News & Ideas

Tuesday's News & Ideas - 11/12/2019

  • Foreign aid for religious freedom?
  • U.S. bishops led by first Hispanic
  • Philly pastor on poverty
  • Iowa Protestants on impeachment
  • Warren speaks on deportations
  • Silent grief

Trump weighs conditioning foreign aid on religious freedom
Politico: The proposed change in U.S. policy could complicate relations with countries like Egypt and India.

Los Angeles archbishop is first Hispanic man elected to lead U.S. Catholic bishops
Associated Press: Archbishop José Gómez is an immigrant from Mexico and a strong advocate of a welcoming policy towards undocumented immigrants.

Can this charismatic pastor rally Philly around its most intractable problem?
WHYY: The newish CEO of the United Way of Greater Philly and South Jersey wants to tackle Philadelphia’s staggering 25% poverty rate.

They support Trump. They want him impeached.*
The Atlantic: In 2016, 81 percent of voters in Sioux County -- including many of the area’s Dutch Reformed Christians -- chose Donald Trump, though some would feel relief if he were impeached.

At a church forum, Elizabeth Warren says she is open to suspending deportations
Religion News Service: Sen. Elizabeth Warren spoke at a campaign event held at a church that is providing sanctuary to an undocumented immigrant.

The Spark

Don’t look back
Debra Gwartney writes in The New York Times about silent grief,* “It must have been my grandfather who decided that no one should speak of the dead children.”

*access is limited for nonsubscribers

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Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Learn more