RNS Morning Report: Israel says two Americans held hostage by Hamas have been released

Top Stories Israel says two Americans held hostage by Hamas, a mother and daughter, have been released KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The release comes amid growing expectations of a ground offensive that Israel says is aimed at rooting out Hamas militants who rule Gaza   A Detroit synagogue president was fatally stabbed outside her home. Police don’t have a motive DETROIT (AP) — Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022 and was a former aide to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Detroit Free Press reported.   In tough times, churches can’t afford to go it alone, new book advises (RNS) — Samford University sociologist Jennifer McClure Haraway looks at the way congregations in Alabama work together — and what congregations around the country can learn from them.   Vegetarian or vegan? What about lab-grown beef? Hindus follow scriptures for diet advice (RNS) — Many Hindus, already vegetarian, are going vegan for health and religious reasons. But fake or lab-grown beef is still up for debate among religious authorities. RNS Opinion Two young Palestinian women died in a Gaza church, treated like ‘human animals’ (RNS) — The shelling of St. Porphyrios follows efforts to dehumanize Palestinians to justify inhumane attacks.   Campuses should model care: Engaging deep divides on Israel, Palestine and beyond (RNS) — In this moment, campus professionals and students must lead with care, creating space to honor the distinctive pain of both Israelis and Palestinians.   Cardinal Hollerich guides synod with a gentle hand (RNS) — Hollerich hopes the synod can develop a road map for worldwide consultation before the next session of the synod in October 2024. ICYMI Islamic Relief, other charities call for cease-fire to allow aid to reach Gaza (RNS) — Aid groups are doing what they can but worry that time is running out to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.   Ukrainian Parliament moves to bar Russian-linked church from operating in the country (RNS) — Draft law 8371, which requires another vote before moving to the president’s desk, would give Ukrainian authorities power to examine the connection of religious groups in Ukraine to the Russian Federation and to ban those whose leadership is outside of Ukraine. In Other News Pope Francis calls for global day of fasting and prayer for peace in Israel-Hamas conflict Chicago religious leaders urge peace after killing of six-year-old Muslim boy   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