Wednesday's News & Ideas - 11/22/2023

Archives reveal timeless messages from Dallas clergy days after JFK assassination
Baptist News Global: A collection of sermons delivered by Dallas clerics in the dark days following what happened in their city Nov. 22, 1963 – 60 years ago today – sheds some light on the perspectives and moods of church leaders and their congregants.

Claiborne, Barber, Budde among Christian leaders calling for Gaza cease-fire at White House vigil
Religion News Service: “We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners," said the Rev. William Barber II.

Jerusalem Christians rally round Armenian Church over land deal
Reuters: The heads of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem issued a rare joint appeal at the weekend, warning that a contested land deal could erase the centuries-old presence of the Armenian community within the Old City.

A longer Advent helps some Christians prepare for more than Christmas
NPR: The current move to begin marking the season earlier began in 2005, when the Rev. William Petersen got together a group of clergy, professors and church musicians at the North American Academy of Liturgy. They formed something that came to be called the Advent Project.

Navigating grief this holiday season
National Catholic Reporter: A counselor’s suggestions offer a reassuring blend of spiritual support from Catholic wisdom and current best practice from the mental health field.

The Spark

Author Tommy Orange on modern depiction of Native Americans
Tommy Orange’s novel, “There There,” a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, tells the story of Native American life, not as it existed centuries ago, but as it does now in urban centers, PBS says.