A half dozen Independence-based Baha’i faith followers gathered in a home Saturday night, quietly reciting prayers like this one as seven followers halfway across the world in Iran faced Day 1 of their trial on Sunday. They stand accused of espionage, propaganda and “spreading corruption on earth,” a crime that carries the threat of death in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Since it began, the annual benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity has raised an average of $1,300 per event, or about $10 per person. This year’s amount is more than $1,800, although the final tally isn’t in yet. The money goes directly to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, which supplies the labor and materials to build homes for lower-income families. 

Members of Second Baptist Church of Independence rejoiced in new features of one of the oldest black Baptist churches in Missouri. A  major remodeling has made the church more accessible to elderly and disabled members and enlarged its Sunday school space.

Mayor Don Reimal said Thursday he is prepared to go to court for his belief that prayer should continue prior to Independence City Council meetings.

“They’re going to have to sue us. We’re not going to stop,” Reimal said Thursday at the monthly Independence Ministerial Alliance meeting, referring to a letter he received in June from the Freedom From Religion Foundation based in Madison, Wis. “If it comes to a lawsuit, we’re going to need your support.”