A professor at the University of Michigan is receiving backlash for refusing to write a recommendation letter for a student applying to study abroad in Israel.

Associate digital studies professor John Cheney-Lippold, initially agreed to write a recommendation letter for his student Abigail Ingber, but when he realized that she was applying to study in Israel he rescinded his offer. 

In an email to Ingber he wrote, “I am very sorry, but I only scanned your first email a couple weeks ago and missed out on a key detail.” He continued, “As you may know, many university departments have pledged an academic boycott against Israel in support of Palestinians living in Palestine. This boycott includes writing letters of recommendation for students planning to study there.”

“I should have let you know earlier, and for that I apologize. But for reasons of these politics, I must rescind my offer to write your letter,” he added.

Cheney-Lippold concluded the email saying he’d “be happy” to write a letter for her under a different circumstance.

A copy of the email was posted on social media by Club Z, captioned, “An unbelievable email from a University of Michigan professor, who has refused to write a letter of recommendation for a student because she will be studying abroad in Israel. We hope that the U.S. Department of Education will…

Chris Pratt has gained a reputation as the actor who talks often about his Christian faith, and he says he plans on keeping it that way. 

Pratt made headlines this summer with an MTV Movie & TV Awards acceptance speech that mentioned prayer, grace, the soul and God – and even referenced the blood of Christ.  

Pratt told the Associated Press he hopes his words help change lives. He also says he feels “called” to talk about faith. 

“That kind of a message, it might not be for everybody,” said Pratt, who is known for his roles in the Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy film series. “But there is a group of people for whom that message is designed. And nothing fills my soul more than to think that maybe some kid watching that would say, ‘Hey, I’ve been thinking about that. I’ve been thinking about praying. Let me try that out.’ That’s like the only way I feel like I can repay what has essentially been a giant gift in my life.”

Asked if speaking publicly about Jesus feels risky in Hollywood, Pratt said it doesn’t. 

“I think that there’s this narrative that exists out there that Hollywood is anti-Christian or anti-religious, but it’s just not the case,” he said. “They are kind of not anti-anything. They are kind of pro-whatever is authentic to you. And I like that. Because it’s authentic for me to be pro-Christian,…

Bono, the lead singer of rock group U2, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican Wednesday where the two talked in part about the multiple child sex abuse scandals.

Bono spoke with the Roman Catholic Church leader for more than 30 minutes, the Catholic News Agency reported, where the singer said that Francis was “incredibly gracious with his time, his concentration.”

He told journalists that the two “let the conversation go where it wanted to go,” and that they discussed big themes, such as sustainable development and environmental goals.

The Irish icon admitted that they also touched upon the sex abuse scandals that have been sweeping through the Catholic Church around the world for decades, including in the U.S. and Ireland.

Bono said that he and Francis “inevitably” spoke about “the pope’s…

Nearly 300 Christians in a northern part of India have been charged with crimes, including trying to convert Hindus to Christianity with drugs and spreading lies about Hinduism.

According to World Watch Monitor, 271 Christians were charged. Only three have been named – pastors Durga Prasad Yadav, Kirit Rai and Jitendra Ram. 

Previously, a court in August cleared the charges, but Deputy Police Superintendent Anil Kumar Pandey says the Christians are accused of “various criminal offenses, like fraud, defiling places of worship and prejudice against national integration.”

Said Sajan K. George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians: “In Uttar Pradesh Hindu radicals have fabricated unfounded accusations against innocent Pentecostal Christians.”

“There has been a surge in persecution against Christians,” he added. “Pentecostal pastors and Christian groups are under the constant watch of radical elements and the police.”

However, a lawyer for the party who filed the complaint said the Christians have been trying for years to convert people to Christianity.

“The accused handed out banned medications and drugs to visitors and under their effect influenced them to become Christians,” he said.

According to religious freedom group ADF India, Christians in the Uttar Pradesh area experienced 26 attacks on…

Two months after firing their pastor, Dean Curry, over allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies, the Life Center Assembly of God Church in Tacoma, Washington, will deliver their final verdict at a private meeting with church members on Thursday night.

Curry, 50, who has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, was removed as leader of the Life Center Assembly of God Church in July due to accusations of physical misconduct with a former church employee. Leaders at the Assemblies of God’s Northwest District Council said his dismissal was based on the “testimony of two or more witnesses.”

The formal complaint filed with state and federal agencies against Curry highlights three incidents involving three women: An ongoing relationship with a married church member that turned physical; an incident involving another married church member being visited by Curry late at night, discovered by the woman’s husband; and a female administrative employee who spoke of uncomfortable conversations with Curry that included comments on her appearance and discussions of his intimate relations with his wife.

A report from the News Tribune said…