News & Ideas

Thursday's News & Ideas - 9/22/2021

  • Gen Z minorities & faith communities
  • SBC expels two churches
  • Poll on Christian Nationalism
  • More Catholics in Northern Ireland
  • Leading Catholic historian dies
  • World of fantasy & race

In faith communities, Gen Z minorities struggle to find belonging
Religion News Service: Young BIPOC enter faith communities with certain hopes and expectations for how these communities will support congregants of color.

Southern Baptist Convention breaks with churches over sexuality, alleged discrimination*
The Tennesean: The Southern Baptist Convention broke with two churches on Tuesday over stances on sexuality and alleged discriminatory behavior.

Majority of Republican voters want to make Christianity the official religion
Vice: Many Republican voters are embracing one of Christian nationalism’s central tenets, according to the Politico/University of Maryland poll published Wednesday.

Catholics outnumber Protestants in Northern Ireland for first time
The Guardian: Demographic shift shown in census was expected but will still deliver psychological blow to unionists.

John W. O’Malley, leading Catholic historian, dies at 95*
The New York Times: He wrote groundbreaking histories of the Second Vatican Council, the late medieval church and the Jesuits, of which he was a member.

The Spark

Fantasy has always been about race
The recent controversies around casting non-white actors in shows like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones ignores the fact that race has always been integral to the world of fantasy,* Harper’s Bazaar says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



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Friday’s News & Ideas - 10/9/2026

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Lilly logo

Lilly Endowment Inc. announces Serving Neighbors Initiative

Lilly Endowment Inc. invites eligible charitable organizations to submit concept papers for its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative. The initiative supports efforts to help Christian congregations and local charitable organizations build relationships, identify community priorities, and design lasting collaborations that improve life for individuals and families. Projects might address housing instability, youth opportunities, parks and outdoor recreation, mental health, or other locally identified needs.

Approximately 60 charitable organizations with promising concept papers may receive planning grants of up to $50,000. Those selected may then apply for implementation grants of up to $5 million to carry out their programs.

Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027.

Learn More