Audio
Michael Harrington
Religion in the News Editor
A new worry for Christians in India
A new worry for Christians in India
VERBATIM: The Hindu-nationalist government in the huge country has recently been moving to squeeze Muslims, seeking to carve up the property that is owned by mosques. Christian leaders fear that this is just the first step in an effort to seize all non-Hindu religious property — including that of India’s embattled Christian minority. Persecution of believers in India has been surging over the past two decades and when the government isn’t doing it — local Hindus ARE. MHSRN NEWS
Listen DownloadA victory for religious freedom in Ohio
A victory for religious freedom in Ohio
VERBATIM: A federal judge says Montgomery County cannot sever relations with a Christian home for abused women just because it is religious. Grace Haven Incorporated was seeking a preliminary injunction against the country, which is trying to cut the ministry off because it hires only Christians. This kind of case is becoming increasingly common across the U.S. as states, counties and cities pass laws designed to promote the LGBT agenda in hiring. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadPresident Trump considers a baby bonus
President Trump considers a baby bonus
VERBATIM: The U.S. birthrate has fallen to 1.6 — below the 2.1 child per woman average needed to sustain the population — and the president wants to do something about it. His administration is working on a possible bonus program that would pay any woman who has a baby 5,000 dollars. There are a lot of details to work out, but it’s clear that the administration has taken notice of the plummeting birth rate which comes with dire implications both social and economic. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadThe battle over assisted suicide continues in the United Kingdom
The battle over assisted suicide continues in the United Kingdom
VERBATIM: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been presented with a petition AGAINST the practice signed by more than 9,000 people. It was organized by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children — Britain’s leading pro-life organization. Parliament will take up a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide next month and pro-lifers warn that if passed, it will lead to the victimization of the elderly and the disabled, who might be prompted to take their own lives. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadA report on faith and family life
A report on faith and family life
VERBATIM: It comes from the Public Religion Research Institute, and it reveals that 41% of Americans say religious practices are an important part of their family’s home life. Amongst White Evangelical Protestants its 76% and strong majorities of Black and Hispanic Protestants agree. People who attend church on a regular basis are much more likely to say that religious practices are an important part of their home life — Republicans more likely than Democrats. MH STN NEWS
Listen DownloadIt is now illegal to pray in Australia
It is now illegal to pray in Australia
VERBATIM: The state of New South Wales has a new anti-discrimination law that makes it a crime for a person to pray that another person abandon the homosexual lifestyle. The statute reads as follows: “praying with or over a person with the intent to change or suppress their sexuality or gender identity is unlawful … even if that person has asked you to pray for them to be able to change or suppress their sexuality or gender identity.” The law also applies to pastors’ sermons. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadNine Christians arrested in China
Nine Christians arrested in China
VERBATIM: They were holding house church services and also handing out Bibles to anyone who wanted one. Those acts are against the law in China where the Communist Party would like to stamp out Christianity altogether. The nine believers face multi-year prison sentences and large fines. China is in the midst of a broad crackdown on religious faith that is designed to sublimate all belief systems to the government even as it seeks to expand its influence around the world. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadBelief in the afterlife is on the rise
Belief in the afterlife is on the rise
VERBATIM: Most religious Americans agree that the spirit will continue on after life on this earth is over, but what’s remarkable about the latest data is the number of NON-religious people who agree. According to an analysis made by Professor Ryan Burge of Eastern Illinois University, 50% of people who say they are followers of no particular religion believe in some kind of afterlife. Christian leaders say this is further proof that non-believers might be open to the gospel. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadMost Americans see no problem with women getting abortion pills in the mail
Most Americans see no problem with women getting abortion pills in the mail
How do you decide right and wrong?
How do you decide right and wrong?
A warning about global persecution
A warning about global persecution
VERBATIM: Dr. John Eibner is president of Christian Solidarity International and he says the world needs to wake up. He points to a recent rash of deadly attacks on believers in Nigeria and Syria. Then there’s on-going persecution of Christians in Azerbaijan. Eibner says “This slaughter, like so many others of Christians and other non-Muslims, has been met mainly with indifference by the political and religious leadership of an increasingly post-Christian Western world.” MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadSomething new at libraries in Sacramento
Something new at libraries in Sacramento
VERBATIM: You can get books, magazines, movies, ebooks, audiobooks, games and NOW — contraceptives. 12 libraries in the Sacramento system are now giving away contraceptives in a partnership with Planned Parenthood. Those items are out in plain view on a shelf which includes information aimed at children and QR codes that they can use to link to the Planned Parenthood website. Officials say the program will probably expand to more libraries soon. MH SRNN NEWS
Listen DownloadArkansas strikes a blow for religious freedom
Arkansas strikes a blow for religious freedom
VERBATIM: Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a bill that will allow Christian adoption and foster care agencies to place children ONLY with heterosexual couples. In other states the government won’t do business with any agency that refuses to place kids with homosexuals and Arkansas is taking a stand against that. Alliance Defending Freedom says Arkansas is to be commended adding “Every child deserves a loving home that can provide them stability.” MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadMake that 71 pro-life sanctuary cities
Make that 71 pro-life sanctuary cities
New polling released on personal Christian faith
Finally, some good news
VERBATIM: It comes from the Barna Group — a new poll that indicates 66% of Americans say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today. That’s up 12% from just four years ago. And the report goes on to say that “Among the biggest drivers of the Jesus resurgence are younger generations—particularly Gen Z and Millennials. Since the pandemic, they have shown significant increases in commitment to Christ. MH SRN NEWS.
Listen DownloadHoly Week is here
Holy Week is here
VERBATIM: It started with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem. Some Christian denominations mark each day in some fashion, but most single out Maundy Thursday in honor of the Last Supper and of course Good Friday, marking the day Christ was crucified. It all culminates with Easter Sunday, when most of the 2.4 billion Christians on earth will celebrate the resurrection. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadThe Merchant Marine Academy wants Jesus back
The Merchant Marine Academy wants Jesus back
VERBATIM: Two years ago, complaints by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation prompted the removal of a large painting of Jesus watching over mariners in a lifeboat, which had been on display in the school’s administrative building since 1947. It has since languished in the basement. But during a recent speech to the graduating class, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urged the Academy to restore the painting, prompting a standing ovation and cheers from the midshipmen. MH SRNN NEWS
Listen DownloadThe killing continues in Nigeria
The killing continues in Nigeria
VERBATIM: Another 60 Christians have been slain by radical Muslim Fulani herdsman in the country’s restive North where believers have been under siege for more than a decade. In addition to the dead, nearly 400 homes were destroyed by the Fulani and 1,000 people displaced. In fact, TWO Muslim radical groups are operating in Nigeria these days and between them they have killed tens-of-thousands of Christians while the government seems incapable of responding. MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadA South Carolina church receives an honor
A South Carolina church receives an honor
VERBATIM: First Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bluffton was founded during the Civil War by a former slave named Abraham Murchison. The small congregation ministered to freed slaves during its early years and now the state government has granted it a historical marker so passers-by can quickly learn its history. Current Pastor Bennie Jenkins tells WJCL-TV “This marker will stand as a testament to our commitment to God and our mission to share His love with all mankind.” MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadA gambling summit for pastors
A gambling summit for pastors
Older Christians are more faithful than younger ones
Older Christians are more faithful than younger ones
Should a merchant be able to deny service based on his faith?
Should a merchant be able to deny service based on his faith?
Georgia has a new religious freedom law
Georgia has a new religious freedom law
VERBATIM: Modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the legislation bars state and local governments from impeding on someone’s religious rights in most cases and stops the enforcement of laws that conflict with an individual’s religious expression. Greg Chaufen of Alliance Defending Freedom says “This law provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Georgians.” MH SRN NEWS
Listen DownloadPresident Trump restores federal funding to a pair of pro-life states
President Trump restores federal funding to a pair of pro-life states