The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a landmark, yet the question remains whether we have a shared patriotism and a cohesive American identity to celebrate?

Each week in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Like my fellow Americans, I will take time this year to enjoy all the festivities associated with the celebration of the Fourth of July. However, I encourage people to remember the backs, the blood, the beatings, and the brutality associated with 246 years of slavery that laid the economic foundation for this country. This is the promise and the problem with our Independence Day!

Letting go and trusting. We all face times when we have to let go and let things be what they are.

Each week in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.