RNS Morning Report: Florida churches among first to exit from UMC to new, conservative denomination

We’re reaching out today to ask for your help with our spring membership campaign. It’s one of the key ways we raise funds to support our vital work throughout the year – stories that would go untold without the support of readers like you. If you’re a fan of our Morning Report, click here to support our nonprofit newsroom today! Quote of the Day “The church councils of these churches have made the decision to initiate the process, and there are a couple of different exit ramps that the Book of Discipline provides that all ultimately end with an annual conference approval and vote of some kind at the local church.” – Jay Therrell, president of the WCA-Florida Top Stories Florida churches among first to begin exit from UMC to new, conservative denomination (RNS) — The departure of any church or clergy from the denomination is not instantaneous, but must first go through its annual conferences.   California Catholic bishops ask Supreme Court to review case challenging statute of limitations (RNS) — The bishops called a California law that keeps a window open for lawsuits from sexual assault survivors ‘an unconstitutional double-revival regime.’   Testifying at Vatican megatrial, cardinal rebuts claims that he paid to trap rival VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Cardinal Angelo Becciu declared his innocence before Vatican judges in a lengthy testimony addressing financial scandals, Vatican rivalries and espionage claims.   Israeli police enter tense holy site as Jewish visits resume JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police entered the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem to clear away Palestinian protesters after controversial visits by Jews that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed.   In ‘Search,’ a church committee plots over Fiesta Chicken and cookies (RNS) — A new book from a food writer and former seminarian turned novelist takes a look at the human side of religion through the adventures of a pastoral search committee. RNS Opinion The US has a moral obligation to help vaccinate the world  (RNS) — Faith communities can be a key part of extending our expertise to poorer countries.   Pope Francis’ trip to Malta recalls St. George Preca, advocate for teaching the gospel (The Conversation) — Malta’s St. George Preca was canonized in 2007. Pope Francis’ visit to Malta renewed attention on Preca’s life and work and how it could provide guidance for the welfare of refugees.   Neither Indian or Hindu alone, caste is found across South Asia and the diaspora (The Conversation) — Several US universities now recognize caste as part of nondiscrimination policies. Two scholars of South Asian studies explain how caste-based violence isn’t limited to Hinduism, or to India.   For Israel, hope wins over mockery Israel's #2 song -- a hidden historical nugget. ICYMI For red-state clergy who back abortion rights, losing Roe is a call to action (RNS) — A new version of the Clergy Consultation Service, which helped women get abortions before Roe v. Wade, may be organized in response to abortion rights restrictions.   EU reportedly mulling sanctions on Patriarch Kirill (RNS) — On Tuesday, Patriarch Kirill denied that Russia’s actions in Ukraine amounted to an invasion, insisting ‘Russia has never attacked anyone.’ In Other News Christiane Northrup, once a New Age health guru, now spreads covid disinformation Coexistence after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting 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