RNS Morning Report: Bethlehem pastors arrive in DC, urge lawmakers to embrace cease-fire, peace plan

Top Stories Bethlehem pastors arrive in DC, urge lawmakers to embrace cease-fire, peace plan (RNS) — 'All we want for Christmas is a constant and comprehensive cease-fire and an end to this war,' said the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church.   In ‘Unapologetic,’ young Palestinian-Israeli podcasters advocate for a third narrative (RNS) — In the podcast, launched amid the Israel-Hamas War, the co-hosts imagine a role in the peace process that is particular to the Arab community in Israel.   Timekeepers no more, rank-and-file Jehovah’s Witnesses say goodbye to tracking proselytizing hours For the first time since 1920, leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses have removed the hours-reporting requirement for rank-and-file adherents.   Pope Francis says he has a lung inflammation but will go to Dubai this week for a climate conference VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis gave the traditional noon blessing in an appearance televised live from the chapel in the Vatican hotel. RNS Opinion In a world where Christ is king, authoritarian leaders can only be antichrists (RNS) — Today's anti-democratic leaders are promising to deliver justice by any means necessary.   Fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia in one breath (RNS) — This is not a time to turn our back on interfaith and interethnic partnerships. ICYMI Houston’s Hindu youth will soon have a summer campsite of their own (RNS) — The Texas Hindu Campsite is set to open by the summer of 2024, just one year before the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp's 40-year anniversary.   A film sheds light on 11 daring women whose defiant act changed the Episcopal Church (RNS) — ‘The Philadelphia Eleven’ depicts the buildup toward the so-called irregular ordination at which four bishops ordained 11 women as priests without the denomination’s approval. In Other News A pop star filmed a music video in a church. The priest was punished. Vermont Christian school sues state after ban from state athletics following trans athlete protest   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