Wednesday's News & Ideas - 7/12/2023

After Quran burnings, UN rights body calls for more action to combat religious hatred
The Associated Press: The U.N.’s top human rights body overwhelmingly approved a measure calling on countries to do more to prevent religious hatred in the wake of Quran burnings in Europe, over the objections of Western countries who fear tougher steps by governments could trample freedom of expression.

Ruth Fitzpatrick, crusader for letting women be priests, dies at 90*
The New York Times: Feeling called to the Roman Catholic priesthood but denied entry, she became a leader of a national group that has pushed the Vatican to ordain women.

The Rev. Stephen Pieters, who helped shift views on AIDS, dies at 70*
The Washington Post: His 1985 interview, conducted by televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, was considered a groundbreaking moment in changing public perceptions on AIDS.

Report finds a growing exodus of Jews from Russia and Ukraine
Religion News Service: If trends continue, both Russia and Ukraine could lose a majority of their Jewish populations in the years ahead, the Institute for Jewish Policy Research reports.

Mormon leaders – whose church is often associated with the GOP – push back against one-party politics
The Conversation: In a letter that local leaders read during worship meetings nationwide, the church’s president and his two counselors instructed church members not to vote solely for one political party. Latter-day Saints have overwhelmingly supported Republicans in recent decades.

The Spark

New housing development in North Carolina requires ‘patriots’ to fly American flag
All 44 homes in 1776 Gastonia will be required to fly an American flag 365 days a year, WUNC says.

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