Politics
U.S. adults are nearly equally divided on how much of a role religion should play in public schools, according to a YouGov poll. A third (34 percent) say it doesn’t play enough of a role, a quarter (26 percent) say it’s involved about the right amount, and a quarter (26 percent) say religion plays too much of a role.
(ANALYSIS) Days after Charlie Kirk was assassinated, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi poured gasoline on raging national debates about social media chatter celebrating the 31-year-old activist's death. Prominent conservatives immediately rejected her words, noting that her use of the term “hate speech” is one that, historically, has been used by the hard left.
Two years after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the start of the Jewish state’s military campaign in Gaza, a growing number of Americans are expressing skepticism toward Israel’s actions and the U.S. response to the conflict, according to a new survey. It reveals that 39% of Americans say Israel is going too far in its military operations against Hamas — an increase from 31% a year ago.
(ANALYSIS) Weakened militarily and politically after two years of war with Israel, Hamas is facing growing pressure — from both Palestinians and the international community — to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. The group has already agreed to release the remaining Israeli hostages and hand over control of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body.
It’s time to play “spot the headline,” a game that I have — for decades — watched mainstream journalists play as they cover the papacy.
(ANALYSIS) The announcement that Bishop Sarah Mullally will become the next Archbishop of Canterbury marks an extraordinary milestone in the Church of England’s long and complex history — but also sets the stage for a challenging chapter ahead. Her appointment is as symbolic as it is strategic. It comes at a moment when the church is navigating both internal turmoil and a shifting role in British public life.
The Anglican Church of Uganda has unveiled a digital land information management system to curb rampant land grabbing that threatens its vast properties. Land grabbing remains one of the church’s most pressing challenges in Uganda. Illegal squatters and unscrupulous land dealers have deprived the institution of the property church leaders had planned to develop for religious schools and worship space.
(ANALYSIS) The deadly attack at a synagogue in northern England on Yom Kippur — the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish calendar — has cast a long shadow over the safety and security of Jewish communities in Britain and beyond. The 10/7 attacks and their aftermath have exacerbated an already volatile environment.
(ANALYSIS) Many factors can shape how someone views abortion – gender, age and education, to name a few. Around the world, however, religious belief is the most powerful predictor that someone will disapprove, as I document in my 2025 book, “Fetal Positions.” Faith traditions’ teachings about abortion vary — and there is diversity of opinions within faiths, too.
(ANALYSIS) In our politically divided society, there are sharply differing reactions to the political rally combined with memorial tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10. But there is almost universal tribute to his young widow's moving testimony that she forgave his killer. There is also almost universal comment on the starkly contrasting words of President Trump immediately following.
U.S. evangelicals are as supportive of Israel as they were four years ago, Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter found in their latest poll, although findings portend a possible generational shift.
Herbie Newell, the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services — said the agency some U.S. families are using for their adoption — is cautiously hopeful that something can still be done to unite the 300 waiting children with their new parents.
Zohran Mamdani's candidacy offers a lens into the future of American urban politics — one that is both multicultural and deeply polarizing. It’s also a referendum on whether a candidate can be unapologetically Muslim, unflinchingly progressive and still viable as a leader in America’s largest city.
A new congressional bill would require the U.S. to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), indicating egregious, systemic and ongoing religious freedom violations in the country that is the deadliest for Christians. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 echoes a longstanding call by many religious freedom organizations.
Doing this interview was consistent with Charlie Kirk’s history of reaching out to leaders on the other side of the chasm between red and blue America. I would argue that many other conservative groups should take a similar approach, if their leaders are sharp enough to handle these kinds of encounters (with both sides recording what happens).
As he took the bench, Jerry Crosby II told the court that he was serving as the circuit court judge. Crosby intentionally used the word “serving” because of his faith. “I never say I am the judge,” he said. “I understand the only person that’s the true judge of all things and of all of us is God. I want to make sure each and every day.”
After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, pastors found themselves in a difficult position — whether or how to address the event from the pulpit. Todd Fisher, executive director of Oklahoma Baptists, received messages from pastors confused by their congregations’ reactions, prompting him to address the issue. Many pastors were unaware of Kirk’s cultural influence, especially among younger members.
In her 30-minute testimony, Erika Kirk said her husband knew his life was in danger, but he stressed the biblical message in a verse from Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Kirk said she once told him: “‘Charlie, baby, please talk to me next time before you say that statement.’ ... When you say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Use me,’ God will take you up on that.’ ... God accepted that total surrender from my husband, and then called him to His side.”
(ANALYSIS) In his first major interview as pope, Leo XIV offers a glimpse into a papacy shaped by his American identity and a diplomatic, morally grounded approach. Speaking to Crux for an upcoming biography, the first U.S.-born pontiff addressed global issues including President Trump, artificial intelligence, and the crisis in Gaza.
(OPINION) Like many, I sat in disbelief hearing the news of the vile acts committed over these last few weeks.
(ANALYSIS) The young Donald Trump administration is unusually focused on the issue of religious liberty — operating through two newly formed organizations that emphasize concerns raised by those conservative Catholics and Protestants who are a crucial element in the president’s political “base.”
For nearly two years, the ongoing war in Gaza has disrupted one of the most sacred traditions for thousands of Christians worldwide — pilgrimages to the Holy land. Israel’s war in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, has led to the near collapse of a once-thriving pilgrimage and tourism sectors within Israel and the Palestinian territories. This disruption came some three years after the same pilgrimages were affected by the pandemic.
The following remarks were made by Erika Kirk, wife of the late Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, on Sept. 21 during his memorial service held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
(ANALYSIS) As Algeria tries to assert itself on the international stage as a civilizational bridge, the country’s Christian community continues to face renewed challenges. In late July, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune traveled to Italy to meet with both Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The latter meeting produced a joint initiative to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for several historic sites in Algeria linked to early Christianity.
(ANALYSIS) Recognition of a Palestinian state is likely to dominate proceedings at the U.N. beginning this week when world leaders will gather for the annual general assembly. Of the 193 existing U.N member states, 147 already recognize a Palestinian state. But that number is expected to swell in the coming days, with several more countries expected to officially announce such recognition.
(OPINION) America is dangerously polarized. We are split into camps with different facts, values and even realities. Kirk often stepped into that arena as a kind of devil’s advocate — lobbing provocative challenges and daring opponents to prove him wrong. If his death teaches us anything, it may be that endless condemnation cannot heal us.
In the past decade, leaders in America’s newsrooms have tried to find journalists who can help them understand the language, symbols and beliefs of Americans with different cultural backgrounds. An editor in Miami will want a large percentage of the staff to speak Spanish. What about reporters who can speak conversational “evangelical” or what some call “Christianese”?
China has introduced sweeping new regulations that strictly control how clergy from the country’s five state-recognized religions can operate online. The 18-article “Code of Conduct for Religious Clergy on the Internet” bans livestreaming, social media preaching, AI-generated religious content and all online outreach to minors.
(REVIEW) “Triumph of the Heart” is a rare movie that leans into the parts of the Christian walk we often like to talk about but not experience. In doing so, it shows us the beauty of standing up against evil. If one can take the constant drumbeat of pain and look past some of its repetitiveness and hagiographical weaknesses, one will be rewarded by having one’s heart drawn closer to God.
Nine months before she was killed by an Israeli airstrike, Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona started quoting “Shawshank Redemption.” “Hope is a dangerous thing,” she told Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi over a WhatsApp video call. Farsi and Hassona began talking in early 2024, after Farsi’s plans to make a documentary in Rafah were upended due to the closing of the border.