RNS Morning Report: New Hajj booking process has left many foreign pilgrims frustrated

Top Stories Saudi Arabia’s new Hajj booking process has left many foreign pilgrims frustrated (RNS) — After postponing their trip for three years, many American Muslims expected a return to normalcy for this year’s Hajj, but a new online platform intended to streamline the process has instead brought complications.   Embattled Tennessee bishop resigns after priest complaints, abuse-related lawsuits VATICAN CITY (AP) — The archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky, the Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, was named temporary administrator to run the diocese until a new bishop is installed.   Maryland church, with $100,000 in vandalism damage, continues in faith (RNS) — On June 8, the red-carpeted sanctuary of the historically Black church was turned into a debris-filled space.   Southern Baptists say no to women pastors. But what does the Bible say a pastor is? (RNS) — The expulsion of Saddleback Church and other congregations for having women pastors led to national headlines. It’s also prompted questions about thousands of other churches where women serve in roles such as children’s pastor or music minister. Can the role’s title get a church in trouble with the SBC?   The search for gender identity, say trans seekers, brought them closer to God (RNS) — As opposition to recognition for transgender Americans has become politicized, so have clashes between people with transgender identities and faith leaders. But it’s not always the case that faith and transgender don’t mix.   Pope’s peace envoy arrives in Moscow after the short-lived Wagner rebellion ROME (AP) — It follows Zuppi's visit to Kyiv earlier this month, which the Vatican described as an initiative to try to find paths of peace.   NYC will add Diwali as a public school holiday. But there’s a catch this year NEW YORK (AP) — The push for official recognition of Diwali comes as South Asians have gained numbers and clout in New York and nationally. RNS Opinion “And in the end, the love you take” My final sermon -- a mix tape with Sinatra, the Monotones, Rav Kook, and Cynthia Ozick. More than four decades of striving for the holy.   As the election cycle cranks up, Christians need to call out white Christian nationalism (RNS) — White and Black Christians need to truly partner with God in building a more just future for all.   British Mormons lobby for stricter safeguards against abuse — and succeed (RNS) — ‘Somehow they've listened to two women that decided to say, ‘Hey, this is not good enough,’ ’ Sara Delaney said.   Southern Baptists expel churches with women pastors – but the debate’s not just about gender (The Conversation) — In Southern Baptist history, rules on women and sexuality are often entwined. A scholar writes about the first congregation to be expelled from the SBC over LGBTQ+ issues ICYMI Pence calls for his 2024 rivals to back a 15-week federal abortion ban on eve of Dobbs anniversary WASHINGTON (AP) — The exhortation at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual conference amounted to a challenge for the GOP front-runner, Donald Trump.   Bishop Strickland subject to Vatican investigation (RNS) — The investigation, known as an apostolic visitation, comes after years of controversy surrounding Strickland. In Other News Religion creates community. We’re losing that. I’m a horny Christian. Here’s how I learned to own my sexuality.   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