Happy Independence Day!
Gleanings stayed busy during this short work week, thanks to a full slate of updates to stories that CT previously noted—in addition to reporting the fresh religion news daily, of course.
We tweet the updates. But in case you're not one of our more than 125,000 Twitter followers (and really, why aren't you?), here's what you missed this week:
(Editor's note: This is NOT a roundup of the new blogs we've posted lately, so it shouldn't replace your daily reading!)
Who Qualifies Under New 'Simplified' Contraceptive Mandate Exemptions? Update: The contraception mandate has been postponed until January 2015, but that could mean trouble for business owners with pending lawsuits.
Implications of Prop. 8, DOMA Rulings Up for Debate Update: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules to allow same-sex marriages to take place immediately.
Egyptian Christians Brace for (and Debate) New Round of Protests Update: Mass protests to oust Muslim Brotherhood's President Morsi are largest since 2011 revolution.
C. J. Mahaney Leaves Leadership of Sovereign Grace Ministries Update: Former SGM president steps down from Together for the Gospel conference he co-founded.
Turkey Converts Church of Hagia Sophia from Museum to Mosque Update: The Turkish parliament now is considering an application to re-convert the smaller church's Istanbul namesake as well.
Renewed Hope for Asia Bibi as Pakistan Acquits Second Christian of Blasphemy Update: More acquittals and releases could be good sign for jailed mother of five, Pakistan's first woman sentenced to death for blasphemy.
'Price-Tag' Attack at Latrun Monastery Draws Condemnation From Israeli Leaders Update: Police have arrested one Israeli in connection with last year's graffiti attack.
Founder of Singapore's Largest Megachurch Arrested Over Wife's Pop Music Outreach Update: City Harvest Church says it is "saddened" by the resignation of Chew Eng Han, a co-defendant in the church's embezzlement suit.
'Bible' Miniseries Year's Most-Watched Cable TV Show, DVD Sales Booming Update: Sequel set to air on NBC this fall will pick up where 'The Bible' left off "in the dark days after Jesus' betrayal and death."
From Coast to Coast, Lawsuits Duel over Reparative Therapy for Gays Update: New Jersey bans professional reparative therapy for minors
Rimsha Masih Receives Pakistan's First Exoneration from Blasphemy Charges Update: Teenage Christian girl and her family now have settled in Canada with help from brother of assassinated minister Shahbaz Bhatti.
Pussy Riot-Inspired Anti-Defamation Law Takes Effect in Russia Update: USCIRF speaks out against Russian Duma-approved bill against insulting others' religions.
Oil Militants Threaten Terror Campaign To Defend Nigerian Christians Update: With president's amnesty committee underway, Nigeria's Muslims emphasize distance from Boko Haram.
Czech Churches Trade State Payroll for Properties Seized by Communists Update: Highest Czech court reaffirms government plan to compensate churches
Crystal Cathedral Endorses Offer to End Bankruptcy Crisis Update: Former Crystal Cathedral congregation swaps properties with local Catholic church.
Euthanasia for Alzheimer's, 'Accelerated Deaths' Considered by European Neighbors Update: French ethics committee votes against expanded euthanasia, but president still plans to introduce bill.
We're taking the rest of this week off to celebrate the holiday, but we'll be back next week with fresh news and updates as per usual!
