Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 2/4/2026

Clergy protests against ICE turned to a classic – and powerful – American playlist
The Conversation: They have been singing easily recognizable religious songs used during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s.

How polarization tore a hole in America’s mainline churches*
The New Republic: What happened to America’s religious moderates, and why does it matter to our country’s future?

Syria, once home to a large Jewish community, takes steps to return property to Jews
NPR: Many Syrian Jews were unable to sell their homes before they left in the early 1990s after the Assad regime lifted a ban on travel. Some of the homes ended up occupied by other Syrians while the government took charge of the synagogues and schools.

For traditional Catholics, Charlotte Communion dispute is a battle line*
The Washington Post: A Charlotte bishop issued an edict about the preferred way to perform the sacrament: standing up. The backlash was fierce and speaks to a broader fight within the U.S. Catholic community.

A Muslim-owned thrift shop blends modest fashion, faith and sustainability
Religion News Service: Modify Thrift, which opened last May, aims to offer modest, stylish outfits while debunking stereotypes about Muslim women.

The Spark

“That’s somebody’s son”
Three mothers, one struggle: saving their children with schizophrenia, Atavist Magazine writes. (trigger warning: death of a child)

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