RNS Morning Report: Hamline University retracts ‘Islamophobia’ charge as instructor sues

Top Stories Hamline University retracts ‘Islamophobia’ charge as instructor sues (RNS) — The art history instructor sued the university in Minnesota district court, alleging religious discrimination and defamation.   Johnny Hunt, disgraced former SBC pastor, makes defiant return to the pulpit (RNS) — Hunt told a Florida megachurch that false allegations had ruined his life but he still has faith in Jesus.   Kenyan faith leaders fight to preserve ‘Sunday best’ at church (RNS) — While some of the new debate over dress codes in church has to do with morality, one Catholic priest explained a more practical concern: ‘One needs to be properly dressed so that they are not a distraction to other worshippers who want to focus on their creator.’   Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians unite in support for Apache fight to save Oak Flat (RNS) — Congress approved the transfer of the land to Resolution Copper in 2014 in exchange for 6,000 acres elsewhere, but the Western Apache claim that the site has unique spiritual meaning.   In India, deity decorating a calling for Hindu temple artist CHENNAI, India (AP) — A computer science graduate, S. Goutham quit his job nearly a decade ago to pursue his calling. He has since followed in the footsteps of his ancestors as a fifth-generation decorator of temple deities.   Islamic State claims church bombing in east Congo; 14 dead KASINDI, Congo (AP) — Islamic extremists claimed responsibility for a bombing of a church in eastern Congo as authorities said Monday that the toll from Sunday's attack had risen to at least 14 dead.   In tornado-ravaged Selma, prayers of thanks SELMA, Ala. (AP) — The Sunday after a tornado devastated much of the historic city of Selma, church congregations raised up prayers of gratitude for lives spared and gave prayers of comfort for lives lost elsewhere to the storm. RNS Opinion How to stay Mormon after a faith crisis (if staying is what you want) (RNS) — Former LDS Bishop Christian Kimball has spent the last 25 years ‘on the inside of the edge’ of Mormonism.   In latest twist for faith-based initiative, Biden tacks back toward religious freedoms (RNS) — The administration restores safeguards for federally funded faith-based service providers.   A great historian unlocks the key to antisemitism He "got" the Jews -- even more than the Jews do. ICYMI How New York has answered religiously motivated hate crime NEW YORK (RNS) — A wildly diverse city takes a multifaceted, interagency and interfaith approach to faith-based security efforts.   Trump chides onetime evangelical supporters who haven’t endorsed him (RNS) — ‘There’s great disloyalty in the world of politics, and that’s a sign of disloyalty,’ Trump said. In Other News Meditation could have positive impact on gut and overall health The world’s oldest person, Sister André of France, dies at age 118   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