Many religious groups continued protesting President Trump’s temporary ban on refugees. This week, hundreds of prominent evangelical leaders sent a letter to Trump urging that he reconsider the ban. They acknowledged the need for safety but said Trump’s executive order … More →

In Washington, Iraqi lawmaker Vian Dakhil received the prestigious Lantos Human Rights Prize for urging that the international community put a stop to the genocide of the religious community of Yazidis in Iraq. While accepting the prize at the US … More →

Pope Francis has called for greater compassion for refugees. In a video message, Francis did not specifically refer to Trump or his policies, but said he was concerned large numbers of people were being abandoned. This week the pope also … More →

The High Court of Kenya has ruled that the government may not close the world’s largest refugee camp. Hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly from Somalia, live at the Dadaab camp. The government had vowed to shut it down because … More →

The US Army Corps of Engineers has now approved construction of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and a broad array of religious groups had opposed the pipeline saying it would violate sacred land and harm … More →

February 10-11 is the Jewish holiday Tu B’Shevat, also known as the New Year of the Trees. Tens of thousands of trees are planted every year in Israel in celebration.

President Trump had a busy second week in office, and faith-based groups were also busy responding to many of the actions he has taken. On Thursday (February 2), the president attended the National Prayer Breakfast. Trump spoke extensively about the … More →

Many faith-based groups are reacting to President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch. Conservative religious groups praised him, saying he has a positive track record on their issues of concern such as religious freedom. Other more liberal religious groups … More →

Many religious and political leaders criticized President Trump for the statement the White House released in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27). The statement made no specific reference to Jews as victims of the Holocaust. In response, the … More →

The Boy Scouts of America announced that it would allow transgender boys to join the organization. The group said it would begin accepting members based on the gender listed on their application instead of relying solely on birth certificates. The … More →