RNS Morning Report: UMC bishops seek General Conference amidst disaffiliation

Top Stories 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.   Embodying Islam: Nadiah Mohajir works to better Muslims’ sexual health and relationships (RNS) — Mohajir's nonprofit, HEART, was conceived as a 'third space' — not the home and not the mosque — that provides muslims the safety and openness they need to discuss issues about their bodies, while honoring Muslim traditions.   Pope seeks to encourage abuse prevention board amid turmoil ROME (AP) —The move follows weeks of turmoil sparked by the latest resignation of a founding member.   Anti-Muslim Twitter feed in Spain: ‘A recipe for disaster’ WASHINGTON (AP) — Far-right nationalists in Spain are using social media to stir up anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant fervor.   Kenyan pastor suspected in cult deaths to remain jailed NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The pastor faces possible terror-related charges in the deaths of more than 100 his congregants, many of whom are believed to have starved to death. RNS Opinion Undoing the Christian nationalism of the Doctrine of Discovery (RNS) — More direct action from the Catholic Church is necessary to uproot the remnants of the Doctrine.   Lebanon’s unique religious diversity is under threat (RNS) — The influx of more than 1 million Syrian refugees, hyperinflation and government impotency have created existential challenges. ICYMI Scott Sauls, author and Nashville pastor, placed on indefinite leave of absence (RNS) — Sauls is one of a growing number of high-profile pastors whose leadership style has come under scrutiny in recent years.   Latino faith leaders continue pressure against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ immigration bill (RNS) — 'This legislation, if adopted, would incite fear and create barriers of needed care that our church immigrant and refugee ministries engage,' reads a letter signed by more than 1,000 Latino pastors, faith leaders and congregants. In Other News When mass shootings become almost daily events Maternity homes provide support in a post-Roe world, but not without conditions   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