RNS Morning Report: Deborah Lipstadt nomination for antisemitism envoy passes committee

Quote of the Day “In every religious tradition … people will always, in whatever time period, whatever culture you’re talking about, find ways to get around those middlemen … to have their own divine encounters. And that’s what mysticism is all about.” – Laurie Cozad, a professor of religion at Merrimack College Top Stories Long delayed, Deborah Lipstadt nomination for antisemitism envoy passes committee (RNS) — The nomination had languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for eight months. Lipstadt's nomination now heads to the Senate for confirmation.   With ‘Christian cannabis,’ a pastor is promoting the spiritual side of marijuana (RNS) — Craig Gross believes he can convince Christians to give getting high a try.   Navy barred from acting against religious vaccine refusers WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last year made vaccinations mandatory for service members.   Israel defense chief, Jordan’s king discuss Ramadan calm JERUSALEM (AP) — Tensions between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem during last year’s Ramadan helped contribute to the eruption of an 11-day war.   Orthodox Jewish women scholars’ growing authority is recognized in push to publish (RNS) — A raft of new research fellowships and writing workshops represent a coming of age for the idea that learned women can claim authority in interpreting Jewish law. RNS Opinion Time to end tax havens for Russian oligarchs, crooked politicians and criminals (RNS) — Pope Francis called for 'a new ethic,' where everyone works together 'to eliminate tax havens, avoid tax evasion and money laundering.'   When Will hit Chris (RNS) — When I think of all the other ways Will Smith could have handled that awkward moment ... ICYMI Cara Quinn wants Christians to get to know the mothers of their faith (RNS) — Her curiosity about the women of the Bible and early Christian history led Quinn to launch a series of icons, then an app and — coming Easter Sunday — a church.   At top universities, institutes of Catholic thought focus on science and religion (RNS) — A multi-million dollar grant will support a new three-year plan for creating a national network of independent institutes of Catholic thought at US universities.  In Other News The Rise of the ‘Umms’ The constitutional roots of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s public faith Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend