RNS Morning Report: The National Christmas Tree turns 100 this year

We love bringing you top news about religion from around the globe – and we work hard to be the very best. But we can’t do it without you. Show your support to RNS and donate today: Top Stories The National Christmas Tree turns 100 this year. Here are five faith facts to know. (RNS) — Though the tree has not been lit every single year across the century, it is the second-oldest White House tradition after the Easter egg roll.   SBC President Bart Barber says predecessor Johnny Hunt is unfit to return to ministry (RNS) — ‘They don’t care,’ said abuse survivor and longtime advocate Tiffany Thigpen after hearing that a group of pastors announced that a former SBC president accused of sexual assault was restored to ministry. Johnny Hunt’s return reveals the challenges the nation’s largest Protestant denomination has in addressing sexual abuse.   In Philadelphia, artwork brings Catholic Church’s synod to life (RNS) — Artwork reflecting the thoughts of young Catholics in Philadelphia pointed up the contentious issues swirling as the continental phase of the Synod on Synodality begins.   Evangelical influencers pan Trump as driven by ‘grievances and self-importance’ (RNS) — In his email to some 70,000 evangelicals, Lane lauded Trump’s accomplishments, while saying his "compulsion to keep the spotlight upon himself have both become threadbare and trite."   Census: Christians a minority in England; non-religious grow LONDON (AP) — Fewer than half the people in England and Wales consider themselves Christian, according to the most recent census — the first time a minority of the population has followed the country's official religion. RNS Opinion How Congress can bring good news to the poor this Advent (RNS) — When something works to solve poverty the way the child tax credit has, it’s immoral to end it.   Spielberg tells his — and Hollywood’s — Jewish story (RNS) — Understanding his new film as a history of Jews and the entertainment business. ICYMI Across the US, Native Americans are fighting to preserve sacred land (RNS) — ‘It’s important that we unify, and we work together, and share the teachings to protect our sacred areas because once God, once our sacred and holy places are gone, we will no longer exist. Our religion will be gone forever,’ said one Native American activist.   Pastors say Johnny Hunt, former SBC president accused of abuse, can return to ministry (RNS) — Once a beloved SBC pastor and president, Hunt will return to ministry just over seven months after the allegations were made public. In Other News Violence – Not in My Religion! ‘Respect for Marriage’ Compromise Defers To Religious Haters   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