RNS Morning Report: South Carolina’s largest UMC church set to leave denomination

Top Stories South Carolina’s largest UMC church set to leave denomination (RNS) — Mt. Horeb is one of several large churches in the United Methodist Church that have either voted to leave or are about to.   Jack Hayford, prominent Pentecostal pastor in Southern California, has died (RNS) — Hayford authored more than 50 books and composed hundreds of songs, including the widely known 'Majesty.'   Chicago pastor James Meeks bids a tearful farewell after 38 years at Salem Baptist (RNS) — After 38 years as a pastor, Meeks said he wanted to leave while his church was still doing well. The Rev. Charlie Dates, who grew up at Salem, will become pastor of one of Chicago's largest congregations. The farewell service was attended by politicians and friends, including Jesse Jackson and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.   Cornel West, Robert George mark Jan. 6 anniversary with call for courageous leaders WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘This country desperately needs courageous spiritual leadership,’ said the Rev. Eugene Rivers at the anniversary event, to ‘speak to the existential crisis that confronts us.’   Exvangelical TikTok worship parodies bring unexpected healing (RNS) — Using troubling quotes from the Bible, Prezleigh and Joshua Colburn write worship parodies under the name 'Trysten & Sayge.'   Border bishop takes lead role in Catholic migrant ministry EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The migration crisis is literally in the backyard of the new chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ migration committee. RNS Opinion Many people lie about their resume. Why George Santos’ case is different. (RNS) — Does the rationale for a lie hold up when it comes to politicians, in particular, George Santos, the congressman-elect from New York who is facing scrutiny for fabricating much of his resume?   With Benedict’s death, a way opens for more formal rules for retired popes (RNS) — Symbols are important in the Catholic Church, and having two men dressed in white and called pope is confusing.   Does the state of Israel still have a prayer? I love Israel. Its current government -- not at all. I pray that it changes, or that its policies change. Too much is at stake.   Why you should give the gift of mindfulness this New Year (The Conversation) — Mindfulness can teach us to be more present for colleagues, friends and loved ones.   Making sweat feel spiritual didn’t start with SoulCycle (The Conversation) — Why do people see fitness as religious? ICYMI William Barber points to NFL players’ humanity in prayer for Damar Hamlin (RNS) — The league is still reeling from Hamlin’s on-field injury on Monday night.   Stability is not in the cards for 2023: Divinations reveal a year of transitions (RNS) — Using tarot, astrology, runes and countless other divinatory methods, practitioners offer a reading on the pulse of the year to come. In Other News How Shinzo Abe’s murder and his ties to Moonies blindsided Japanese politics Joining the Hitler Youth was not a choice, it was mandatory   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