RNS Morning Report: This Advent, churches urged to assess worship for inadvertent antisemitism

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 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 sense that there is no longer a reason for Jews to exist,’ said one scholar.   Urbana missions conference that once drew 20,000 expected to fall far short (RNS) — Organizers believe that the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy have likely caused attendance to falter.   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.   Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa to leave the ministry, but not the church (RNS) — The 24-7 responsibility of being a pastor took its toll on Onwuchekwa. He also felt he was no longer the right person to lead the church he started.   Vatican cardinal sues for defamation in Quebec assault claim ROME (AP) — Ouellet’s countersuit, filed Tuesday in the Superior Court in Quebec, repeats the cardinal’s firm denial and says he has no recollection of meeting his accuser. RNS Opinion On Mormon tithing and a $100 billion investment fund (RNS) — Tithing can’t be reduced to checking a box that says you support an insanely wealthy institution with yet more wealth and are suddenly right with the Lord because of it.   After 50 years, ‘liberation theology’ is still reshaping Catholicism and politics – but what is it? (The Conversation) — The influential movement is still controversial both inside and outside Catholicism.   How Japan’s Laughing Buddha Hotei is merging into Santa Claus (The Conversation) — Hotei, a Japanese god who carries a large sack, brings goodies on New Year’s Day.   Who were the three wise men who visited Jesus? (The Conversation) — Called kings, wise men or astrologers, none of these captures the full sense of the term 'magi.'   The synod, the pope and the ordination of women (RNS) — Allowing women only in management and not in ministry ignores church history. ICYMI Psychedelic chaplains: In clinical trials, a new form of spiritual guide emerges (RNS) — Spiritual care practitioners are being trained to support patients undergoing psychedelic therapy in clinical trials and decriminalized settings.   Historic façade must go, Middle Collegiate Church tells New York landmarks commission (RNS) — ‘The way to be in our neighborhood is to take down the façade and build something else,’ the Rev. Jacqui Lewis said in an interview. In Other News A rape survivor’s careful activism in a place where #MeToo feels taboo Iran sentences 400 people to up to 10 years in prison for protests   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