RNS Morning Report: Michigan board declares itself ‘constitutional county’

Top Stories In fight against ‘tyranny,’ Michigan board declares itself ‘constitutional county’ (RNS) — In drafting the resolution to become a ‘constitutional county,’ commissioners relied on the writings of a Wisconsin pastor who promotes the idea of resistance to civil authorities.   Meet the activists who spearheaded the Texas chaplains bill (RNS) — ‘It’s so important to elect conservatives and Christians to our local school board races,’ Julie Pickren, a champion of the bill, said in a recent interview.   Vatican takes climate activists to court on Laudato Si’ anniversary (RNS) — The trial takes place on the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical promoting the care of creation and the environment, "Laudato Si'."   Priest killed in Mexico; 9th slain in country in past 4 years MEXICO CITY (AP) — The priest had been assigned to the Capacho parish in Huandacareo just one month earlier.   Montana acts to protect Native American priority in adopting Native children BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — It's a proactive move to protect such rights as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case that could undercut them nationally. RNS Opinion Thoughts on my 5-year anniversary of getting hit by a bus (RNS) — First a bus, now a dog attack. If these are signs, they aren’t subtle.   Happy birthday, Buddha! Why the founder of Buddhism has different birthdays around the world (The Conversation) — Buddha’s birthday has not always been a major holiday for Buddhists, but is now celebrated in diverse ways throughout Asia.   Freedom was granted at Passover. It was defined on Shavuot. (RNS) — The Festival of Weeks shows that true freedom comes in endeavoring to live a 'mission-focused' life.   The hidden Torah of Steely Dan Listen closely, dig deeper. There is far more to Steely Dan than meets the ear. Just like our sacred texts. ICYMI In rare move, Vatican official chastised Texas Bishop Strickland at conference WASHINGTON (RNS) — Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland did not deny that he was confronted by the papal nuncio at a bishops conference in November 2021.   New asylum policies after Title 42 ‘don’t address root cause,’ say faith-based groups (RNS) — New policies that took effect last week are exacerbating the strain on many shelters on the southern side of the United States-Mexico border. In Other News Republican bill requiring display of Ten Commandments in Texas schools fails What college students need is a taste of the monk’s life   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