Wednesday's News & Ideas - 6/5/2024

SBC abuse reform task force ends its work with no names on database and no long-term plan
Religion News Service: Their report marks the second time a proposed database for abusive pastors has been derailed.

Modi’s narrow win suggests Indian voters saw through religious rhetoric, opting instead to curtail his political power
The Conversation: “Modi’s exploitation of historic Hindu-Muslim tensions seems to have run its natural course.”

‘Cruel and racist.’ Faith leaders say Biden’s border shutdown echoes Trump
Sojourners: While many faith leaders agree something needs to be done about increased numbers at the border, they told Sojourners that Biden’s unilateral actions are the wrong approach.

Conservative attacks on birth control could threaten access*
The Washington Post: Far-right conservatives are sowing misinformation that inaccurately characterizes IUDs, emergency contraception, even birth-control pills as causing abortions.

South African scholar receives Templeton Prize for her work on forgiveness
Religion Unplugged: The John Templeton Foundation announced on Tuesday that Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela was named this year’s recipient of the Templeton Prize in recognition for her work around trauma and forgiveness in post-apartheid South Africa.

The Spark

Ibram X. Kendi faces a reckoning of his own 
In 2020, the author of “How to Be an Antiracist” galvanized Americans with his ideas. The past four years have tested* them — and him, says The New York Times.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers