RNS Morning Report: Australian Anglicans split over same-sex marriage

Lots of places slow down in the summer, but RNS isn’t one of them. All summer long, we have continued to do what we do best: covering critically important stories about how religion and faith shape us and our world.  Can we count on your support this year? Yes, I believe in RNS! Top Stories Australian Anglicans split over same-sex marriage (RNS) — A conservative Anglican splinter group launched in Australia this week, citing the Anglican Church of Australia’s failure to condemn same-sex marriage.   31 UMC churches in NC demand immediate exit from denomination, threaten lawsuit (RNS) — Legal action or the threat of legal action represents a new strategy on behalf of churches wanting an immediate exit from the United Methodist Church.   Studies suggest spiritual practices may prompt people to get off the mat and engage (RNS) — Criticism of spirituality as inherently selfish may be overblown, according to two new studies that suggest people who are spiritual but not religious are civically and politically engaged.   Arkansas senator agrees to unblock atheist constituents on Twitter and Facebook (RNS) — An atheist advocacy group sued Republican state Sen. Jason Rapert, arguing he violated its members’ freedom of speech by blocking their viewpoints on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts.   Uvalde shooting survivors receive scholarships to attend local Catholic school (RNS) — About 80 Robb Elementary families are attempting to transfer their children to Sacred Heart Catholic School, according to the nonprofit Catholic Extension.   Suspect in New Mexico Muslim killings detained pending trial (AP) – The primary suspect in the New Mexico shooting deaths of two Muslim men is being held without bond pending trial as prosecutors say he is a danger to his own family and the greater community.   Mideast’s Jordan River: Rich in holiness, poor in water (AP) – The symbolically and spiritually significant Jordan River is physically dwindling, a decline that some say is intertwined with the decades-old Arab-Israeli conflict and a rivalry over the precious water. RNS Opinion Confronting anti-Shia hate is necessary to prevent killings like Albuquerque’s (RNS) — Shia Muslims often feel isolation and vulnerability in a world where we struggle to find a sense of belonging.   An interfaith discussion on the role of religion in mental health (The Conversation) — Academics and religious leaders address the role of faith and community in managing mental health issues in young people and society as a whole. ICYMI Dear Mormons in a faith crisis: You’re not crazy, wrong or stupid (RNS) — Your old faith, like the caterpillar’s body, used to serve you well, until suddenly it didn’t.   My father’s drug addiction put a mask on me. Here’s how I took it off. (RNS) — ‘Daughter of an addict’ is as accurate a reflection of my life as is ‘PR professional.’ In Other News Texas school district pulls Bible from library amid book ban debate Missouri pastor rips ‘disgusting’ churchgoers who didn’t buy him a fancy watch   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 at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend