RNS Morning Report: In these polarized times, even a prayer could be up for debate

RNS is the national expert at covering religion and belief – but we can’t do it without you. As a nonprofit, we depend on your support. Will you help our newsroom continue to thrive? Top Stories In these polarized times, even a prayer could be up for debate (RNS) — After struggling over wording in the prayer, one ecumenical organization is developing new tools to address divides within its own network.   Religious liberty concerns raised as Texas governor seeks to investigate groups helping migrants (RNS) — ‘The reality is that the majority of the work that is done on the border, the humanitarian work, the reception of refugees and migrants, is done by faith-based organizations,’ said Dylan Corbett, executive director of Hope Border Institute.   Faith leaders urge lawmakers to pass expanded child tax credit WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘For many of us, this is a season of miracles. ... But expanding the CTC? That shouldn’t take a miracle,’ said Abibat Rahman-Davies of Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker group.   Mark Rivera, a former Anglican lay pastor, found guilty of felony child sexual assault (RNS) — The decision has been a long time coming for the family of Cherin Marie, whose young daughter originally reported being sexually abused by Rivera in 2019.   Jesuit case underscores secrecy, leniency for abuse of women ROME (AP) — While the Jesuits barred Rupnik from hearing confessions or giving spiritual direction, the restrictions on his ministry did not prevent him from celebrating Mass or preaching.   At ‘Church City,’ a taste of Catholic life in Qatar DOHA, Qatar (AP) — From Masses to baptisms, weddings and confessions, the church provides a window into the religious life of Catholic expatriates in Qatar. RNS Opinion The Hanukkah dreidel and America’s gambling problem (RNS) — Religious institutions were not prepared for the gambling explosion. We need to catch up.   Respect for marriage, reconciliation and being seen on the White House lawn (RNS) — We were there to see this law be signed, and to celebrate, but also to be seen. ICYMI This Advent, churches urged to assess worship for inadvertent antisemitism (RNS) — ‘To say that the meaning of sacred Scriptures are over for Jews, because Jesus has come, fuels a sense that there is no longer a reason for Jews to exist,’ said one scholar.   Horror audio drama ‘Quiet Part Loud’ explores fear and hatred in post-9/11 America (RNS) — A new audio drama looks at anti-Muslim bias after 9/11 and how it only takes one person in power spewing vitriol to bring about violence. In Other News Jordan unveils $100 million plan for anniversary of Jesus’ baptism A Look Inside New York’s Swirling Kaleidoscope of Faiths   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