The Slingshot: Pope’s slander accusation; Islamic extremism; Trump and evangelicals

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Pope Francis, right, arrives on the altar to celebrate a Mass at the Maquehue Air Base in Temuco, Chile, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Francis paid homage to Chileans who were tortured or killed at the air base, used as a detention center during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)


Need to know: Friday, January 19, 2018

Pope shocks Chile by accusing sex abuse victims of slander

As he was departing Chile, Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was complicit in covering up the sex crimes of a priest who is Chile’s most notorious pedophile, such accusations against Barros are “all calumny.”

Two reports show fewer incidents of Muslim extremism in 2017

The reports by the ADL and a North Carolina center on terrorism suggest the level of anxiety about Islamic extremism in the U.S. has far outpaced the actual scale of the threat.

Author of books on presidents’ faith says Trump misunderstands evangelicals

Stephen Mansfield says the current occupant of the Oval Office has captured the “fundamental gripes” of evangelicals but misunderstands just how divided they are these days.

Anti-abortion Democrats navigate divide between March for Life and the Women’s March

Democrats who oppose abortion while also holding progressive views find their position increasingly tenuous in today’s polarized political climate.

Hijab-wearing model stars in L’Oréal Paris hair campaign

British beauty blogger Amena Khan donned a pale pink headscarf while standing in front of a bright pink background in the hair care ad.

Why I already miss Julius Lester

The African-American professor reclaimed a family legacy, and gave it both wings and music, writes RNS columnist Jeff Salkin.

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Latest news from RNS

In Israel, a rabbinical plan to hide Africans facing deportation

JERUSALEM (RNS) — 'If someone had told me 10 years ago this would happen, I’d have said a Jewish state would never send desperate refugees away to their deaths,' said Rabbi Susan Silverman, sister of comedian Sarah Silverman.

Pope shocks Chile by accusing sex abuse victims of slander

As he was departing Chile, Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was complicit in covering up the sex crimes of a priest who is Chile’s most notorious pedophile, such accusations against Barros are “all calumny.”

Former President Carter writing book about religious faith

NEW YORK (AP) — Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday  (Jan. 17) that Carter's "Faith: A Journey for All" will tell of how religion has sustained him and what role it plays in society.

More views from RNS

Where are mainline Protestants on abortion?

(RNS) — While abortion is often portrayed as a binary issue, with religious people against it and secular people for it, the truth is much more complicated.

Where is the Church on #MeToo?

(RNS) — The Church has operated under a cloud of shame and silence for decades.

‘Pro-life’ must encompass more than opposition to abortion

(RNS) — Many Americans recognize the complexity of abortion should not be reduced to talking points or bumper stickers.

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