Wednesday's News & Ideas - 8/3/2022
- Is Family Research Council a church?
- Abortion rights in Kansas & Florida
- UMC divisions
- Notre-Dame reopening by 2024
- The Mormon mom behind ‘Go Ask Alice’
- A new polio case in the U.S.
Democrats call on IRS to review Family Research Council’s ‘church’ status
Religion News Service: ‘Given that the (Family Research Council) is primarily an advocacy organization and not a church, we urge the IRS to swiftly review the tax-exempt status,’ reads a letter sent to the IRS and the Treasury secretary.
Kansas votes to preserve abortion rights protections in its constitution*
The New York Times: In the first election test after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Kansas voters decided against removing the right to abortion from the State Constitution.
Reuters: Florida clergy lawsuits say abortion ban violates religious freedom
Schism in the body*
The Assembly: After years of acrimonious debate, the United Methodist Church has started to rupture. One church — with members ranging from ‘flaming progressive to dang near fundamentalist’ — tries to reconcile an increasingly unavoidable divide.
Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen by 2024
Smithsonian Magazine: Officials say that the iconic structure will be ready for visitors in time for the Olympics.
The Gothic fantasies of Beatrice Sparks*
Slate: Why a Mormon mom in Utah made up tales of teen drug addiction and death that swept America.
The Spark
The U.S. declared victory over polio in 1979. Now, it’s here again.
Vox explains how a polio case in the U.S. affects global eradication efforts.
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