Weekend Plug-in year in review: The best religion journalism of 2020

In a special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in, the nation’s top religion writers share their top stories of 2020.

International Court Says It Can't Investigate Crimes Against Uyghurs In China

(ANALYSIS) Last week, the Office of the Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court confirmed that it would not go further with the trials for the alleged crimes against the Uyghurs in China. The court does not have jurisdiction over crimes in China, allowing for senior Chinese leaders to continue religious persecution.

How will Catholic issues shape news coverage under President Biden?

(OPINION) Biden’s brand of Catholicism resonated with the mainstream press and many voters. The election now over, how the president-elect navigates the complicated world of the church’s hierarchy will be a big storyline.

Catholicism, Politics, Religion, OpinionClemente LisiDecember 18, 2020Clemente Lisi, opinion, journalism, Catholic church, Christianity, Joe Biden, Trump, RechargeComment

In the year of the pandemic, counting down the top 10 religion stories of 2020

This week’s Weekend Plug-in counts down the top 10 religion stories of 2020, as determined by the Religion News Association. Also: our usual Friday roundup of the top reads in the world of faith.

From the Vatican’s table to yours: New Christmas cookbook a culinary masterpiece

(REVIEW) David Geisser’s new cookbook in time for the holidays, The Vatican Christmas Cookbook, offers up over 100 recipes from around the world.

Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine 'a medical miracle,' but many religious people are skeptical

President Donald Trump calls the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the federal government a “medical miracle.” So why are many religious people so skeptical? That’s a key question in this week’s Weekend Plug-in.

Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Remains Beloved By Both Christians And Nonbelievers

(OPINION) Something truly magical happens by the end when Charlie Brown asks what the true meaning of Christmas is. Instead of more commercialism, Linus sets his friend — and everyone else — straight and delivers a truly important message.

Justices flip the script on COVID-19 worship bans, but top health official urges closures

Ongoing court battles pit religious groups vs. governmental regulations designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Weekend Plug-in highlights the latest developments and runs down the week’s top reads in the world of faith.

Pope Francis' new book: Don't rely on news coverage for what's in it

(OPINION) That Pope Francis would put his name on a book — written by a British author — criticizing the United States, its media and politics without understanding the First Amendment is a major shortfall of the project. There is also more to this book that the mainstream secular press did not highlight — like the pope’s staunch opposition to abortion.

In a crazy year, a reason to give thanks — plus the week's top religion reads

This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores Thanksgiving in the age of COVID-19. As always, we also check out the week’s top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

Weekend Plug-In, Analysis, Religion, Religion News, OpinionBobby Ross Jr.November 20, 2020Bobby Ross Jr.

Who's to blame for McCarrick depends on what news sources you read

(OPINION) A week after the Vatican released its much-anticipated investigation of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, there remain many unanswered questions. Whether journalists will delve deeply into these unanswered questions remains to be seen.

Lies, damned lies, statistics: For Biden, religious vote was crucial — maybe

This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores whether religious voters were important to President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Plus, check out the week’s top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

McCarrick report: Vatican hierarchy downplayed past sex abuse reports

A long-awaited Vatican probe into ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick found that many in the Catholic hierarchy — starting with Pope John Paul II — continuously turned a blind eye to a series of red flags that he’d sexually abused children and seminarians.

Biden elected second Catholic U.S. president in history: What does it mean for a divided nation?

(ANALYSIS) Former Vice President Joe Biden’s Catholicism often helped shape his politics as did a family tragedy earlier in his life. Biden promises unity post-Trump, but how he governs could ultimately result in an even bigger political split in the U.S. over the next four years.

Faith and foster care: 5 key numbers as SCOTUS case pits religion vs. gay rights

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the latest Supreme Court case pitting religious freedom vs. gay rights, while running down the key religion news that emerged from Election Day.

5 things we learned about faith voters this election cycle

(ANALYSIS) From exit poll results to the outcome of several ballot measures, here’s how religious denominations impacted the U.S. elections.

Religious voters to have a big say following contentious campaign

Americans cast their votes Tuesday to decide between giving President Trump another four-year term or whether to elect challenger Joe Biden.

Faith and politics: 5 revealing questions to ask on Election Night

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights seven questions that smart religion journalists will be asking on Election Night. Also, catch up on the week’s top reads and headlines in the world of religion news.

For many Americans, religion will play a major role on Election Day

Just days before Election Day, a new poll finds that four in 10 Americans factor in personal religious beliefs into their voting decisions.

Pope Francis' civil union media storm unleashes doctrinal infighting

(OPINION) The pope — as head of the church — had in three sentences changed Catholicism forever. Not so fast, said numerous on-the-record voices in the world of Catholicism.

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