News & Ideas

Thursday's News & Ideas - 1/23/2025

  • Harvard settles antisemitism lawsuits
  • Trump cuts DEI programs
  • Budde on praise & criticism
  • Trump’s immigration orders
  • Israeli praise for Trump
  • No ‘acts of God’ anymore

Harvard agrees to adopt a broad definition of antisemitism to settle two lawsuits
NPR: Under the deal, Harvard will adopt the broad International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which considers certain cases of anti-Zionist or anti-Israeli criticism as antisemitism.

Trump calls DEI programs ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral.’ Here's how he’s ending them
NPR: Even as Trump’s critics decry the moves, federal agencies are getting to work carrying out his vision.

After eyebrow-raising sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde beset with criticism and praise
Religion News Service: “The people who are in danger are the people who fear for their lives and their livelihoods,” Budde said in an interview. “That’s where the focus should be.”

Bishops condemn Trump’s immigration orders for stoking fear, anxiety
National Catholic Reporter: Catholic leaders urge solidarity with migrants, say actions “raise urgent moral and human concerns.”

In Israel, where support for Trump is high, celebrations on his inauguration
Religion News Service: “I am excited to see a leader who is a real friend of Israel stand by his words,” one American expat in Israel said at an inauguration celebration.

The Spark

There are no ‘acts of God’ anymore
The Los Angeles wildfires show the influence of humanity in the world — and our inability to control it, Vox says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



Want to get News & Ideas in your inbox every weekday?
Subscribe to our 
News & Ideas newsletter or receive our RSS feed in your RSS reader.

Most recent News & Ideas

Friday's News & Ideas - 2/14/2025

  • Founding CRC church to leave
  • Pastoral-care crisis in DC
  • Brooklyn church affordable housing
  • A ‘death rally’
  • Diocese bankruptcy trend
  • Gen Z is staying at home

Thursday’s News & Ideas - 2/13/2025

  • Faith groups & government grants
  • C of E refuses gluten-free wafers
  • Ukrainians plead with Trump
  • Common App adds community colleges
  • Caring for migrants vs. citizens
  • Victory for Authors Against Book Bans

Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 2/12/2025

  • Lawsuit over ICE’s church arrests
  • C of E abuse investigation
  • Young evangelicals & Israel
  • SBC pastor added to cabinet
  • Samaritan’s Purse dodges aid freeze
  • Surgeons promised to make me whole. No one asked what I wanted
podcast promo

Money + Ministry: Destigmatizing personal finance in ministry and beyond

For too long, people have faced isolation, stress, and judgment with regards to their personal finances. This five-part podcast series will inspire clergy, congregations and communities to normalize conversations about money. Each episode features a pastoral leader who shares practical resources and lessons from their own financial journey to help congregations — both clergy and laity — thrive.

Learn More