RNS Morning Report: When does conflict become spiritual abuse?

Top Stories When does conflict become spiritual abuse? Churches large and small face that question. (RNS) — At a small, diverse church in Austin and a megachurch in San Jose, former staffers and members say unhealthy cultures have led to abuse. But where is the line?   Conflict at diverse Austin church leads to claims of spiritual abuse (RNS) — Aaron and Michelle Reyes hoped to lead a multicultural church that operated like a loving family. But conflict has led to allegations of spiritual abuse.   Lúnasa, paganism’s August harvest holiday, becomes a moveable feast (RNS) — A loose combination of Irish harvest customs, Lúnasa has been adapted to match the calendar around the world.   3 scholars gather for a female-led interfaith conference in the NC mountains (RNS) — Three scholars, a Jew, a Christian and a Muslim, will gather to discuss breath and the way it connects body and soul.   Ukrainian church seeks Kirill’s removal over ‘heretical’ defense of Russian invasion (RNS) — While the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s letter is addressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch, the letter speaks to concerns for the entire global Orthodox Christian community.   Threat of protests, violent escalation stirs fears in Iraq BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces erected concrete barriers ahead of the street protest called for by a political alliance of Iran-backed groups opposed to the followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.   Pope to Kazakhstan Sept. 13-15, may meet Russia patriarch ROME (AP) — Francis and Kirill, who had a first historic encounter in Havana in 2016, have spoken by video call at least once since the war began.   Salvadoran Archbishop praises government crackdown on gangs SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — El Salvador’s gangs, which have been estimated to count some 70,000 members in their ranks, have long controlled swaths of territory and extorted and killed with impunity.   Jewish volunteers bond with Ukrainian kids at summer camp WARSAW, Poland (AP) — With the war about to enter its sixth month, the camp at the Lauder Morasha School in Warsaw reflects the type of programming being developed to meet the changing needs of refugees. RNS Opinion Catholics’ reports on the state of the Church are in. Here’s what they have to say. (RNS) — Clericalism is a scourge on the Church, Catholics say, and women are not included in leadership.    Could Republicans be softening on same-sex marriage? Don’t bet on it. (RNS) — There is very little up-side to forcing Republicans in moderate areas to fall on their swords in a battle that cannot be won. ICYMI Leaving Canada, Pope Francis said it might be time to slow down as health declines (RNS) – 'On the other hand, I might need to think about the possibility of stepping aside. It wouldn’t be a catastrophe,' the pope told reporters after his six-day 'penitential pilgrimage' to apologize to the Indigenous people of Canada.   Amy Grant out of hospital, postponing August tour dates (RNS) — 'Due to the doctor’s orders she has had to postpone her upcoming August concerts,' said a spokeswoman for the contemporary Christian musician. In Other News Older generations are reclaiming rites of passage The pope’s apology in Canada was historic, but for some Indigenous people, not enough 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