RNS Morning Report: Report: Study: Religious attendance dips slightly after pandemic

Top Stories Study: Religious attendance dips slightly after pandemic (RNS) — The study found the share of U.S. adults who generally say they attend religious services at least once a month dropped from 33% in 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, to 30% in 2022.   ‘Prayer is our only weapon’: Monks at Kyiv monastery resist planned eviction (RNS) — The monastery’s fate has been in question since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 has brought a series of crackdowns on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historical ties to Moscow.   Carl Lentz, in first staff position since Hillsong, joins Transformation Church in Tulsa (RNS) — ‘We gladly welcome Carl Lentz to our Transformation Church staff, helping TC with strategy as we continue to move forward in our vast vision,’ said one pastor of the predominantly Black megachurch.   Nashville shooter who killed 6 drew maps, surveilled school (RNS) — The suspect, who was killed by police, is believed to be a former student at The Covenant School in Nashville, where the shooting took place. RNS Opinion Nobody can ‘politicize’ the tragedy in Nashville. It’s already political. (RNS) — Like all mass shootings in America, it emerged fully politicized, enabled and abetted by our politicians in power.   Weeping in Nashville (RNS) — A Nashville pastor contemplates the ‘why?’ of this week’s shooting.   It’s Lord Ram’s birthday this week. Here’s why he’ll be remembered in six faiths. (RNS) — This week, millions will mark the birth of one of the most iconic figures in global lore.   ChatGPT embraces the Golden Rule (RNS) — A conversation about religious applications of AI with the latest version of the AI celebrity.   When is it “a time to die?” A new documentary and podcast ask the question: When is it enough? ICYMI ‘Purple church’ pastors mull leadership strategies in polarizing times WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (RNS) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina held a leadership forum to help pastors figure out how to speak out without alienating half of their members.   Judge rules immigration officials violated pastor’s religious freedom rights (RNS) — 'The government’s approach — stalling, gaslighting, even lying — was entirely unconvincing to the court, and I am thrilled for the vindication,' said the Rev. Kaji Douša. In Other News ‘A portrait of defeat’: inside a revealing film about Pope Francis Why the religious fast for Ramadan, Lent and other holy days   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