Articles of Interest about Religion - Sept 21
/***RELIGION
Ancient mosaic found near Sea of Galilee depicts Jesus' loaves and fishes miracle
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ancient-mosaic-jesus-galilee-intl-scli/index.html
Virginia pastors lead Bible study at Confederate monument: reinterpret the statues as idols meant to prop up the false religion of white supremacy
The Seminary Flourished on Slave Labor: Now It’s Planning to Pay Reparations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/us/virginia-seminary-reparations.html
California Church Leaders Lured Homeless Into Forced Labor, U.S. Says
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/11/us/california-church-homeless-panhandling.html
Pastor and Mental Health Advocate Jarrid Wilson Dies by Suicide
***RELIGION AND POLITICS
For evangelicals, Trump’s blasphemy is not a deterrent
The Christian Right Is Helping Drive Liberals Away From Religion
***RELIGION & THE LAW
Federal judge supports student's right to hand out valentines with Bible messages at Wisconsin technical college
Arkansas Supreme Court, Attorney General, continue to tangle with pastor/judge
Pastor of ‘Flying Spaghetti Monster’ Church Prays at Gov’t Meeting, Thanks to Court Ruling
***CATHOLIC
Catholics on the Slow Road to Schism
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/14/opinion/sunday/the-slow-road-to-catholic-schism.html
Why Pope Francis struggles in Africa
https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2019/09/07/why-pope-francis-struggles-in-africa
Court reinstates lawsuit against Catholic hospital for refusing transgender patient's surgery
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-09-18/hiltzik-catholic-hospital-discrimination-case
China/Vatican agreement may signal lessening of religious tension
***MEGACHURCHES
Willow Creek’s troubles can be found in its word cloud
https://religionnews.com/2019/09/19/willow-creeks-troubles-can-be-found-in-its-word-cloud/
L.A. Judge Drops Fines Against 2 Prosecutors in Child Rape Case Against Mexican Church Leader
Ohio megachurch on sale for $8M months after some congregants stop giving over pastor’s affairs
***RELIGION & LGBTQ ISSUES
United Methodists float plans to split denomination after LGBTQ vote
Man claims Oklahoma church members held him down and punched him while praying away homosexuality
New York City Is Ending a Ban on Gay Conversion Therapy: Here’s Why
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/nyregion/conversion-therapy-ban-nyc.html
Conversion therapy linked to distress in transgender people