More U.S. churches sue to challenge COVID-19 restrictions

More U.S. churches sue to challenge COVID-19 restrictions
The Associated Press

Three churches sue over Minnesota’s mask mandate and other rules
Star Tribune *

Some churches defy Anchorage’s COVID-19 order limiting large indoor gatherings
Alaska Public Media

Sojourners pulls article about Catholic Church and race from website
National Catholic Reporter

Shabbat dinners amid the pandemic: An ancient Jewish tradition goes virtual
CNN

Wisconsin man pleads guilty to vandalizing synagogue
The Associated Press

Democrats plan interfaith service to kick off convention
Religion News Service
 

International headlines

Israel, UAE agree to normalize ties in what Trump calls ‘historic’ agreement
ABC News

Palestinians warn Israel-UAE deal imperils Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque
Reuters

Beirut’s Shiites like the idea of change, but like Hezbollah more
The New York Times *

Conflicting tan lines: The burkini raises debate in Egypt
The Associated Press

Pope cleans house in Poland after abuse, cover-up scandal
The Associated Press

Missionaries gain access to Amazon’s Indigenous peoples, despite pandemic
Religion News Service

French interior minister condemns arson attempt at a mosque
The Associated Press

Indonesia’s first transgender public official breaks conservative mold
Deutsche Welle
 

Analysis and commentary

Kamala Harris exacerbates Biden’s existing problem with religious voters. He must work to reassure them
The Washington Post *

Fact check: Kamala Harris does not want to institute Sharia law
USA Today

Sign of the times: A bishop bashes Biden and Catholics object (or yawn)
Los Angeles Times *

Netanyahu drops troubled annexation plan for diplomatic gain
The New York Times *

Downtown Beirut church hit by blast is a symbol of hope, unity and grit
Religion Unplugged

For the Mahatma, the meaning of independence, nation and religion
Hindustan Times