Faith on View

British lawmakers voted 330 to 275 last Friday to initially approve an assisted dying bill, igniting sharp criticism from Christian leaders and advocacy groups. The bill would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients in England and Wales with a prognosis of less than six months to live. A final vote required for the bill to become law will occur next year.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 104 into law, requiring students to use bathrooms and private spaces corresponding to their biological sex. The “Protect All Students Act” legislation applies statewide to K-12 schools and higher education institutions. DeWine’s approval follows a 60-31 vote in the Ohio House and a 24-7 vote in the Senate, reflecting strong Republican support.

Border Patrol agents face significant stress as they enforce contentious immigration policies. Often caught between political debates and public criticism, agents endure emotional challenges exacerbated by the dangerous and isolating nature of their work. Many feel misunderstood and vilified, leading some to conceal their profession from their communities for fear of backlash.

As Syria plunges into uncertainty following President Bashar al-Assad’s departure, persecution experts highlight dire risks for Christians and other minorities. David Curry, head of Global Christian Relief, described Christians as “caught in the crosshairs of war,” with thousands displaced, refugee camps overwhelmed, and some trapped in their homes.

At the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum in Chicago, former President Obama championed pluralism as a cornerstone for fostering harmony amid diversity. He illustrated his point by referencing houses of worship sharing resources and highlighted the inclusivity of megachurches as examples of bridge-building.

Despite significant public opposition, the Texas Board of Education has approved the “Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Reading Language Arts” curriculum. Critics argue the curriculum heavily promotes a Christian nationalist worldview and lacks effective reading instruction. Concerns focus on reduced student-centered reading time and replacing interactive practices with didactic lessons.

Ghana may elect its first Muslim president as Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia leads narrowly against former President John Dramani Mahama ahead of the December 7 election. This development is groundbreaking in a nation where 73% of the population identifies as Christian and no Muslim has previously represented a major political party.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday (12/4) in United States v. Skrmetti, a pivotal transgender rights case. The case challenges a Tennessee law prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. While framed around care for youth, the state’s arguments could extend to bans affecting adults.

A federal judge has ruled that churches in New Jersey cannot be excluded from receiving historic preservation grants solely because of their religious nature. U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin issued a preliminary injunction last week in favor of Mendham Methodist Church and Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley, which sued Morris County officials over denied grants.

Relatives of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the celebrated German pastor and theologian, are weighing legal action against Eric Metaxas over comments made on a recent podcast with Glenn Beck. Bonhoeffer’s great-nephews, Tobias Korenke and Ruggero Schleicher-Tappeser, described Metaxas’ remarks as defamatory.