/usr/web/www.marshallindependent.com/wp-content/themes/coreV2/single.php
×

Local/National Faith Briefs

Catholic Daughters to meet Monday

The Catholic Daughters of Americas will have a meeting Monday in Carlin Hall following the 5:30 p.m. Mass. A wine and cheese party will take place followed by a business meeting.

Judge sides with Christian group in religious freedom case

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge says the University of Iowa was wrong to strip a Christian student group of its registered status after the organization barred a gay student from a leadership position.

The Des Moines Register reported that U.S. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose granted a permanent injunction banning the university from rejecting the status of the group, Business Leaders in Christ.

Rose says the university unevenly applies its human rights policy by allowing other groups to limit membership based on religious views, race, sex and other protected characteristics.

Business Leaders in Christ said it denied the student’s request because the group requires leaders to affirm a statement of faith rejecting homosexuality.

The university said it plans to follow the court’s decision.

Judge says feds may survey historic chapel’s land for wall

MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — A judge has ruled the federal government may enter the property of a historic South Texas chapel to survey its suitability for a border wall.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane on Wednesday rejected the Brownsville Roman Catholic diocese’s argument that granting federal access to the La Lomita Chapel would violate federal religious freedom laws.

Crane ruled Wednesday in McAllen that allowing the access would pose no burden on the Mission, Texas, chapel.

The attorney for the federal government said the survey wouldn’t require access to the chapel itself.

The Rev. Roy Snipes, who is pastor of the chapel, said he will continue fighting federal efforts to build a wall through the chapel grounds, which also serve as a city park.

The La Lomita Chapel was founded by missionaries in 1865.

Charity food kitchen forced to close its doors this week

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A food kitchen in an Atlantic City church that has served meals for four decades says it is being forced to close its doors.

City official Dale Finch said the Victory First Presbyterian Church, which was deemed an unsafe structure, and ceased operations Thursday. NJ.com reports the church is largely vacant except for Sister Jean’s Kitchen, which rents space there.

Rev. John Scotland, executive director of the Friends of Jean Webster Inc., said the news has devastated those who rely on the services. The kitchen provides lunch for 100 to 300 people every weekday.

Scotland places blame on Democratic Mayor Frank Gilliam, who he alleges opposes the kitchen in its current location.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today