Copy
Hello, 

There is a verse in the New Testament that may have some bearing on additional public health matters. A passage in the Book of Mark says "They shall take up serpents; and tif they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (16:18, KJV). This text lays at the foundation of "snake-handling" Evangelicals. Trying to prove their devotion, acolytes within those religious enclaves will also drink bleach. This may be analogous or an instigating factor for further problems during the pandemic. 

We can look at how different heads of state and government are managing this crisis. An essay recently published in The Atlantic opines that "New Zealand's Prime Minister [Jacinda Arden] May Be the Most Effective Leader on the Planet." In opposition and what he has clarified as "sarcasm," U.S. President Donald Trump spitballed the idea of injecting disinfectants to fight off SARS-CoV-2. 

Multiple poison control offices around the United States have reported a marked increase in inquiries and acts of the ingestion of household chemicals following Mr. Trump's waxing-medical. 

A recent study in the journal Appetite suggested that those who payed closer attention to the diet of the President, which has a heavy focus on fast food items, are more likely to view fast food consumption as a socially acceptable. 

This week also marked the 50th commemoration of Earth Day, a great reminder about the need for environmental stewardship, sustainability, and rampant destruction as we reap some of the consequences thereof. 

Have a great week. Wash your hands, don't touch your face, wear a mask, and stay safe. 

And, as always let science and medical professionals be your guide before ancient musings,

 
sincerely, 



Jason Frye, CEO
Secular Policy Institute                             
 
 
International Update:

Afghanistan
The last remaining Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan are seeking asylum in the United States, fearful of recent terrorist attacks against their communities by Daesh. Their fears are compounded by the recent talks laying out plans for the withdrawal of US armed forces. 
Read more...

India
The corona pandemic outbreak is increasing sectarian tensions between Hindus and Muslims. 
Read more...  and more...

Iran
An Instagram influencer, Fatemah Khisvand who was arrested and charged with blasphemy has tested positive for the corona virus.
Read more...

Macedonia
The Macedonian Orthodox Church was allowed to be open during the Good Friday and Easter celebrations, potentially becoming a corona-virus "super-spreader."
Read more...

Myanmar
Officials drop illegal travel charges against 200 Rohingya people who left Rakhine State. 
Read more...

Pakistan
Prominent imams are rejecting orders from Pakistani authorities to keep shelter-in-place lockdowns during Ramadan.
Read more...

Poland
As lawmakers in Warsaw draft legislation further restricting abortion in Poland, women took to the streets protesting in violation of coronavirus lockdown orders.
Read more...
 
Sign On Letter

Sign on letters are coming soon.

 

Update on SPI Fellows: Dr. Nasrin

Taslima Nasrin
Dr. Nasrin gave remarks this week on the corona pandemic as a reminder of her days as a physician seeing a cholera outbreak 16 years ago in Bangladesh. 
Read more....
UNITED STATES UPDATE: 

Arkansas
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a recent abortion restriction as part of corona response. 
Read More...

Kansas
Two Baptist Churches sued the Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly, over limiting religious gatherings as part of the state's response to the corona virus. 
Read More...

Kentucky
A Baptist minister sued the Governor of Kentucky, Andy Bashear, over limiting religious gatherings as part of the state's response to the corona virus. 
Read More...

Louisiana
An arrest warrant was issued for megachurch paster Tony Spell for his continual violations of the state's limitations on public gatherings. 
Read More...

Texas
The state has stopped its coronavirus-related restrictions on abortion services. 
Read More...

Science News

Fossilized Antarctic Frog
The 40-million-year-old fossilized remains of a frog were discovered in Antarctica. 
Read More...
 
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward to Friend Forward to Friend
Secular Policy Institute
View this email in your browser
Subscribe for Weekly Secular News
Donate
Copyright © 2020 Secular Policy Institute, All rights reserved.