RNS Morning Report: After years of loud debate, conservatives quietly split from UMC

Quote of the Day “There’s something unique about opening a treasure chest. It invokes this feeling of a special moment, as though we’re uncovering ancient sacred text and connecting with the unseen.” – Artist Saleha Contractor Top Stories After years of loud debate, conservatives quietly split from United Methodist Church (RNS) — After decades of rancorous debate over the ordination and marriage of LGBTQ United Methodists, a schism finally came 'without fanfare, but full of hope, faith, and perseverance.'   Pagans honor the Earth on May Day. But for many, nature is not enough. (RNS) — Holidays such as Beltane can lead to a misunderstanding that all paganism is pantheism.   Ramadan came back to mosques this year, but home prayer rooms are here to stay (RNS) — During the pandemic, many Muslim families set aside special areas in their houses for prayer and decorated them accordingly.   Like that new church worship song? Chances are, it will be gone soon. (RNS) — A new study found that the lifespan of a hit worship song has declined dramatically in recent years.   Mother’s Day gift guide: Something for everyone who mothers (RNS) — There are many thoughtful ways that individuals, churches and other houses of worship can celebrate those who do the work of mothering.   Anglican leader apologizes to Canadian residential school survivors for church’s role PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan (AP) — "I am more sorry than I could ever, ever begin to express,” said the Rev. Justin Welby.   Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr holiday with joy, worry CAIRO (AP) — This year, Muslims around the world are observing Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of a surge in global food prices exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.   Supreme Court rules against Boston in Christian flag case WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court that the city discriminated against the activist, Harold Shurtleff, because of his “religious viewpoint." RNS Opinion Don’t let a Supreme Court leak threaten what consensus we have on abortion (RNS) — Religious institutions are uniquely positioned to help dial down the temperature on this issue.   A more inclusive Mormon Family Home Evening (RNS) — If one parent isn't LDS anymore but a couple still wants to hold Family Home Evening, using the church's own curriculum can cause conflict. Enter Uplift Kids.   How race and religion have always played a role in who gets refuge in the US (The Conversation) — How US refugee policy has long been racially and religiously discriminatory in practice.   ‘Russian Doll’ is the story of Jewish history (RNS) — We live our lives as stories within stories. This Netflix series shows you why. ICYMI All-female ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ album bolsters show’s groundbreaking legacy (RNS) — Men have always dominated the rock opera's musical score — until now.   Second gentleman Doug Emhoff touts ‘critical’ interfaith collaboration (RNS) — Emhoff spoke about how his interfaith marriage reflected the observance of major Jewish and Christian holidays in quick succession. In Other News How to pray to a god you don’t believe in Rare ‘Wicked’ bible that encourages adultery discovered in New Zealand 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