RNS Morning Report: Vatican confirms synod topics include LGBTQ+ inclusion and women deacons

Top Stories Vatican confirm synod topics will address questions of LGBTQ+ and women deacons The document addresses inclusivity toward LGBTQ+ faithful, the issue of female ordination and welcoming toward divorced, remarried or polygamous couples.   A Black preacher ‘no longer at war with her body’ on connecting flesh with the divine In a new book, womanist theologian Lyvonne Briggs counsels women to ‘unlearn’ the shame the church has historically attached to their physical selves and ‘feel full, whole, at ease and at home in their bodies.’   Official says Yemeni pilgrims depart Sanaa on first direct flight to Saudi Arabia since 2016 The flights between Sanaa and Saudi Arabia are another sign of easing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has been attempting to end its involvement in country's conflict.   Cross bequeathed by Pope Benedict XVI is stolen from church in his home region in Germany “For the Catholic church, the value of the religious object is not quantifiable,” the police statement said.   RNS Opinion   Poverty is a lethal epidemic. It’s time to address it. Politicians who fail to act are complicit in the deaths of thousands.   This just in: Catholic churches have the worst preaching and music in the US   Are Catholic services simply too boring? ICYMI   Pope Francis’ message for peace now orbits the Earth, to be heard across all borders A nanobook version of the pope’s words of unity during the pandemic are now orbiting Earth.     Bishops begin process that could ban gender-affirming care in Catholic hospitals The vote doesn't ban gender-affirming care outright but sets in motion a process that could end up barring the practice at Catholic health care facilities. In Other News Ex-bush Aide rips evangelical Trump supporters for ‘obvious’ hypocrisy Revealed: New Orleans archdiocese concealed serial child molester for years   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