RNS Morning Report: William Barber II escorted out of movie theater, denied disability accommodations

Top Stories William Barber II escorted out of movie theater, denied disability accommodations (RNS) — The civil rights leader and minister was there to see ‘The Color Purple’ with his 90-year-old mother.   The most important stories from the Vatican in 2023 (RNS) — Francis has continued to push for changes in the church, braving daunting opposition and several medical scares.   Faith leaders, influencers who died in 2023: Preachers, protesters, writers, singers (RNS) — We also bid farewell to some celebrities and influencers whose time on stages sometimes represented public faith or whose lives were strengthened by their personal faith.   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. RNS Opinion Don’t let the war tear apart the tapestry of faith that makes America strong (RNS) — This is not the time for faith communities to retreat into ourselves.   Top stories of the year in Judaism (RNS) — The Israel-Hamas war dominated the news but there were also signs of revival amid the turmoil. ICYMI 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. In Other News Maryland 2024 referendum proposes constitutional right to abortion Young U.S. Muslims are rising up against Israel in unlikely places   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