Explainer: Biden administration issues OSHA vaccine mandate
On Nov. 4, the Biden administration issued a COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The stated purpose of this rule is “to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers (100 or more employees) from the risk of contracting COVID-19 by strongly encouraging vaccination.” The intent to issue this rule was announced in September by President Biden, but the text of the rule was issued in November.
This Week in Washington, D.C.
On Nov. 1, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a federal court’s ruling that “upheld a New York regulation requiring health insurance plans to cover abortions.” Citing a recently decided case, the Supreme Court sent the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany v. Emami court case back for reconsideration in light of the unanimous decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia, a case that “could affect the lower court’s thinking on the issue.”
The ERLC submitted an amicus brief on this case, and as stated in the brief, “Unless reviewed, it [the court’s decision] will undermine the crucial principle of religious autonomy.” In other words, religious freedom is at stake. The government has no right to force churches and religious ministries to violate their consciences and pay for abortions.
With the case being remanded, it is our hope and prayer that the lower court will arrive at a satisfactory decision by acknowledging and upholding the Constitutional rights of people of religious faith.
For Further Reading: Explainer: U.S. Supreme Court vacates ruling requiring insurance plans to cover abortion
From The Public Square
Supreme Court won't hear case involving transgender rights
Associated Press
The Supreme Court is declining to wade into a case involving transgender rights and leaving in place a lower court decision against a Catholic hospital that wouldn’t allow a transgender man to have a hysterectomy there.
Coup in Sudan Puts Religious Freedom At Risk
RealClearReligion
Last week, the Sudanese military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, forcefully took over Sudan's transitional government and placed the Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok under house arrest. After nearly two years of major reforms on human rights and democratic governance, the coup has the potential to destabilize the country.
5 questions when the Supreme Court takes up the Texas abortion law
Politico
Though the Court split 5-4 in declining to block the unique ban before it took effect in September, the justices now have before them evidence of the sweeping impact it’s had.
Texas Governor Signs Ban On Transgender Girls Participating On Female Sports Teams
Religion Clause
On Monday, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott signed HB 25 (full text) which requires transgender students on interscholastic high school athletic teams to compete only on teams that conform to their biological sex as specified on their original birth certificate. The only exception is for female students competing on male teams when no female team is available.
What You Need to Read
Katie Fruge with How will local churches respond in light of SB8? A call for the church to lovingly prepare for a post-Roe world
Churches wanting to be more involved in crisis pregnancy ministries can begin by partnering with established organizations in great need of more resources. This could mean financial support (which is sorely needed), but it could also mean helping connect the passions, interests, and skills of the church members. Although resources are not one-size-fits-all, most Dallas and Fort Worth based crisis pregnancy centers share a need for help.
Amy Richards with How widows and widowers can thrive during the holidays
Our hearts are never fully prepared for a drastic change. But loss does that to you — it changes your course. Over time, the once raging grief finds a softer place to live, but when special days or holidays approach, those wounds can be reopened. As a widow, that loss and change stings every inch of your life and is certainly amplified during the holiday season. Each date on the calendar and special occasion screams the absence of your loved one.
Sarah Beth Fentress with 10 lessons I’ve learned in leading a nonprofit to serve orphans, widows, and vulnerable communities
Healthy rhythms in ministry leadership are a must. It’s okay to calendar time for reading, writing, and spending time with God, family, and friends. Boundaries are healthy. Saying no is healthy. Maintaining rhythm in your life and work is crucial. The quickest way for me to spiral downward is to lose sight of the disciplines that are tethering me to a firm foundation. Solitude, prayer, and journaling are just a few habits that encourage routine. Prioritize routines as much as possible.
This Week at the ERLC
- Brent Leatherwood wrote an op-ed for the Tennessean about why the dignity of those abroad, including Uyghurs in China, matters to Baptists in U.S. and talked to Baptist Press about the Chinese government's move to assert more control over pastors and church leaders. He also was featured in Newsweek talking about the ERLC's amicus brief on behalf of a Texas inmate who is being blocked from having his Southern Baptist pastor pray with him while he is executed.
- Chelsea Patterson Sobolik discussed concerns with President Biden's "Build Back Better" agenda with WORLD and talked to Baptist Press about the Supreme Court hearing on the Texas heartbeat law. She was also featured at Lifeway Voices talking about the gospel and adoption.
- Jason Thacker talked to Carmen LaBerge about dealing with the concerning issues around social media that have come to light.
Featured Podcast
On the Digital Public Square podcast, Jason Thacker talks to Dr. Dru Johnson, professor and author of Biblical Philosophy: A Hebraic Approach to the Old and New Testaments about the Bible and philosophy.
On the ERLC Podcast, Brent and Lindsay discuss the Braves World Series win, Younkin’s win in Virginia, and the SBC’s Orphan and Widow Sunday. They also discuss Ethiopia’s state of emergency, lessons from election night, and churches responding in light of the Texas heartbeat bill.
