrate Quran over state bill
(RNS) A Pennsylvania atheists plans to desecrate the Quran if his state's House of Representatives doesn't drop a "Year of Religious Diversity" resolution. By Eric Veronikis.
Debate reignites over religion at Air Force Academy
(RNS) Debate has reignited at the Air Force Academy over the proper place of religion as fresh cadets arrived for basic training in Colorado Springs, Colo. By Chris Lisee.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Thomas Jefferson, our least Christian president
(RNS) This Fourth of July, after the parades are over, I propose we all devote a few minutes to remembering our least Christian president. Instead of reading David Barton, go straight to Thomas Jefferson himself and to the words he chose to deliver on his first day as president. By Stephen Prothero.
Catholic nuns’ bus tour concludes in nation’s capital
WASHINGTON (RNS) A group of Catholic nuns ended its nine-state bus tour here Monday (July 2), speaking out against a Republican federal budget proposal they say favors wealthy Americans at the expense of poor families. By Chris Lisee.
Mormons’ love-hate relationship with America
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) As Americans celebrate the nation's founding, some Mormons may outdo their neighbors this week in fireworks, fanfare and frenzy to express their outsized patriotism. Other Mormons caution against linking political perspectives on American exceptionalism to specific theology or teachings. Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Can a creedless religion make it another 50 years?
‘Radicalization’ hearings on Muslim return to Capitol
WASHINGTON (RNS) House lawmakers split along party lines at a hearing Wednesday that explored Muslim responses to prior hearings on the "radicalization" of American Muslims. By Chris Lisee.
Evangelicals press Congress on immigration
WASHINGTON (RNS) Evangelical activists are pressing Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform plan -- a tricky election-year issue that conservatives' GOP allies have been reluctant to take up. By Chris Lisee.
