Thoughts, prayers and protest after latest mass shooting in US
The event highlights competing viewpoints in the aftermath of gun violence
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
On Saturday, a gunman opened fire at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, killing eight people — including three children — and wounding seven others.
Weekend Plug-in columnist Bobby Ross Jr. attended a community prayer service hosted at Cottonwood Creek Church, a megachurch just two miles away from the shooting.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was in attendance with over 2,000 others who came together to pray and sing hymns. Just outside, a few dozen protesters held signs proclaiming the opposite: messages like “thoughts and prayers are useless.”
The conflicting messages are ones that have become common in discussions about God, guns and gun control. Today’s top story explores those messages and the people who are at the heart of it. Read more on our website.
Prayer And Protest: Nation’s Latest Mass Shooting Highlights Competing Messages
Clashing messages about God and guns came a day after an assailant opened fire at a Dallas-area outlet mall, killing eight people — including three children — and wounding seven. by Bobby Ross Jr.
What One Man Learned About Religion Visiting Every Country In The World
From Addis Ababa to Tehran, Daniel Herszberg visited synagogues, schools, cemeteries and Sabbath services in hospitable homes. In Suriname and Poland, in Pakistan and Sudan, Barbados and Brazil, Herszberg not only discovered cherished archives and legacies but connected with locals who shared their stories — both lived and long forgotten. In some instances, he was the first person to have visited Jewish heritage sites in decades. by Ken Chitwood
Anglicans Begin The Long Anticipated Divorce Over Same Sex Unions, Ordination Of Gays
“We are now going to have two Communions of Anglicans going forward, the Global South Anglicans who are keeping to the teachings of the scripture and the Global North Anglicans who are preaching and practicing a watered-down gospel,” said the Rev. Tom Otieno, the vicar of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church of Kenya in Nairobi. by Tom Osanjo
Celebrating World Press Freedom Day And Religious Freedom
(ANALYSIS) It is vital to recognize the broad scope of religion itself and hence of religious freedom. Religion is not a separate, isolated segment of human existence. It is not merely what people do with their solitude. It is not only acts of worship on a Sunday, Sabbath or Friday. It is not simply adherence to creeds or doctrines. Religion is one of the fundamental shapers of human life. by Paul Marshall
Religious Lessons And Symbolism From A King’s Coronation
(ANALYSIS) Above all else, the coronation of this King is a worship service, held in Westminster Abbey and presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is an explicitly Christian worship service, though it will have participants from many religions. Rishi Sunak, the U.K. prime minister and a serious Hindu, will read from the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. by Paul Marshall
Did The Election Of Donald Trump Drive People From The Pews?
(ANALYSIS) There is no doubt in my mind that politics is one of the main culprits for the emptying out of American religion. That was my starting point for this piece. What follows is a peek inside how I think through a problem like that. by Ryan Burge
Did The Election Of Donald Trump Drive People From The Pews?
Over the past eight years, Sravasti Abbey has grown apace, ordaining six nuns, two monks and adding three previously ordained nuns to their community. Most recently, Geshe Dadul Namgyal, an esteemed Buddhist scholar, joined the Abbey as the first male resident teacher. by Tracy Simmons
New Hillsong Exposé Reveals More Alleged Sex Abuse Cover-Up & Shameless Spending
An investigation into embattled Hillsong Church by the top-rated news outlet in Australia has uncovered new revelations of financial and sexual misconduct, as key sources go on the record for the first time. “Hellsong: Hillsong Church Global Investigation” first aired on Australia’s 7News on April 23 and released Friday on YouTube. by Josh Shepherd
👑 Faith And The Coronation Of King Charles III: What To Know About A Changing Britain🔌
This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the role of faith in the coronation of King Charles III. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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Thanks again for reading!
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