Friday's News & Ideas - 12/18/2020
- Native American political systems
- Fighting climate violence
- Nativity scene depicts protests
- Eucharist in a pandemic
- Petition against whites-only church
- Dad & daughter bond
Editor's note: News & Ideas will resume Jan. 4, 2021.
What Native American political systems can teach us about power and truth telling*
The Christian Century: Like religion, the purpose of governmental systems is to provide a better community. To do that, we rely on the women and men we elect to government offices to put the welfare of the people first and to do the right thing.
Faith groups have a key role to play in reducing climate-linked violence
National Catholic Reporter: By now it's well understood that climate change leads to rising seas and rising temperatures. It is also increasingly linked to rising conflicts.
Claremont church depicts Black Lives Matter protest in Nativity scene*
Los Angeles Times: Claremont United Methodist Church, in keeping with its tradition of eye-catching Nativity scenes, situated the Holy Family this year in front of a painting of masked people holding signs reading “I can’t breathe!” and “Black Lives Matter,” alongside Bible verses and other quotes.
After pandemic forced Eucharistic fasts, some churches experiment with Communion options
Episcopal News Service: Some Episcopal congregations that had spent most of the year fasting from Communion because of the pandemic have gotten creative in the fall and during Advent so they could resume this bedrock Episcopal liturgical and sacramental practice.
Online petition to block whites-only church in western Minnesota gains steam*
Star Tribune: An online petition to stop a white supremacist church from making a small western Minnesota town its hub for Midwest activities has gained steam this week, quickly becoming one of the most popular petitions on Change.org.
The Spark
To bond with his daughter, this Philly dad taught himself how to sew. Now, he makes all her outfits (and some for himself, too).
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Since Michael Gardner taught himself how to sew six years ago, he has created more than 200 outfits* for his daughter, writes The Philadelphia Inquirer.
*access is limited for nonsubscribers
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