Tuesday’s News & Ideas - 6/30/2026
- Rev. Barber’s work
- Christian missionaries in VR
- Christians claiming US
- San Francisco abuse settlement
- Baptist Network
- Studying grass
The Rev. William Barber’s case against Trumpism*
The Assembly: The 1960s-style civil rights leader preaches opposition to MAGA. But in a feuding nation that’s less religious, that message might not resonate as it once did.
Christian missionaries find new frontier in VRChat
Religion News Service: “As crazy as it sounds, God used virtual reality to call someone into that space to lay out the gospel in its fullness,” said Stewart Freeman, a former heavy VRChat user who rediscovered his faith through virtual reality.
2026 isn’t the first time Christians have tried to claim the United States as their own
The Conversation: Amid celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary, assertions of the country’s religious, and specifically Christian, character have grown louder in political discourse.
San Francisco archdiocese to pay $395m to settle over 500 child sexual abuse claims
The Associated Press: Settlement requires the archbishop to write an apology letter to each survivor and implement child protection reforms.
Baptist Network created to oppose nationalism, foster Black church collaboration
Religion News Service: “We're a connector and a catalyzer, and not a denomination,” its spokesperson said in an interview.
The Spark
The researcher who spent years studying grass for the World Cup
John Sorochan runs the turfgrass science* and management program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In recent months, his work has gained national recognition for its contributions to the World Cup pitches, Inside Higher Ed says.
*access is limited for nonsubscribers
