RNS Morning Report: Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest in a ‘complex’ instrument

Top Stories 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.   Western churches called for cease-fire. Palestinian Christians heard empty words. (RNS) — Palestinian Christians have felt abandoned by global Christian church leaders’ statements on the Israel-Hamas war, with some viewing the war as a moment for Western denominations to reckon with their colonialist past.   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.   Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings could ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression ROME (AP) —The pope's decision to officially spell out his approval could send a message of tolerance to places where gay rights are far more restricted. RNS Opinion What Mary knew (RNS) — The assumed certainty of the song ‘Mary, Did You Know’ is part of a trend that demystifies the Christian message.   We must confront radical evil (RNS) — Is Hamas a form of mythic, cosmic evil? Think about it. ICYMI Church for ‘nones’: Meet the anti-dogma spiritual collectives emerging across the US ATLANTA (RNS) — These spiritual communities discard doctrine, prefer questions over answers and have no intention of converting anybody to anything.   In India’s holiest city, Hindus worship the nation of India VARANASI, India (RNS) — The Bharat Mata mandir in India’s holiest city has come to represent an ideology that many in Narendra Modi’s constituency hold — a distinctly religious allegiance to the personified mother goddess of India. In Other News 12 states where the fate of abortion rights could be on 2024 ballots Conservative bishops push back against Pope Francis on same-sex blessings   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