Friday's News & Ideas - 8/23/2024

Harris strikes balance on Gaza at DNC, in her most extended remarks on war*
The Washington Post: The Democratic presidential nominee said she would “always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” but also directly addressed the suffering in Gaza.

‘The Quiet Damage’ details the heartbreaking effect of QAnon on five American families — but critical questions linger
Religion Dispatches: Through carefully researched individual narratives, author Jesselyn Cook tells the story of people who got into QAnon and then rejected — or were rejected by — family members, and the grief and damage that ensues from these domestic ruptures.

As AME Church meets for General Conference, retirement plan questions continue
Religion News Service: Some 2,900 people have joined an “AMEs for Reform” Facebook group and others have issued open letters as part of “AMEs for Justice and Accountability.”

Houston’s New Light Church lists tax-exempt compound for $15 million*
Chron: Bishop I.V. Hilliard and Pastor Bridget Hilliard, founders of the Texas megachurch, were reportedly the recent tenants of the 30,000 sq. ft. property.

The Right Rev Timothy Dudley-Smith obituary
The Guardian: The Church of England cleric wrote the words of more than 400 hymns, the best-known of which is “Tell Out, My Soul.”

The Spark

Infiltrating the far right
The threat from domestic terrorism is rising, but, with Republicans decrying the “deep state,” the F.B.I. is cautious about investigating far-right groups. Vigilantes* are leaping into the fray, The New Yorker says.

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