RNS Morning Report: Southern Baptists lost nearly half a million members in 2022

Top Stories Southern Baptists lost nearly half a million members in 2022 (RNS) —The Southern Baptist Convention has lost 3 million members since 2006, about half of that in the last five years.   Breakaway Texas UMC megachurch reveals plans for new Methodist denomination SOUTHLAKE, Texas (RNS) — White’s Chapel plans to invite others to join the Methodist Collegiate Church once its disaffiliation is approved by Central Texas United Methodists next month.    The IRS just hiked taxes on private jet flights. Pastors are not excluded. (RNS) — The tax increase impacts flights on employer-owned planes — including those owned by ministries.   Why Habitat for Humanity’s theology of the hammer offers hope in polarized times (RNS) — For nearly five decades, Habitat for Humanity has inspired people from different backgrounds — who often can’t agree on anything — to work together for their neighbors’ benefit.   The end of an era for the Sisters of Charity of New York NEW YORK (AP) — They will no longer accept new members, and are now on a 'path to completion.'   Ousted Caritas chief denounces Vatican ‘power grab’ VATICAN CITY (AP) — As the organization readies to elect his successor, the deposed chief of the Catholic aid group broke his silence, saying the Vatican’s decision to fire 'discredited the church and one of its jewels'. RNS Opinion How many times do hijab-wearing Muslim judges in America need to break the glass ceiling? (RNS) — We’ve passed the point where the appearance of a Muslim judge in hijab is remarkable in itself.   Fighting inflation with one hand tied behind your back (RNS) — Congress must act decisively to rationalize the budgetary process.   Should the Tree of Life shooter get the death penalty? A new podcast: Should murderers be executed? For the Jews of Pittsburgh, the question is personal.   How King Charles III became a royal mensch Pomp and circumstance, yes. And beneath some of it, a tale of moral heroism. ICYMI UMC bishops request 2026 General Conference as hundreds more churches disaffiliate CHICAGO (RNS) — To date, at least 2,804 churches have left the United Methodist Church since 2019, according to United Methodist News Service.   Kansas City prophet calls for 21-day fast and prayer for ‘salvation of Israel’ (RNS) — Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer Kansas City has launched a 21-day fast and prayer intended to hasten Jesus' return. In Other News An Arizona lawmaker (who is also a minister) is under investigation for a Bible prank American Catholics shouldn’t abandon religious freedom   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