Talking to aliens is their religion

Abortion fight evolves, overshadowed in 2020 but with huge stakes
The New York Times *

Trump administration’s abortion policy has little effect on aid to foreign health-care programs, State Department says
The Washington Post *

Bishop Mariann Budde appeals to ‘better angels’ in Democratic convention prayer
Religion News Service

After Falwell’s departure, Liberty students worry about their school and their faith
NPR

At Philly Catholic churches, secret renovations expose rift between traditional and Neo-Catechumenal members
The Philadelphia Inquirer *

After public opposition, top Latter-day Saint leaders halt high-density housing project near planned Utah temple
The Salt Lake Tribune *

Prosecutors seek prison for ex-soldier they say is Satanist
The Associated Pres

International headlines

After another priest is killed in El Salvador, local clergy ask ‘who will be next?’
Religion News Service

Mexico-based church leader ordered to stand trial on sex crime charges
Reuters

Pope: Rich can’t get priority for vaccine, poor need help
The Associated Press

Millions of women lose contraceptives, abortions in COVID-19
The Associated Press

Germany: Prosecutors suspect ‘Islamist’ motive in Berlin highway crashes
Deutsche Welle

Lebanon’s top Sunni cleric urges international investigation into blast
Reuters

Israeli court: Damascus Bibles to stay in National Library
The Associated Pres

Analysis and commentary

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris both worked for gay marriage — in opposite ways
The Washington Post *

Kanye West, Christian chaos candidate, trumps the Trump model
Religion News Service

Talking to aliens is their religion
The New York Times *

How a Buddhist community in Nepal reclaimed its holy water
Atlas Obscura