RNS Morning Report: The Vineyard was built on friendship and shared values. Then a leading pastor split

Quote of the Day “This announcement demonstrates that the administration has the creative capacity to utilize U.S. asylum and the refugee programs to help vulnerable populations around the world.” – World Relief Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Jenny Yang Top Stories The Vineyard was built on friendship and shared values. Then a leading pastor split. (RNS) — The abrupt departure of the Vineyard Anaheim, once pastored by legendary preacher John Wimber, has sent shock waves through the Vineyard – an international movement known for its music and charismatic practices.   Benedict XVI turns 95 as book focuses on anomaly of 2 popes (AP) — Benedict’s residence has turned into the symbolic headquarters of the Francis opposition, a new book says.   Biden’s Uniting for Ukraine program is a start, faith-based refugee agencies say (RNS) — The program, which the president announced Thursday (April 21), streamlines the process to provide Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of their country with opportunities to come to the United States.   Michigan lawmaker’s forceful speech rebuts ‘grooming’ attack (AP) — 'I am a straight, white, Christian, married, suburban mom' who wants 'every kid to feel seen, heard and supported — not marginalized and targeted because they are not straight, white and Christian', she said.   Hungary’s Orban meets pope with Ukraine war as backdrop VATICAN CITY (AP) — The meeting was the second between Francis and Orban in less than a year.   Tensions over race, religion in France’s presidential race PARIS (AP) — Experts have seen this election as unusually dominated by discriminatory discourse and proposals targeting immigration and Islam. RNS Opinion European Mormon women band together for solidarity in an American-led church (RNS) — By Women, For Women aims to bring European Latter-day Saint women together for fellowship — and to talk honestly about tough issues.   Are lay cardinals next?  (RNS) — Pope Francis’ reforms raise the question of reviving the tradition of lay cardinals with women in the mix.     ‘I hate the Russians’ (RNS) — Can you blame a Ukrainian Jewish refugee for not singing ‘Kumbaya’? ICYMI Atheists, spurred by growing ranks, gather for first time since start of pandemic ATLANTA (RNS) — Despite frustrations with the current political climate, there was an overall sense of hope buoyed by the growing number of young people identifying as nonbelievers.   Religion is central in film depicting last abortion clinic along Texas’ southern border (RNS) — ‘Religion does really play a big role in this and we can’t just overlook it,’ said one of the film’s directors. In Other News The surprising voyage of Charlie Duke: An astronaut reaches for heaven Confessions of a past culture warrior 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