FPL Daily News Reel: August 7, 2012
The FPL News Reel is a daily round-up of the top faith and politics stories in the news. You can sign up for the email version of the News Reel here, subscribe to the RSS feed here, and follow it on twitter at @FPLNewsreel.
U.S. nuns meet to decide how to respond to Vatican rebuke 
By Mary Wisniewski — Reuters
“Catholic sisters face a defining moment and want to remain true to their broad social justice mission in a time when the church is increasingly conservative and narrowly focused on issues like same-sex marriage,” Gehring said.
Dolan Criticized for Inviting Obama to Al Smith Dinner
By David Gibson — Religion News Service
Obama’s acceptance of the cardinal’s invitation was first reported on July 26 by a National Catholic Reporter blogger, Tom Gallagher, who also reported that Romney would attend. But conservative anxiety about the possibility that Dolan would invite Obama has been building for months, and the invitation could herald a difficult stretch for Dolan.
Faith communities reach out to Sikh victims
By Sharif Durhams — Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Condolences regarding Sunday’s mass shooting at the Oak Creek Sikh temple continue to pour in from members of other faith communities.
Being Sikh in America
By Amardeep Singh — New York Times
At times, living in the United States has seemed like an amazing privilege for my family…And yet a senseless event such as this one reminds one how awfully precarious the American dream can be.
The Difference Between Muslims and Sikhs…Misses the Point
By Paul Brandeis Raushenbush — Huffington Post
Yes, Sikhs are not Muslims and Sikhs are not Hindus, but jumping to clarify difference leaves the unfortunate, if unintentional, perception that there is something wrong with those “others.”
Joplin Mosque Razed in Fire; 2nd Blaze This Summer
By Maria Sudekum — Associated Press
Michael Kaste, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Kansas City office, said Monday that the agency is taking the investigation into the fire at the Islamic Society of Joplin very seriously.
Koch Brothers, GOP Mega Donors, Help Bankroll Religious Conservative’s 2012 Efforts
By Peter H. Stone — Huffington Post
The message is likely to be amplified by other religious conservatives. The $10 million that Reed’s Georgia-based Faith and Freedom Coalition now expects to spend is double what the group raised in 2010.
Romney should not be afraid to highlight his faith
By Michael Gerson — Washington Post, Opinion
It is constitutionally improper for a president (or prospective president) to be sectarian. But it is constitutionally appropriate — and politically advisable for Romney — to tell his whole story, which is uninteresting without his faith.
Missouri to vote on prayer amendment
By Tim Townsend — Religion News Service
Missourians will vote on Tuesday (Aug. 7) on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that supporters say would protect residents’ right to pray in public, and if a recent poll is any indication, it could pass by a mammoth margin.
Townsend, other Md. Catholics to push same-sex marriage
By John Wagner — Washington Post
The group leading Maryland’s same-sex marriage campaign is highlighting Catholic supporters, including former lieutenant governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D).
