RNS Morning Report: The Rev. Steve Pieters, who changed minds about AIDS, dies at 70

Top Stories The Rev. Steve Pieters, who changed minds about AIDS, dies at 70 (RNS) — His vanguard interview with Tammy Faye Messner (Bakker at the time) aired in an era when fear and false information about HIV/AIDS ran rampant in conservative Christian communities.   ‘Brigadoon’ for Jewish singers, choral festival showcases the wonder of music TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK (RNS) — The North American Jewish Choral Festival brought together roughly 400 singers in Tarrytown, New York, this week.   Photos of the Week: Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration; Amarnath pilgrimage (RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s photo gallery includes the anniversary pilgrimage to the Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration, an ongoing pilgrimage to the Hindu Shrine Amarnath and more.   Russian lawmakers move to further restrict transgender rights in new legislation TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — There is little doubt that the bill, a crippling blow to Russia's oppressed LGBTQ+ community, will be adopted amid the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's “traditional values.” RNS Opinion In Sweden, they burn Torahs It is a horror — and the practice has a long, ugly pedigree.   California’s compromise ‘caste’ bill promotes democracy in more ways than one (RNS) — The fight to retool the bill brought thousands of South Asians into the political process. ICYMI Rebecca Todd Peters is on a mission to get churches to talk about abortion (RNS) — A Presbyterian minister and scholar is working to shift the cultural paradigm that abortion is sin.   Pope Francis’ cardinal appointments emphasize unity ahead of synod (RNS) — Though the latest crop of cardinals represents a wide array of countries and experiences, they all have an easily traceable thread of reconciliation and unity on their resumes. In Other News ‘Why does God keep making poets?’ Trump’s judges: more religious ties and more N.R.A. memberships   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