RNS Morning Report: On same-sex blessings, some Catholics celebrate change while others point to limits

Top Stories On same-sex blessings, some Catholics celebrate change while others point to limits VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Vatican’s declaration allowing blessings for ‘irregular’ couples seems to have deepened an already strong divide between conservatives and progressives in the church.   For years, an oil drill site stood in the heart of a South LA neighborhood. Now a park may rise in its place. (RNS) — 'God is giving us beauty for ashes,' said Parks, president of Redeemer Community Partnership.   Convent-made delicacies, a Christmas favorite, help monks and nuns win fans and pay the bills MEXICO CITY (AP) — Most nuns and monks involved in preparing the delicacies are quick to point out that their main mission is to pray, not to cook — and that doing both involves finding a delicate balance.   New study finds Christian nationalists to be more complex than media portrayals (RNS) — Many Christian nationalists, the group Neighborly Faith found, espouse troubling views while simultaneously expressing openness to aspects of American pluralism. RNS Opinion How anti-Zionism became anti-Judaism (RNS) — Once dismissed by many Jews, Zionism has become part and parcel of the lived experience of Judaism.   The Vatican financial trial is finally over. What did we learn? (RNS) — The good news is the financial scandals became public and were not covered up by the Vatican as was the practice in the past. ICYMI How a remnant group of United Methodists is making a new church home ADVANCE, N.C. (RNS) — Here, in the middle of a bland industrial park that looks like a self-storage facility, a new church is emerging.   Pope Francis condemns Saturday’s Israeli attack on Christian church as act of terrorism (RNS) — 'It’s war, it’s terrorism,' Pope Francis said. In Other News Chile’s left forced a new constitution. Then the right took control. Cardinal Becciu convicted: six things to know about the prelate and his trial   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