RNS Morning Report: Memphis pastor is second UMC clergy killed this year

Top Stories Memphis pastor is second UMC clergy killed this year (RNS) — ‘We’re broken. We’re grief-stricken. We have questions. We have doubts as we remember the life of a dear precious friend, a wonderful servant of our God, of this community,’ said Memphis Theological Seminary President Jody Hill.   ‘Rabbi Charlie’ balances Colleyville fame with one-to-one connection WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (RNS) — Safety is still his watchword, but building community is his mission.   After scandals, new guidelines align Vatican investments with church teaching VATICAN CITY (RNS) — After financial scandals, Vatican investments will be aimed at creating ‘a more just and sustainable world.’   Lebanon LGBTQ community suffers setback amid wider clampdown BEIRUT (AP) — In a statement, the Interior Ministry said that LGBTQ-friendly events “violate our society’s customs and traditions, and contradict with the principles of the Abrahamic religions.”   Greek Church protests baptism for celebrity same-sex parents ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided at the July 9 ceremony near Athens while in Greece on a private visit.   Excavation of graves begins at site of colonial Black church (AP) - If human remains are found in the plots that are being targeted, DNA tests and analyses of bones will be conducted, said Jack Gary, Colonial Williamsburg’s director of archaeology.   US houses of worship increase security after shootings LOS ANGELES (AP) — Past attacks on houses of worship and other public spaces have prompted faith leaders to evaluate — sometimes for the first time — if there is more that can be done to keep their flocks safe.   Pope tells religious orders to report abuse, protect others ROME (AP) — Religious orders have had some of the worst records, in part because their diffuse structure outside the diocesan hierarchy has enabled abusers to easily move to different countries rather than face justice at home. RNS Opinion John MacArthur and the dangers of biblical literalism (RNS) — Christians must accept that the only way to take the Bible seriously is to stop taking every word literally.   Pope Francis is not going to resign, yet (RNS) — Pope Francis has indicated the need for explicit guidelines for retired popes.   Religious liberty has a long and messy history – and there is a reason Americans feel strongly about it (The Conversation) — Historians of American religious history explain why the Supreme Court’s recent religious liberty rulings are an example of America’s long struggle to define religious freedom. ICYMI Abortion opponents have won. But they risk losing it all. (RNS) — Don’t be surprised when national Republican candidates take a soft line on abortion.   More than 100 Florida churches file lawsuit to leave United Methodist Church (RNS) — The lawsuit comes amid a slow-moving schism in the United Methodist Church largely over the ordination and marriage of its LGBTQ members. In Other News Dobbs and fetal personhood Muslims’ high unemployment rate ‘not due to cultural and religious practices’   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