Israel flip flops over COVID-19 rules nearly one year after deadly festival crush
Plus a reflection one year after the Jan. 6 riot, coming of age film "The Hand of God" and more headlines
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Last year, the mismanagement of a popular Jewish festival in Meron, Israel, led to the death of 45 pious Jews who were crushed to death in a stampede. Tens of thousands more were exposed to COVID-19. This year, as the virus is surging again in the country, the government decided to cancel another popular Jewish festival — and then flip-flop.
Jerusalem correspondent Gil Zohar reports on the festival honoring Moroccan rabbi Babi Sali, which ended with several arrests and controversy.
One year ago, our reporter Hamil R. Harris covered the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington, D.C. To begin 2022, he reflects back on that day and how the country can move forward in greater unity by holding onto hope. Read it here.
See you next week. If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
Nearly A Year After Jewish Festival Crush, As COVID-19 Surges, Israel Flip Flops Over Rules
Maradona Welcomes Divine Intervention In 'The Hand Of God' by Jillian Cheney
(REVIEW) Coming of age film “The Hand of God” intertwines the life of a young Italian boy in the midst of tragedy and famed soccer player Diego Maradona. Both create mystical stories of hope tied to faith and strange miracles.
Financial Uncertainty At Bill Gothard’s Institute In Basic Life Principles by Shannon Cuthrell
In the 1970s and 80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. But in recent years, the nondenominational ministry has seen a decline from its once-influential and well-connected source of resources and community for like-minded Christians after allegations of sexual harassment dating back decades.
Twelve Tribes Group Denies Starting Devastating Colorado Fire by Steve Rabey
Colorado officials are investigating claims that a small fire in December on a rural property of the “Jesus People” group Twelve Tribes jump-started two major fires south of Boulder, which, fanned by 100 mph winds, destroyed more than 900 homes and forced the evacuation of 35,000 people.
Hindu Nationalists Are Disrupting Muslim Prayers In India by Aafreen Khan
Hindu extremists groups are disrupting Muslim prayers in an Indian city and threatening Hindus and Sikhs who help their Muslim neighbors find worship space.
Can A Christian Flag Fly At City Hall? The Supreme Court Will Have To Decide by Mark Satta
(ANALYSIS) There are three flagpoles outside Boston City Hall. One flies the United States flag. Another flies the Massachusetts state flag. What can – and can’t – fly from the third is an issue being taken up by the Supreme Court.
In 2021, Religion Was Not Very Important To Most Americans by Anne Stych
Pew Research said that while it is more difficult to measure long-term trends regarding the share of U.S. adults who say religion is an important part of their lives, “the available data indicates that Americans are growing less religious by this measure, too.”
Amid Unrest, Kazakhstan Adds More Restrictions For Religious Meetings by Felix Corley
As the Kazakh government declares a state of emergency and bans mass meetings in some areas, legal changes increase obstacles for holding religious meetings away from state-registered places of worship. Human rights defenders have documented the country’s already severe restrictions on the rights of peaceful assembly.
Opinion
What Will Be The Top Religion Stories Of 2022? Here Are A Few Leading Possibilities
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights a few leading candidates for stories religion reporters will be chasing this year. Plus, catch up on the week’s best religion reads.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
'Spotlight' On Clergy Sex Abuse 20 Years Later Shows Why Journalism Matters by Clemente Lisi
Media Freedom Under Attack In Hong Kong As Pro-Democracy Outlets Shut Down by Ewelina U. Ochab
Reporter's Notebook: Reflecting On The Capitol Riot And Racial Reconciliation by Hamil R. Harris
A Tragic Day In American History, But Not An Insurrection by Dr. Michael Brown
Don’t miss our latest podcast
The Bowery Mission Works Through the Holidays
Dr. Robert Carle interviews Director and CEO of The Bowery Mission, James Winans to discuss how the Mission has managed the pandemic, shifted strategies to avoid community spread and partnered with the city government to help a growing population of homeless people find temporary housing. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
‘American Underdog’ Shows Writing Is Still Faith-Based Films’ Kryptonite by Joseph Holmes
(REVIEW) “American Underdog” is arguably the best shot movie and worst written movie by Christian filmmakers the Erwin Brothers, prompting one to ask if faith-based films will ever overcome their bad writing problem.
How A Journalist (And Her Exceptional Book) Propelled Pope John Paul I’s Path To Sainthood by Clemente Lisi
(REVIEW) Popes are famous for many different things. In the case of John Paul I, he’s best known for being pope for just 33 days. Thanks to an Italian journalist, her access to never-before-seen Vatican documents and 2017 book (now available in English), the former pope could very well be on his way to being made a saint.
Thanks again for reading!
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