A Catholic nonprofit and after-school classes bring hope to many

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more A focus on Nigeria A Catholic nonprofit and after-school classes bring hope to many Religion Unplugged Jul 30   READ IN APP   Hi Religion Unplugged readers, Amid conflict-stricken Nigeria, efforts from Christians across the country are bringing important resources to those in need. Kangyang Gana, a missionary, began an after-school program to teach children how to read that now hosts about 350 children on weekdays and 400 over the summer. Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization, a Catholic nonprofit, improves the lives of prisoners in the country by providing healthcare services and more. In today’s top stories, Ajifa Solomon writes on the ways Claire Aid Foundation is bridging the education gap, and Ekpali Saint writes on how CAPIO has helped individuals receive medical care in the midst of crisis. How A Catholic Nonprofit Is Meeting Inmates’ Health Needs In Nigeria There are 81,011 inmates in Nigeria’s prisons. However, inadequate healthcare remains a significant challenge, contributing to numerous health problems and affecting inmates’ overall well-being. Founded in 1992 by the Discalced Carmelite Friars in Nigeria, CAPIO addresses the health and needs of inmates across the country. by Ekpali Saint Share Did you know that you can support Religion Unplugged for just $5? Here’s how your $5 per quarter makes a real impact: Keeps our stories ad-free and accessible to everyone Supports freelance journalists reporting from around the world Helps us grow and reach more readers hungry for thoughtful journalism Can $5 really make a difference? Absolutely. If each of our 60,000+ subscribers gave just $5 every quarter, we’d not only sustain our mission, but we could expand it. Donate ‘No Easy Thing’: Rebuilding Hope In Conflict-Stricken Nigeria Nigeria has allocated just 7% of its national budget this year to education, far below UNESCO's recommended 15 to 20%. Despite years of criticism over this consistent underfunding, there has been little to no change. As a result, one Christian woman has made it her mission to help the many men and women impacted by years of conflict. by Ajifa Solomon So What If Preachers Endorse Political Candidates? (ANALYSIS) Unless a federal court challenge succeeds, American clergy are now free to endorse political candidates in sermons during worship. The Internal Revenue Service has just erased the pulpit prohibition that for 71 years was among conditions to obtain federal tax exemption on income and donor gifts. The impact is tough to predict. by Richard Ostling Vatican Stalls Return Of Stolen Treasures From Former European Colonies A leading academic who has called for the return of precious artifacts “stolen by Pope Pius XI and his missionaries” from Indigenous First Nations communities has urged Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican Museums to “rethink their colonial mindset.” Gloria Bell said the Vatican continues to falsely “refer to everything” in their collection as a “gift.” by Jules Gomes Scottie Scheffler Is A Believer — But Golf Isn’t The Focus This brings us to Scheffler’s remarkable press conference in which he offered a long, complex set of quotes about the centrality of his family and faith in his life and work. To many sports insiders he sounded like a heretic, as opposed to a prophet. by Terry Mattingly ‘What If …’ Re-Released 15 Years Later: Why It’s Still A Great Faith-Based Film The film, a standout in early faith-based cinema, returns for its 15th anniversary amid a revitalized genre led by hits like “The Chosen.” Directed by Dallas Jenkins and starring Kevin Sorbo, the film explores an alternate reality where a businessman sees the life he could have had by following God’s path. Strong writing and emotional depth elevate it above genre clichés. by Joseph Holmes Bob Dylan, His Jewish Roots And The Reinvention Of An American Icon (ANALYSIS) In reinventing himself, did Robert Allen Zimmerman — Dylan’s birth name and the grandson of Lithuanian and Ukrainian Jewish immigrants — also betray his Jewish heritage? What was that heritage and how did it shape his music, his worldview, his rise to fame and identity? Harry Freedman explores these questions in his probing book, “Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil.” by Tom Verde On Religion: A Mother’s Journey With Autism And Faith (ANALYSIS) On many Sundays, Corey Hatfield sent her family ahead into church while she lingered outside with her autistic son, Grayson — trying to decide if he would scream or run the second they entered the sanctuary. Approaching the chalice during Holy Communion was another challenge. by Terry Mattingly Fake Pope Leo XIV: Coming Soon To YouTube? (ANALYSIS) Every time that I turn on YouTube to check the channels that I follow, it’s impossible to miss the growing spectre of AI junk. Let’s say that you are interested in the controversies swirling around superstar Caitlin Clark and the WNBA leadership’s attempts to figure out (Welcome to red v. blue America) how to minimize the impact of her massive fanbase on their league. Clark v. Nike is another popular topic for gossip, mixed with tiny amounts of real news. by Terry Mattingly Rails To Redemption: A 9,000-Mile Spiritual Journey Across America On a summer night in 2023, Rajah Bose boarded the midnight train out of Spokane, Washington, with John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charlie” in his backpack and a burning question that he couldn’t articulate. The 45-year-old photojournalist and musician was embarking on a 9,000-mile journey across America by rail, from the Pacific Northwest to New York and, finally, back home. by Tracy Simmons 📺 ‘Like Losing A Friend’: Why Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death Hit Gen Xers So Hard 🔌 Oh no, not Theo. That was the first thought of millions of Generation Xers when the news broke this week of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s accidental drowning death in Costa Rica at age 54. Here’s why “The Cosby Show” actor was so influential and beloved. by Bobby Ross Jr. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings! Subscribe to Weekend Plug-In Thanks again for reading! At Religion Unplugged, we cover the role of religion in public life and in peoples' lives. If you appreciate our journalism, become a sustaining monthly donor by clicking the button below. Donate Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Religion Unplugged’s Week in Headlines is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Religion Unplugged’s Week in Headlines that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. Pledge your support   Share     Like Comment Restack   © 2025 Religion Unplugged 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104 Unsubscribe