RNS Morning Report: What ‘The Starling Girl’ gets right about church abuse

Top Stories What ‘The Starling Girl’ gets right about church abuse and fundamentalism (RNS) — ‘When abuse is framed as just black and white, it can be harder for people going through it to reckon with it and realize it,’ said writer/director Laurel Parmet.   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 hundreds of Latino pastors, faith leaders and congregants.   John Blake, journalist on religion and race, goes personal with new memoir (RNS) — 'We really need to tell these stories about hope,' said Blake. 'There's a lot of Americans now who have given up ... and believe racism is just a permanent part of American life.'   Ancient Knights of Malta get their 1st non-aristocratic head ROME (AP) — John Dunlap was born in Ottawa and practices law in New York. He found his vocation to the Knights in the 1980s while volunteering with AIDS patients at the Cardinal Cooke Medical Center in Harlem, where he has continued to volunteer.   Vatican No 2 confirms Russia-Ukraine peace mission plans VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Holy See's No. 2 official confirmed Wednesday (May 5) the existence of a Vatican peace “mission” to try to end Russia's war in Ukraine, days after Pope Francis raised eyebrows with an offhand revelation of a secret operation that was already underway. RNS Opinion No, the framers were not more about protecting religion from the state than vice versa (RNS) — Connecticut is a case in point.   The real priest behind ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ was a fan of Hollywood horror films (The Conversation) — How did blockbuster horror films such as ‘The Exorcist’ help the church warm to the controversial ritual?   The last Christian king? (RNS) — How inclusive can something be and still be considered Christian? ICYMI White House to host its third-ever Vesak ceremony (RNS) — This year ambassadors from nations such as Cambodia, India and Nepal are slated to participate.   Their church is leaving the UMC fold. They found refuge in a nearby ‘Lighthouse.’ (RNS) — The United Methodist Church is turning its attention to taking care of those who want to remain and rebuilding and fortifying its ranks. In Other News Rainn Wilson talks about his lifelong spiritual journey Flamenco and fervor: Inside Spain’s El Rocío pilgrimage   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