RNS Morning Report: Hocus Pocus 2 takes the panic out of witchcraft

Top Stories In ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ Disney takes the panic out of witchcraft (RNS) — Witches, and Americans, have come a long way since the days of satanic panic.   USCIRF chair rebukes Azerbaijan for imprisoned Jehovah’s Witness conscientious objector (RNS) — Seymur Mammadov, 22, was recently sentenced to nine months in prison after objecting to military service.   Survey: Catholics, Hispanics, young people most likely to voice climate concerns (RNS) — Additionally, American Catholics were found to be five times more likely to express that climate change is a shared responsibility than their non-Catholic counterparts.   American tourist wanting to see the pope attacks art in Vatican Museums VATICAN CITY (RNS) — According to local reports, an American tourist hurled two Roman busts to the ground after being denied an audience with the pope.   Catholic priest in Italy suspended for pro-LGBTQ stance VATICAN CITY (RNS) — ‘We have blessed anything, including weapons and wars in the past. And we don’t want to bless real love?’ asked the Rev. Giulio Mignani.   Amid Ian’s wounds, Jews see healing, renewal in Yom Kippur FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Throughout southwest Florida, Jews planned to hold worship services for Yom Kippur, although many were doing so with plans drastically modified by the devastating storm.   Revival sought for pastor’s lawsuit over COVID restrictions NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tony Spell drew national attention for his flouting of the restrictions early in the pandemic at his church in Central, near Baton Rouge.   Vatican cardinal cites Nazi theology in German reform (AP) — A Swiss cardinal compared German Catholics' ideas to pro-Nazi Protestants when they "saw God’s new revelation in blood and soil and in the rise of Hitler.”   Texas inmate who fought prayer, touch rules to be executed (RNS) — John Henry Ramirez challenged state prison rules that prevented his pastor from touching him and praying aloud during his execution, saying his religious freedom was being violated. RNS Opinion Why most Muslims — but far from all — celebrate Mawlid, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (The Conversation) — Conservative Wahhabi Muslims often frown on adoration of the prophet.   An interfaith journey to forge ties between Israel and Pakistan  (RNS) — A playground with a gaily painted bomb shelter punctuated a trip to promote the Abraham Accords.   Are double ear piercings and sleeveless tops OK now for Mormon teens? (RNS) — The LDS church just backed off telling Mormon teens what not to wear. ICYMI United Methodists’ Native American International Caucus calls for end to Columbus Day (RNS) — The caucus is asking Congress to approve several bills replacing the federal holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day.   In wake of abortion scandal, Herschel Walker attends closed-door prayer event (RNS) — Walker, who has denied recent allegations he paid for an abortion in 2009, told the church's congregation earlier this year, 'Did I not say I’m a Christian? That means you’re supposed to be pro-life.' In Other News ‘Pro-religion’? Conservative Supreme Court abandons long-standing religious liberty principles. Iran’s crippled economy sustains protests after religious police lit flame