RNS Morning Report:California State University professors sue over caste policy

Top Stories California State University professors sue over caste policy, allege discrimination (RNS) —The Hindu American Foundation, which is representing the professors, has said treating caste as a specific class of discrimination is a 'misguided overreach.'   John P. Meier, priest, scholar and author of ‘A Marginal Jew’ has died at 80 (RNS) — Meier spent years arguing that faith and scientific research could enliven biblical scholarship about the life of Jesus.   World Council of Churches head meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill (RNS) — The Patriarch reportedly said churches 'must not add fuel to the fire' of political conflict but has been widely accused of doing just that.   Afghan couple accuse US Marine of abducting their baby (AP) — A U.S. Marine became fiercely determined to bring home an Afghan war orphan, and praised it as an act of Christian faith to save her.   Somali Americans, many who fled war, now seek elected office COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Across the country, 11 Somali Americans are running for legislative seats in Maine, Minnesota, Ohio and Washington state.   Iran’s Olympic chief claims no punishment coming for climber SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Competitive climber Elnaz Rekabi competed without wearing her nation’s mandatory headscarf. RNS Opinion Watching the Parkland jury verdict was wrenching. Survivors need more agency. (RNS) — I mostly felt profound grief and sadness at the haunted, broken, anguished faces of the families. I don’t think anyone else needs to experience this stress.   Can Pope Francis survive the scheming of ‘the schismatics’? (RNS) — Members of his opposition are well situated to gather like-minded cardinals in the sort of conspiratorial meetings not known since the Middle Ages.  ICYMI In the past, Branson and the Ozarks drew liberal Christians — as well as Christian nationalists Both progressive leaders like famed Black theologian and mystic Howard Thurman — and extremists like the Rev. Gerald L.K. Smith of the Christian Nationalist Crusade — once made their way to the Ozarks.   In Branson, God and country serve as red, white and blue comfort food BRANSON, Mo. (RNS) — Patriotism and inspirational Christianity have long made Branson a hot spot of spiritual tourism, where weary pilgrims seek refuge from the troubles of modern life in a place that offers a nostalgic vision of America. In Other News Study: Religion and Spirituality Can Aid Youth Mental Health Crisis The Tribune’s Peggy Fletcher Stack Wins Top Religion Reporting Prize for Fifth Year   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