RNS Morning Report: As Christian nationalism digs in, differing visions surface

Top Stories As Christian nationalism digs in, differing visions surface As Christian nationalists get more specific, ideological and theological divisions have reemerged.   Before a month celebrating adoption, a day to recognize adoptees’ trauma (RNS) — For many adoptees, the day is a chance to reclaim their adoption narrative from religious groups that often portray it as a spiritual win-win.   Presidential standoff becomes a holy war in Brazil (RNS) — A runoff election in Latin America's largest country increasingly includes the religious culture-war tactics employed in US politics.   Calvin Butts, leader of Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, dies at 73 (RNS) — Butts was known for his outspokenness on issues ranging from misogyny in rap music to the need to address HIV/AIDS.   A modern witch celebrates the cycle of life and death at the confluence of cultures (RNS) — This time of year, a bruja, or witch, practices central Mexican Indigenous rituals and modern pagan ones, both honoring the Earth and “us as individuals as part of nature.” But the holidays of the Day of the Dead and Samhain are not the same.   In Pa. governor’s race, faith surfaces in contrasting ways CARMICHAELS, Pennsylvania (AP) — The two candidates are appealing to the contrasting religious and ethnic demographics that have supported each side in recent campaigns, with a majority of white Catholics and white evangelicals voting and Democrats drawing on support from Black Christians, Latino Catholics, Jews, Muslims and people of no religion. RNS Opinion How we might celebrate the legacy of flawed leaders (RNS) — Is there a middle ground between valorizing our founders and canceling them?   Is antisemitism still the third rail of prejudice? (RNS) — Yes, but there's still plenty to worry about.   Homelessness is on the ballot in the midterms (RNS) — A spike in homelessness, combined with its growing visibility in the wake of the pandemic, has led the issue to be front and center in campaigns across the country. ICYMI Faith groups focus midterms mobilization on multiracial, multifaith voter protection (RNS) — ‘We're not telling people how to vote, but we're telling people (that) just to sit down in your home and not partake in our civic responsibility will only hurt us,’ a rabbi said.   Vatican synod document acknowledges calls to welcome women, LGBTQ Catholics (RNS) — Launching the next phase of the Synod on Synodality, organizers stressed that everyone is invited in the church’s tent. In Other News Church of the Week: Millennium Baptist Church Why Is Religious Studies Needed?   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