RNS Morning Report: Ed. Secretary Cardona: ‘If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t be here’

2022 has been a whirlwind of huge news stories, and RNS has been there every step of the way. We have big plans for the next year, but we need your support. Will you join our community and help us grow in 2023? Top Stories Education Secretary Cardona: ‘If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t be here’ (RNS) — A sign on Cardona’s desk reads “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”   Portraitist to the popes wishes to promote peace through her art VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Known as the painter of the popes, Russian-born Natalia Tsarkova also hopes to be ‘a bridge between Russia and the Vatican.’   Sunday school looks different since pandemic’s start: From monthly to missing (RNS) — ‘If you kept it online, you probably don’t have a religious education program now,’ expert Scott Thumma said of children’s activities. RNS Opinion Remind them we are human beings (RNS) — We need a humane immigration system that upholds the dignity and worth of each person.   Why winter solstice matters around the world: 4 essential reads (The Conversation) — The dead of winter, when the longest night of the year takes place, has also traditionally been celebrated as a time of renewal and reverence.   God’s power or human violence: The meaning of the virgin birth (RNS) — This Christmas story challenges the idea that we need physical might to overcome enemies. ICYMI Witches and wise men and ‘old magic’: A look at the spookier origins of Christmas lore (RNS) — Pagans and Christians alike can rediscover the ‘reason for the season’ in the old stories and deepen their own beliefs.   Black atheist leaders quit Black Nonbelievers over alleged misconduct by president (RNS) — Mandisa Thomas said she mishandled a ‘personal situation’ during a recent cruise held by the prominent Black secular group. In Other News The big picture: trainee priests having a ball in the snow The Americanization of religion   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