Friday's News & Ideas - 4/4/2025

America the secular? What a changing religious landscape means for US politics
The Conversation: It will presumably come as no surprise that many secular voters lean to the political left. It may, however, be surprising to learn that a fairly large number of nonreligious voters supported President Donald Trump in the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Faith communities are setting a courageous example for standing up to Trump
Religion News Service: A growing number of religious communities are responding to the administration’s hostility to many of their core values and beliefs, despite having fewer resources than major firms or schools.

Abyssinian Baptist Church welcomes dismissal of pastor candidate’s discrimination suit
Religion News Service: The Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, who served in leadership roles at Abyssinian, including as assistant minister, said in a Wednesday statement that she is “prayerfully preparing” an appeal.

Ten Commandments, zero context*
The Christian Century: Many lawmakers want to see the commandments displayed in public schools. Are they also interested in the Hebrew Bible’s ethical demands?

US cuts of funds for fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa has many on edge
National Catholic Reporter: The halting of aid, especially for African health programs, is a constant worry for African Catholic bishops.

The Spark

This art exhibition is ‘divisive’ or ‘eye-opening’ — it depends who you ask
On any given day, there are hundreds of different exhibitions on view at the Smithsonian’s many museums. But a recent White House executive order singled out one, NPR says.

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