Cassy Benefield
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cassybenefield.bsky.social
Cassy Benefield
@cassybenefield.bsky.social
86 followers 160 following 40 posts
Jesus, family, religion reporter, religion nerd, non-fiction books and chocolate lover.
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cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest for FāVS News. Story of Meliesa Tigard - former cult survivor - and her live evening of discussion to take place in Moscow, Idaho, examining the coercive control in cults, high control religions and Christian nationalistic churches and movements. favs.news/meliesa-tiga...
Ex-Cult Survivor to Speak on Coercive Control in Moscow
Former Two by Two Church member Meliesa Tigard will speak in Moscow, Idaho, about control, Christian nationalism and recognizing manipulative religious systems.
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July 30, 2026 at 12:56 AM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest piece for FāVS News.

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Historian writes how Christianity shapes America in new book
Washington State University historian examines the 500-year relationship between Christianity, politics and American identity in his new book “The Chosen Land.”
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May 15, 2026 at 6:37 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Even Protestant Christians don't want government involvement telling them how to worship their Creator. My latest for FāVS News.
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Adventists Warn Project 2025 Threatens Religious Freedom
Seventh-day Adventists raise concerns over a Project 2025 proposal suggesting a national day of rest, warning it could threaten religious freedom.
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March 26, 2026 at 4:29 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
This is why my heart grieves over the state of evangelicalism in general. Hedge knocks this story out of the ballpark for FāVS News and RANGE and pulls back the curtain of a theology based on fear, power and lies. @aaronhedge.bsky.social @rangemedia.co
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Matt Shea resurrects bogeymen with anti-Muslim, communist rhetoric - FāVS News
Former Spokane Valley Rep. Matt Shea, once ousted over extremism claims, is touring the U.S. with allies of Michael Flynn pushing anti-Muslim messages.
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March 14, 2026 at 8:19 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Here's my latest commentary -- something I needed to write.

"His name is Nurul Amin Shah Alam." FāVS News

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The Death of a Rohingya refugee should trouble every Christian - FāVS News
He is a Rohingya refugee from Burma, part of a people group the United Nations calls “the most persecuted minority in the world.”
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February 28, 2026 at 10:41 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Excellent expose today on how Spokane Valley's notorious Matt Shea is connected to the larger NAR movement and its goal to have dominion over all the spheres of influence in the U.S., especially the political one! @favsnews.bsky.social @rangemedia.co by @aaronhedge.bsky.social
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Bethel Split Exposes NAR Ties to Spokane Church ministry
After Bethel Church cut ties with a disgraced prophet, scrutiny turns to Spokane’s On Fire Ministry and its connections to the New Apostolic Reformation.
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February 12, 2026 at 5:09 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Read how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a strong mission for religious liberties for everyone across and how it ties into their interfaith work of loving their neighbors around the world. @favsnews.bsky.social

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First Amendment expert links religious freedom to global interfaith work in Spokane talk - FāVS News
Religious freedom expert spoke on how interfaith dialogue and freedom advocacy lifts up faith communities in Spokane and worldwide on Jan. 29.
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February 1, 2026 at 11:11 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest commentary for FāVS News, "Philip Yancey's adultery still points us to Jesus' amazing grace." @favsnews.bsky.social #philipyancey

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When Christian Heroes Fall: Yancey and Rethinking Faith
A reflection on Philip Yancey’s confession, Christian celebrity failures, and what it means to have heroes while keeping faith centered on grace.
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January 17, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Reposted by Cassy Benefield
reportertracy.bsky.social
With food insecurity rising, Feed Spokane with their network of volunteers & partners is redistributing over 1 million pounds of food a year across Eastern Wash.

🎧 Listen to and read the story: bit.ly/3Lb20pL
From - @favsnews.bsky.social

#FoodInsecurity #FoodRescue #Spokane #EasternWA
Food rescue program combats rising hunger, reduces waste in Spokane region - FāVS News
Feed Spokane rescues food from restaurants from going in the trash that would otherwise damage the atmosphere to reduce rising food insecurity.
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December 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest story for FāVS News, generously paid for by a grant from Humanities Washington. Feed Spokane rescues quality unused food from restaurants and grocery stores, that would otherwise go into the garbage, and feeds Eastern Washington!
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@favsnews.bsky.social
Food rescue program combats rising hunger, reduces waste in Spokane region - FāVS News
Feed Spokane rescues food from restaurants from going in the trash that would otherwise damage the atmosphere to reduce rising food insecurity.
favs.news
December 19, 2025 at 8:58 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest with colleague Aaron Hedge for FāVS News about the many definitions of what does and does not constitute Christian nationalism. @aaronhedge.bsky.social @favsnews.bsky.social
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Christian Nationalism Debate in Washington State
FPIW’s rhetoric on immigration, Islam and American identity sparks concerns about rising Christian nationalism and its impact on Washington politics.
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December 12, 2025 at 8:43 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Why do I think it's important to keep supporting the mission of FāVS News? Well, one reason is it's changed my life in a good way. @favsnews.bsky.social
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How Religion and Faith Journalism Transformed My Faith
A writer shares how joining FāVS reshaped her faith, challenged Christian nationalism and deepened her passion for religion journalism.
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December 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Looking for a humorous, and yet sobering, nuts and bolts overview on #ChristianNationalism, "Star-Spangled Jesus" by April Ajoy may be just right. My lates for FāVS News.
@aprilajoy.bsky.social
@favsnews.bsky.social

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‘Star-Spangled Jesus’ tackles christian nationalism
April Ajoy’s memoir “Star-Spangled Jesus” blends humor and insight as she critiques Christian nationalism and rediscovers a more authentic faith.
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November 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Latest story for FāVS News: Does political rhetoric, some saying people who believe different are "evil," and praising Jesus belong in the same speech or gathering? Got to cover this with my colleague Aaron Hedge. @aaronhedge.bsky.social @favsnews.bsky.social

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Charlie Kirk’s Death Fuels Christian Nationalist Push
After Charlie Kirk’s killing, groups like TPUSA invoke faith to advance political goals. Some Christians say it distorts the message of Jesus.
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October 16, 2025 at 3:22 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My first FAVS News commentary to go national! It's my "Where does evangelical support of Israel come from?" @religionmag.bsky.social @favsnews.bsky.social

religionunplugged.com/news/opinion...
Where Does Evangelical Support For Israel Come From?
(OPINION) As an evangelical Christian, I was taught God told Abraham in Genesis 12:3 that he would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. This was further identified with Israel in N...
religionunplugged.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:06 AM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest story for FāVS News. A localized story about the legacy of James Dobson on Christian parenting. #dobson #strongwilledchild
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Spokane parents divided over James Dobson's parenting legacy after his death - FāVS News
Two Spokane mothers share contrasting experiences with James Dobson's parenting methods after the influential Christian author's death at 86.
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August 28, 2025 at 4:53 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
My latest for FāVS News. An Ask an Evangelical Question: Where does evangelical support for Israel come from?
@favsnews.bsky.social

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Israel: Exploring the Roots of Evangelical Support
After Oct. 7, one evangelical began questioning blind support for Israel. A personal story about faith, politics, and Palestinian lives.
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August 25, 2025 at 4:28 AM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Really proud of my latest story for FāVS News about assisting refugees - this time unaccompanied minors who qualify for foster care in the U.S. What an amazing program we can offer those in need. And right here in our own backyard. @favsnews.bsky.social
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Foster program provides safe haven for refugee youth in Spokane
Spokane families are stepping up to foster unaccompanied refugee minors through a local program
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August 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Washington’s child abuse reporting law begins, but several Orthodox and all Catholic priests in the states get legal breather. My latest piece @favsnews.bsky.social

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Washington's child abuse reporting law begins, but priests get legal breather - FāVS News
Washington’s new clergy child abuse reporting law goes into effect July 27, but Catholic and Orthodox priests secure temporary exemptions
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July 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
Latest update on lawsuits against Faith Baptist Church on FāVS News. favs.news/faith-baptis... @favsnews.bsky.social
Faith Baptist Church civil trial over alleged 2005 sexual abuse set for June 2026 - FāVS News
A 2026 trial date has been set for the first of four civil lawsuits alleging Faith Baptist Church in Spokane failed to protect a minor from sexual abuse on its premises.
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July 25, 2025 at 1:07 AM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
One of my new privileges at FāVS News is writing the "Ask an evangelical" column. This one is about suicide. Over the years, Christianity carried harsh teaching about this subject and its victims. But were those teachings biblical? Read my answer here. @favsnews.bsky.social favs.news/do-christian...
Heartfelt Reflections: Do Christians Who Die by Suicide Go to Heaven?
Do Christians who die by suicide still go to heaven? An evangelical responds with personal faith, biblical insight, and a message of hope and grace
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July 21, 2025 at 4:19 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
I get no pleasure for stories like these. @favsnews.bsky.social reports on the current lawsuits against Faith Baptist Church and Faith Academy, retired Pastor Greg Boyle and several alleged abusers for alleged sexual assault and negligence. favs.news/4-lawsuits-f...
4 lawsuits filed against Faith Baptist Church, Academy alleging sexual abuse of minors - FāVS News
Four lawsuits have been filed against Faith Baptist Church (FBC) and Faith Baptist Academy (FA) in Spokane for allegedly failing to protect minors from sexual assault and battery while on the church a...
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June 18, 2025 at 4:46 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
This story could pose this question: what would Jesus think is more important here? A priest breaking the confessional or protecting children, as in those who can't stand up and advocate for themselves?

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Orthodox churches join Catholics in suing Washington over confession reporting requirements - FāVS News
Monday, several Orthodox churches filed a federal lawsuit to sue Washington for religious discrimination over the state’s recent passage of a law mandating clergy to report child abuse and neglect, in...
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June 17, 2025 at 5:24 PM
cassybenefield.bsky.social
A breaking news story: Spokane Faith Baptist church being sued for covering up alleged child sexual abuse. Read one survivor's story and then watch her discuss it in more detail on Cult Confessions.

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Spokane church abuse allegations: 2 women file lawsuits against Faith Baptist - FāVS News
Spokane’s Faith Baptist Church has been the subject of instances of assault , with these circumstances being discussed in detail by two survivors of abuse.
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June 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Reposted by Cassy Benefield
favsnews.bsky.social
God, the gospel, gold and goods were all features of the celebrity-led Saturday event called LIFE SURGE in Spokane. It taught God approved of wealth and gold is good. Read more to get a glimpse into this side of American Christianity. @aaronhedge.bsky.social

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Christians flock to 'Life Surge' event, learn God approves of wealth to advance his kingdom - FāVS News
On Saturday, celebrity-led Christian event called Life Surge aimed to teach Christians how to grow their wealth to grow God's kingdom.
favs.news
June 9, 2025 at 4:29 AM