RNS Morning Report: IHOPKC cuts ties with Mike Bickle over ‘inappropriate behavior’

Top Stories IHOPKC cuts ties with Mike Bickle over ‘inappropriate behavior’ (RNS)— Best known for launching a round-the-clock prayer and missions group, Bickle admitted to ‘past misconduct’ earlier this month.   In Bethlehem, quiet Christmas celebrations draw parallels to war’s victims (RNS) — In the West Bank and Gaza, Christians are searching for ways to celebrate a subdued Christmas, with festivities canceled for the first time since the First Intifada in 1988.   For LGBTQ Catholics, new declaration on blessings is welcome — but complicated (RNS) — Some LGBTQ couples were blessed by Catholic priests before the Vatican declaration came down — whether or not the Vatican approved.   Photos of the Week: Christmas celebrations; stolen art (RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes Christmas celebrations, stolen art being returned and more.   Dave Ramsey ‘cult-like’ lawsuit dismissed, but class-action suit moves forward (RNS) — A former employee said he'd been misled when leaders of the Christian financial guru's company denied its culture was cult-like. A federal judge didn't buy it, but Ramsey still faces other lawsuits alleging his management of his media empire is discriminatory. RNS Opinion As a Muslim, I condemn attacks on all civilians. President Biden should, too. (RNS) — Condemnation of the Israeli government is not the same as — and must never cross the line into — antisemitism.   I volunteered with ‘Light the World’ Giving Machines for Christmas. Here’s what I saw. (RNS) — A church that has been criticized for its vast wealth is trying to do more for charity. ICYMI Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest in a ‘complex’ instrument (RNS) — Young musicians have taken to the organ at a time when there has been a decline in the number of instruments and in the professionals who play them.   Shaul Magid on reviving Jewish exile as a counterweight to Zionism (RNS) — In a new book, the Dartmouth scholar argues exile can be seen as an equally positive and constructive Jewish identity. In Other News Breaking with tradition, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 this year King’s Christmas message: Charles focuses on shared values in time of conflict   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