Eleven Things that Caught My Eye Today (Dec. 7, 2015)

1. An ecumenical plea to John Kerry:

Pope Francis has called ISIS’ crimes against Christians by their proper name: “genocide.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Christian leaders in the Middle East have done so as well. We agree, and are hopeful that, once you have seen the evidence, you will too.

The United States is rightly viewed the world’s leading defender of vulnerable minorities, and as an historic safe-haven for those fleeing religious persecution. A declaration of genocide by the State Department is thus a unique opportunity to bring America’s religious communities together to pursue

the truth, to support the victims, and to bear witness to the noble principle of “Never Again.”

It is, therefore, critically important that the State Department consider the best available evidence before making any official pronouncement that rejects allegations that Christian are, along with Yazidis, targets of ongoing genocidal acts.

2. This CBN article highlights the panel I moderated Friday, cohosted by the National Review Institute and the Heritage Foundation, on Christian persecution. Here’s another write-up. You can listen to it online here.

3. At Heritage the day before, Muslim reformers spoke. Watch here.

4.  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks:  Why Hanukkah is the perfect festival for religious freedom

5. This is worth watching, from Senator Ben Sasse: 

6. 

woman was told she had 2 years to live. 18 years later, she’s still alive https://t.co/MwdGXhdnee

— Katrina Trinko (@KatrinaTrinko) December 7, 2015

7. The Charlotte Lozier Institute takes a look at health-care sharing ministries.

8. This Veteran Faced Life in Prison for One Nonviolent Crime. After 19 Years, He’s Free.

9. 

Interesting study: What if we perceive our politics as more divided than they actually are? https://t.co/YHYRRwGSpK

— Arthur Brooks (@arthurbrooks) December 7, 2015

10. Breaking: Marco Rubio is from Florida.

11. 

Went caroling with a bunch of church friends today and it was pretty awesome. Highly recommend. Particularly good idea given recent events.

— Mollie (@MZHemingway) December 6, 2015

PLUS: My syndicated column is little on a new program in virtuous leadership at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Today is Saint Ambrose’s feast day; 10 things. (On account of Saint West, do we need to point out Saint is not his first name?)

Getting ready for the start of a year dedicated to mercy tomorrow: St. Serra and mercy.