Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 6, 2019

The Rev. Donna Mote regularly accompanies military personnel escorting the caskets of fallen service members through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where she serves as a chaplain at the busiest airport in the world.

Mote is the first person to greet the escorts once they step off the plane. She stands shoulder to shoulder with them while Delta Honor Guard members march with flags of the five military branches. She stays with them through their layover at the airport. She’s there for support. In many cases, the escorts are grieving because they knew the deceased.

Source: As Americans become less religious, the role of chaplains may grow – SpokaneFāVS

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 6, 2019

Finger pointing and voice hoarse, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday delivered a broadside to a reporter that might well apply to all of impeachment-era Washington: “Don’t mess with me.”

It was a warning scarcely needed among the official set, least of all by President Donald Trump as he fights Pelosi and the Democrats in their drive to impeach him. Only a few hours earlier, Pelosi had instructed the Judiciary Committee to write articles of impeachment — formal charges — against Trump for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden and resisting Congress’ probe.

Source: House Speaker Pelosi rebukes reporter: ‘Don’t mess with me’ | National Catholic Reporter

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 6, 2019

Source: How ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ fights Jewish stereotypes – The Washington Post

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 5, 2019

Source: Students in Maryland school system to be off on Muslim holiday — and Lunar New Year – The Washington Post

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 5, 2019

Rain drops fell on a muddy cemetery field. Burning sage mixed with the humid air. About 200 people huddled under four canopies, while others carried umbrellas or braved the downpour in jackets.

A Native American group blessed the sacred ground. Then a Hebrew song rang out. A Christian hymn followed, then a Zen Buddhist chant, and a Tongva song and blessing.

These disparate groups, holding various beliefs, came to a Los Angeles County cemetery in East L.A. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to honor the lives of those who have been forgotten — to let them, for at least one day, be remembered.

Source: Faith leaders join about 200 people to mark burial of unclaimed dead in Los Angeles County – Daily Breeze

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 5, 2019

A religious discrimination lawsuit filed last month in federal court against a local union and Boston College is being hailed by anti-union groups for upholding individual workers’ rights — and railed against by union advocates who say it’s an attempt to weaken organized labor.

The plaintiff, a Muslim electrician and member of Service Employees International Union 32BJ District 615, informed the school and the union last fall that his religious beliefs conflicted with being part of the union. He requested that his dues be diverted to charity, and when no action had been taken a year later, according to the complaint, he sued.

Source: Citing religious beliefs, electrician sues SEIU, Boston College over mandatory union dues – The Boston Globe

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 2, 2019

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is speaking out against a jail’s showing of Kanye West programming because of the religious message with in it.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston, Tx has drawn the ire of the organization for two surprise concerts for inmates and staff in mid-November. FFRF says West coordinated the performances with jail officials and explained to the media that since his recent public conversion to Christianity, his “job is to spread the gospel, to let people know what Jesus has done for me.” But the national nonprofit opposes the practice and says the attendance by inmates was not voluntary.

Source: Freedom From Religion Group Speaking Out Against Kanye West Program in Jail – AllOnGeorgia

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 2, 2019

When I say that Frozen II was a profound spiritual experience for me, I know that makes me sound a bit insane. But it’s nevertheless true and I know from conversations I’ve had in the week since the film’s release that I’m not alone. For me, it spoke to my own spiritual practice as a Wiccan and student of goddess lore but it works on a deeper level too. Frozen II is an amazing film that takes its heroine on a profound journey and in doing so it touches on elements of paganism and goddess archetypes in a way that’s rare and astonishing.

Source: The Pagan Power of ‘Frozen II’ | The Mary Sue

Posted to Religious Diversity News on December 2, 2019

Darrell Davis was 18 years old when he was first sent to prison.

By the time the former gang chief was released in 2013, after being found guilty of murder, aggravated battery and armed violence, he had spent more than half of his life on the inside. He had also discovered a new identity as a faithful Muslim, taking on the name “Sadiq,” Arabic for “honest,” as part of his resolution to leave behind his previous life of violence.

The documentary “The Honest Struggle,” directed by four-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Justin Mashouf, follows Davis’ journey as he returns to the South Side of Chicago and builds a new life after 24 years behind bars.

Source: Film follows ‘honest struggle’ of formerly incarcerated Muslims reentering society – Religion News Service

Posted to Religious Diversity News on November 25, 2019

Growing up on a Mennonite dairy farm in Richmond Township, David Kurtz figured he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Instead, in a dramatic departure from tradition, Kurtz makes sticky buns and serves cappuccino in his bakery and espresso bar at Kirbyville Farm Market in Richmond Township.

Source: A Mennonite cottage industry flourishes in the Kutztown area