RNS Morning Report: Rhett McLaughlin breaks up - with God

Top Stories In his debut country album, Rhett McLaughlin breaks up — with God (RNS) — The ‘Good Mythical Morning’ comedian goes on a spiritual deconstruction journey in his album, ‘James and the Shame.’   Imam Mohamed Magid appointed to international religious freedom commission (RNS) — The former president of the Islamic Society of North America and current co-president of Religions for Peace has played a key role in numerous declarations and dialogues.   Reckoning with their history, Lutherans issue declaration to Indigenous peoples COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — The largest Lutheran denomination in the United States shared its Declaration of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to American Indian and Alaska Native People for the first time in person Wednesday (Aug. 10) at its triennial Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio.   Sanctuaries become art hubs thanks to new space-sharing site (RNS) — Venuely offers a solution for New York City houses of worship in need of income.   Progressive National Baptists, AFL-CIO reunite for midterms voter initiative (RNS) — ‘We want to make that connection between the two and we want these two entities to feel comfortable again as they did in the ’60s,’ a Baptist leader said.   Pope Francis meets transgender guests of Rome church (AP) – Pope Francis welcomed another group of transgender people who found shelter at a Rome church on Wednesday, in a move that church leaders said "brought their guests hope."   2nd Australian state bans public displays of Nazi swastikas SYDNEY (AP) — The law allows for the swastika to be used in academic, historical or educational settings, thereby paving the way for its display by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains for whom it holds religious significance.     RNS Opinion Getting hip to Dimes Square Catholicism is the latest way to own the libs (RNS) — Rome, packaged as a trend item for the trust-fund literary set, will never win converts.   Overturning Roe wasn’t a win for faith. Kansas was. (RNS) — The vote showed that the anti-abortion movement is really about white privilege and political power.    Most Americans today are choosing cremation – why burials are becoming less common (The Conversation) — As late as 1970, only about 5% of Americans chose to be cremated. In 2020, more than 56% Americans opted for it.   Itching to get away this summer? Remember the six stages of transformative travel (The Conversation) — The pandemic has intensified wanderlust – but also the need for mindful, ethical travel.   At 75, Pakistan has moved far from the secular and democratic vision of its founder (The Conversation) — Jinnah insisted on secular education, gender equality and equal rights for minorities – all of which remain unrealized dreams in Pakistan.   Russia’s threats to shut down Jewish Agency raise alarm bells (The Conversation) — During the Cold War, Russia’s refusal to allow Jews to leave the country reflected its political aims. The same is likely true today, a Jewish studies scholar explains.   ICYMI ELCA apologizes to Latino congregation whose pastor was removed on sacred day (RNS) — ‘We hope that this public apology is only the first step of many in our committed journey to dismantle systemic racism in this church,’ representatives of Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina said.   How Mormons are addressing sex abuse: Too little, too late (RNS) — Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes. But will we? In Other News Alito’s call to arms to secure religious liberty Pope Francis meets with transgender guests of Rome church   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