RNS Morning Report: Horror shows hire occult consultants to cast their spells

Top Stories Horror shows like ‘Mayfair Witches’ hire occult consultants to cast their spells (RNS) — As witches and interest in Wicca became more common in the broader culture, occult consultants are finding more work on film and television sets.   Old-school Christian nationalism’s avatar of racism, antisemitism and conspiracies (RNS) —The early version of Christian nationalism turned the fear of communism into an excuse to embrace prejudice and forfeit American democracy.   ‘Resistance’ is not just a buzzword in Kaitlin Curtice’s new book (RNS) — In ‘Living Resistance,’ Curtice shares essays about what resistance can look like, touching on topics such as prayer and protecting the land and even child care.   Polish TV report: John Paul II knew of abuse as archbishop WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Pope St. John Paul II knew about sexual abuse of children by priests under his authority and sought to conceal it when he was an archbishop in his native Poland, according to a television news report.   Pope renews cabinet of cardinal advisers, adds new members (AP) — Among the new cardinal named to the council are Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, archbishop of Quebec and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, archbishop of Luxembourg and general rapporteur of the Synod of Bishops. RNS Opinion Replacing vengeance with mercy in our death penalty policy (RNS) — The troubling case of Andre Thomas invites a closer look at all the factors that play a part in the death penalty.   This year, Purim is not funny The end of the book of Esther is not pretty. Here is why it matters -- more than ever. ICYMI Baptist Joint Committee gains faith and justice center, grows religious liberty work (RNS) — ‘One of the things that we prioritized in our work was really reimagining religious freedom through the experiences of marginalized communities,’ said Sabrina E. Dent, the center’s president.   Reform movement leader on Israel: ‘It’s time to lean in; not walk away.’ (RNS) — Like all US Jewish denominations, the Reform movement has given wholehearted support to Israel. In an interview with RNS, Rabbi Rick Jacobs reiterated that support, even as he allowed for some criticism. In Other News Marjorie Taylor Greene wishes Jews a happy Purim. Oy vey, says Twitter. Kanye and the troubling history of persistent antisemitism   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