RNS Morning Report: May Day’s pagan roots are alive and well in Beltane

Top Stories May Day’s pagan roots are alive and well in Beltane (RNS) — One of the eight sabbats, or modern pagan holidays, Beltane is a celebration of community after the colder months and of the returning fertility of the land.   United Methodist bishops meet, look to pivot after 2,400+ churches disaffiliate CHICAGO (RNS) — United Methodist bishops from across the globe are meeting this week for the first time in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.   In NC, a church network turns unused church buildings into homes for refugees (RNS) — A glut of underutilized church properties offers a solution to the severe shortage of affordable housing for newly arrived refugees.   Missio Alliance hosts hopeful conversation for disruptive times (RNS)—After a ‘season of apocalypse,’ a diverse group of church leaders gathered outside of Chicago to discuss how churches can innovate in trying times.   Iran, 27 other countries critiqued by watchdog for religious freedom violations (RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom decried Iran’s use of violence against protesters in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death.   Dust to dust? New Mexicans fight to save old adobe churches CORDOVA, New Mexico (AP) — Besides their history, these churches anchor a uniquely New Mexican way of life for their communities, many of which no longer have schools or stores, and struggle with chronic poverty and addiction. RNS Opinion The resurrection changes everything (RNS) — What Jesus' resurrection did to the disciples shows us what impact it should have on us.   Harold Kushner was America’s rabbi (RNS) — Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote the bestselling Jewish book of all time — with the possible exception of the Bible. His gentle wisdom helped and healed millions of people. ICYMI Rabbi Harold Kushner, who wrote bestselling works of practical theology, dies at 88 (JTA) — 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People', published in 1981, represented Kushner’s attempt to make sense of his son's suffering and eventual death.   Historic forgiveness trial yields global impact, reduces anxiety and depression (RNS) — Psychologist Everett Worthington forgave his mother's murderer. Now, his forgiveness model is going global. In Other News In the US, reports of religion’s death may be overstated US religious freedom panel again recommends India for blacklist   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