Why you should remember the forgotten genocide happening in Ethiopia
For the last month, the attention of the world has rightly been focused on the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. But the deadliest war on the planet is currently happening in Ethiopia. Global leaders have so far hesitated to call it a genocide, referring to it as a civil war, or the Tigray War. But the atrocities committed by the Ethiopian and Eritrian governments make it clear the conflict is turning into a genocide.
Are you ready for the Supreme Court decision on abortion?
Right now, the Supreme Court is considering the most important abortion case in a generation: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As we prepare for the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.
This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.
This Week in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Ramirez v. Collier, a case that dealt with whether John Ramirez, a Texas prisoner on death row, could have his Southern Baptist pastor pray aloud and lay hands on him as he was executed. In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mr. Ramirez. The ERLC filed an amicus brief in the case and is grateful for the court’s strong affirmation of religious liberty.
"This is a significant affirmation of religious liberty. The Supreme Court affirmed that religious freedom does not end at the execution chamber door. In the majority opinion, the court provided significant guidance about how this case should be handled moving forward. The state of Texas should accommodate Mr. Ramirez’s sincere requests based on his religious beliefs and allow Pastor Moore, his Southern Baptist pastor since 2016, to minister to Mr. Ramirez in his final solemn moments of life.” — ERLC Acting President Brent Leatherwood
You can read more about this decision and why it matters here.
Featured Podcasts
On this week's episode of the Digital Public Square podcast, Olivia Enos, senior policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation, joins Jason Thacker to talk about human rights issues in China and North Korea.
From The Public Square
Idaho lawmakers pass 6-week abortion ban styled after Texas law
ABC News
The bill is the first in the country to be modeled after the recent law passed in Texas that bans abortions after six weeks, before many women know they're pregnant.
Indiana governor vetoes transgender girls sports ban
Politico
Republican sponsors of the bill said it was needed to protect the integrity of female sports and opportunities for girls to gain college athletic scholarship but pointed out no instances in the state of girls being outperformed by transgender athletes.
USCIRF Warns of Potential for Significant Religious Oppression in Ukraine
USCIRF
USCIRF is appalled by the incalculable suffering already caused by Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, and warns that religious communities across Ukraine will likely be targeted with violence and oppression under any Russian influence.
Missouri wants to stop out-of-state abortions. Other states could follow.
Politico
The first-of-its-kind proposal from Missouri lawmakers would allow private citizens to sue anyone who helps a Missouri resident have an abortion.
What You Need to Read
Barrett Duke with How gambling preys on the longings of the heart: 7 reasons why people gamble and the Bible’s better answer
It is estimated that Americans lost $161 billion to all forms of gambling in 2018, with $306 million of that going to online gambling. While this amount is for all types of gambling, the fastest growing kind of gambling is online. Online gambling has been increasing each year, and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated that gain. As brick-and-mortar gambling sites saw a decrease in activity, online gambling venues took up the slack.
Rick Morton with Christians, remember the vulnerable children of Ukraine
With the beginning of Russian aggression, the entire population of Ukraine became vulnerable in an instant. An estimated 3.2 million people have fled the country as refugees and millions more are internally displaced seeking safety from Russian attacks. Among those, an estimated 200,000 orphans are infinitely more unshielded today than ever before.
Jason Thacker with How Christians can think about the epidemic of online gambling and sports betting
In recent years, there has been an explosion of online gambling especially related to sports. Whether professional sports like football, soccer, and basketball or collegiate sports including the current NCAA basketball tournaments, many of us are inundated with countless advertisements about making a quick buck or even betting on our team to win it all. Most of these ads are tailored to our favorite teams, often using images from high-profile games with the allure of “instant bonuses,” free credits, or an easy win. This time of year, online gambling surges leave many in their wake.
