YOUR IDEAS MATTER
PLEASE, HELP—As we end 2016, our staff wants to hear from you about stories you wish journalists would cover in 2017 about religious and cultural diversity. Now more than ever, our world needs journalists to highlight hopeful stories—lifting up individuals, communities, books and films that point us all toward the creative and compassionate possibilities of diversity. Please, read this brief column asking for your ideas. (And, yes, if you are reading these words, we’d like to hear your ideas.)
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FORCE OF FAITH
GOD SIGNS—Speaking of stories we all should read—and share—in the new year …
Each week, author and columnist Suzy Farbman brings us true stories about men and women whose lives take inspiring turns through love and faith. This week, she writes about a nearly fatal auto accident and its aftermath for a young family. (Go on! You won’t want to miss this amazing story.)
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END THE ‘BAIT & SWITCH’
THIRD-WAY NEWSLETTER—Author and pastor Ken Wilson, a nationally known champion of diversity, publishes an appeal on LGBTQ inclusion as a new year approaches: “End the Bait and Switch.” Ken writes about the many congregations nationwide where LGBTQ folks seem to be invited, and only later discover some painful barriers.
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HOLIDAYS!
Check out all the holidays! Visit www.InterfaithHolidays.com
CELEBRATE FREEDOM—One of the major themes of this eight-night Jewish festival of lights is religious freedom. Our Hanukkah story is packed with intriguing information about the holiday, plus a link to a FeedTheSpirit column about making latkes. And, of course, we have a link to that Maccabeats Hanukkah song that’s now been viewed on YouTube more than 12 million times!
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KWANZAA TURNS 50!
STILL CELEBRATING—In recent years, Kwanzaa observances reportedly have declined in the U.S., but journalists are predicting a wider awareness this year as participants reach the Golden Anniversary of this African-American festival. Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story, including newsy links to several other publications covering the 50th anniversary.
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FEED THE SPIRIT
YOU’LL LOVE THIS! Food-and-culture writer Bobbie Lewis brings us a column (and recipe) that you’re sure to savor: “Green Bean Caserole—the true story!” As various New Year’s parties—and, in January, Super Bowl parties—loom, we all know that tons of this traditional hot dish will soon be bubbling away in ovens nationwide. It’s a tried-and-true standard in countless church potlucks and holiday dinners, as well. But, did you know that the recipe was popularized by a Jewish woman?
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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ED McNULTY—Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org.
Among Ed’s latest movie reviews are:
- PASSENGERS—Ed writes: “If you were entranced by the love story in James Cameron’s Titanic, you will enjoy director Morten Tyldum’s love story set in space.” He gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- MANCHESTER BY THE SEA—Ed calls this film starring Casey Affleck “somber and beautifully crafted.” (4 stars)
- TROLLS—Kids may want to see it, but Ed says the movie is only so so.
- LA LA LAND—Ed gives the hit musical 5 stars. A must see for the holiday season!
- ROGUE ONE—Go see it, says Ed. This is a great new edition to the Star Wars saga. (4.5 stars)
- ARRIVAL—One of the best science fiction films in quite a while, says Ed. (5 stars)
- LOVING—Ed praises this film, based on the real-life civil rights case of an interracial marriage in the 1950s. He writes: “This is a movie that matters, one that will entertain as well as provide a good opportunity for religious groups to watch and discuss issues that still divide our country.” (5 stars)
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