RNS Morning Report: Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89

Top Stories Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89 (RNS) — Talbert was recognized for his work on racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and ecumenical cooperation.   Pope Francis calls for AI ethics free from violence and discrimination (RNS) — The World Day of Peace next Jan. 1 will be focused on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace.’   For some Black faith leaders, Ohio’s Issue 1 is bigger than abortion CLEVELAND (RNS) — ‘I think our faith community is waking up to the fact that there are various attacks on our voting rights and our ability to let our voices be heard,’ said Lesley Jones, a Cincinnati-based pastor and organizer.   New AI app lets users ‘text with’ Jesus and other biblical figures (RNS) — The app replicates an instant messaging platform, allowing users to chat with ChatGPT impersonations of biblical figures, including the apostles, the prophets, Ruth, Job, Lot and more. RNS Opinion Sinead O’Connor was a rock star and a Muslim. Why did obituaries miss this? (RNS) — Obscuring O’Connor’s faith is a missed chance to fight Islamophobia.   Global warming is here and it is getting worse (RNS) — We are like frogs in a pot of water being slowly cooked as the temperature rises. We don’t have the sense to get out of the pot, let alone turn off the heat. ICYMI Atheist and agnostic fired for not attending company prayers win $50K in suit (RNS) — The two workers declined to participate in a daily prayer circle as the company owner read from Scripture.   Left behind by disaffiliations, Texas town’s United Methodists charter a new church AMARILLO, Texas (RNS) — After all seven United Methodist churches in this city in the Texas Panhandle voted to leave the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination, an 83-year-old UMC minister became determined that the UMC wouldn't become extinct in Amarillo. In Other News Evangelical leader rips Trump, says supporters now ‘looking for another candidate’ Ireland says goodbye to Sinéad O’Connor   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