Unlicensed religious chaplains OKed for Texas public schools 
Opponents fear the bill is a “Trojan horse” for evangelizing kids and will worsen the state’s mental health crisis through disproven counseling approaches. Read article

Pope Francis to be at World Youth Day
The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day this August with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Read article

Documentary looks at Sabbath tradition
Filmmaker Martin Doblmeier has a new documentary called “Sabbath.” The two-hour film, which takes viewers to various religious communities to illustrate their Sabbath practices, begins airing on PBS stations June 1. Read article

Some worshippers switching congregations amid United Methodist split
The dividing line in the Methodist Church isn’t just running between congregations. It’s running right through the pews of individual churches, separating people who had long worshipped together. Read article

Ten Commandements bill fails in Texas House
The Republican-controlled Texas State House failed to advance a controversial bill on Tuesday that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Read article

Tim Keller, retired New York megachurch pastor and bestselling author, dies at 72
The success of Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the heart of New York City as well as his bestselling books made him one of the most influential evangelicals in the U.S. Read article

Poll: Religious attendance is shrinking but those who remain are happy
In the PRRI study, 57% of Americans say they seldom or never attend religious services. Among those who do, 89% said they were proud to be associated with their congregation. Read article

Hebrew Bible purchased for $38.1 million for display at Jewish museum
Purchased by the American Friends of the ANU, Museum of the Jewish People, Codex Sassoon is one of the most expensive historical documents ever sold at auction. Read article

UK report: Britons’ lack of faith knowledge deeply disturbing
A newly published report cites a profound need for improving Britons’ knowledge of religion in general and for protecting faith in an increasingly secularized landscape. Read article

Does identifying with religion make one more civic-minded?
New data reveals atheists and agnostics may place a higher premium on civic activities. Read article

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