Here’s my July 29 newsletter. To receive my latest articles, favorite religion reads and other updates in your inbox each Saturday, sign-up here. 

The Trump administration announced its nomination for ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom this week, so I wrote about what the job really entails.

If I had my way, I’d write explainers like that every day of the week. My goal was to cut through the hubbub about whether the nominee (Kansas Governor Sam Brownback) was the best choice and think about if the position is necessary in the first place. The verdict was complicated, as all the best conclusions are (if I do say so myself.)

You won’t hear from me next Saturday, as I’m giving myself a break during a short getaway to Vegas. Don’t miss me too much!

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

These are the top concerns for American Muslims today

What does the international religious freedom ambassador do?

TOP RELIGION READS

In the footsteps of Luther, Fathom

What Christians worry about most, Christianity Today

Q&A: Hannah Allam on covering Muslim life in America for BuzzFeed, CJR

JUST FOR FUN

If you’ve read the book, should you see the play? ‘The Book of Mormon’ returns to Salt Lake City, Elaine Jarvik for the Deseret News