Anti-Abortion Preacher, Ousted By Democrats, Runs As Independent In Tennessee

Rep. John DeBerry Jr., running for his 14th two-year term in the Tennessee General Assembly, has been voted off the Democratic primary for his conservative positions on issues such as abortion, gay rights and school choice. He says these positions are a result of his faith, not his politics.

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Is Joe Biden a Catholic? It depends on who you ask

(ANALYSIS) Biden is a baptized Catholic and has made his faith a cornerstone of his bid for the presidency, often referring to his faith as a guide in his decision making and a source of comfort in the tragedies he has faced in his life. But many Catholics point out that his policies oppose the Church’s teaching, specifically on abortion. Catholics weigh in on what it all means.

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Downtown Beirut church hit by blast is a symbol of hope, unity and grit

In the heart of Beirut’s downtown, the recent explosion is not the first blast Saint Elias Cathedral has survived. The cathedral has witnessed several wars in Lebanon and has a special symbolism as a sanctuary not only for Christians, but also Muslims who gather annually for a Ramadan feast hosted by the cathedral’s community. Father Agapios, priest of the church, spoke to Religion Unplugged about surviving the blast and his hope for Lebanon.

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This Sikh family performed last rites for unclaimed COVID-19 patients. Then they caught the virus

Jatindra Shunty and his family have helped cremate or bury the unclaimed poor in New Delhi for years. Now during a pandemic, they are also performing last rites for COVID-19 patients, whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, aiming to give dignity in rest to people who may not have been treated with dignity in life.

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Jewish Democrat's Novel From Slave Era Stirs Racial Controversy

Matt Lieberman, who is in the middle of a campaign for a U.S. Senate seat from Georgia, is defending the racial content of his debut novel “Lucius.” Some have criticized the book by saying it presents a white savior narrative and uses racial slurs. Despite calls to drop out of the race, Lieberman is defending his campaign and his novel.

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What Is ‘Jewish Privilege?’ Well, it's complicated.

(OPINION) The hashtag #JewishPrivilege was trending on Twitter in the month of July. But are Jews privileged? Many of them in America are white or white-passing, but others emphasize the effect of Anti-Semitism on Jewish communities.

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Liberty University Board Names Jerry Prevo As Acting President With Falwell On Leave

Jerry Falwell is on indefinite leave from his role as President and Chancellor of Liberty University after a statement. The university has chosen Jerry Prevo as Acting President in the interim.

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Biden's faith becomes a campaign issue as anti-Catholic attacks rise

(OPINION) During this time of cultural reckoning, some have tried to lump Catholic saints like St. Damien into the same category as treasonous Confederate generals. That has forced Republicans to come out as defenders of traditional Christian values, while Democrats get dangerously closer to socialism.

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The play about America's first Black Catholic priest most have never heard of

A small Catholic theater company, Saint Luke Productions, is in high demand telling the story of Augustus Tolton, America’s first Black Catholic priest, who was declared “venerable” – the first step to official sainthood – last year by Pope Francis.

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Church in Uganda razed overnight despite COVID-19 ban on evictions

Although St. Peter’s Church in Kampala had received their land through a donation, a title was never given, and the donor’s children sold the land. Thirteen people have been arrested so far in connection with the church’s demolition, which took place late at night during the government’s curfew hours for COVID-19.

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Make your travel plans now: These religious pilgrimages are reopening

Here are four sacred journeys, some open but with country travel restrictions, that will brighten your “quarantine life.”

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Jerry Falwell Jr. Steps Down From Liberty University After Racy Party Photo

Jerry Falwell Jr. is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his role as president and chancellor of Liberty University after he posted and then deleted a photo on Instagram of himself with unzipped pants at a yacht party last weekend.

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Christian leaders debate Zimbabwe’s reparations for white farmers

Christian leaders in Zimbabwe are cautiously optimistic that a recent government move to pay $3.5 billion compensation to white farmers violently forced off their land in 1999 to resettle black families can revive the southern African country’s struggling economy by boosting its agricultural sector.

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In Beyoncé's 'Black is King,' African Culture Outshines God

(REVIEW) Beyoncé released the musical and visual album “Black is King: The Gift” on July 31. It serves as an ode to “Blackness” and African spirituality, but in doing so idolizes Blackness in place of God with messages that listeners are also gods.

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Why 'The Chosen' Plans To Film Season Two During A Pandemic

“The Chosen,” a show about the life of Jesus, will resume filming its second season this fall with health concerns presenting risks and challenges. The show is the biggest crowd-funded media project of all time, raising more than $11 million to fund their first season. Religion Unplugged spoke with director Dallas Jenkins about his plans for the series.

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'Racy picture' of Liberty's Jerry Falwell Jr. sparks curiosity and controversy

This week’s Weekend Plug-in summary explores the story behind a controversial selfie that Jerry Falwell Jr. posted on Instagram and then quickly deleted. Also, find links to the week’s best reads in the world of faith news.

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