Wednesday's News & Ideas - 10/30/2024

Candidates break out faith references ‘for such a time as this’*
Christianity Today: During their final push, Trump and Harris extend more explicit appeals to Christian voters.
The Washington Post: Harris talks increasingly about her faith but walks a careful line*

Vatican issues first report on sex abuse, to immediate criticism*
The New York Times: The report is intended to assess efforts by the Roman Catholic Church to safeguard minors and others. Advocates for survivors called it an exercise in obfuscation.

A cross in the road
The Bitter Southerner: As the aggressive, Trump-fueled Christian nationalist movement threatens the line between church and state around the country, a growing community of Christians are standing up and speaking out against it in Texas

This election has stoked fear in many Americans. Here's an antidote.
Religion News Service: In the midst of this stressful presidential campaign, Jim Wallis heard “Fear shuts down part of your brain” and went seeking reasons not to fear.

Religion in the workplace is tricky – but employers and employees both lose when it becomes a total taboo
The Conversation: For many people, faith is a core component of their identity – part of the “whole self” that employees are increasingly encouraged to bring to work. It’s an important piece of diversity but one that managers often tiptoe around.

The Spark

A lost Mayan city has been found with laser mapping
Archaeologists have revealed an ancient lost Mayan city,* unearthing monumental structures such as pyramids and plazas. Named Valeriana, the city is believed to have been founded before 150 AD, WIRED says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers