RNS Morning Report: In Iowa and beyond, evangelical Christian voters follow their party more than their faith

Top Stories In Iowa and beyond, evangelical Christian voters follow their party more than their faith (RNS) — An evangelical kingmaker in Iowa warned that Donald Trump's campaign is doomed and is backing Ron DeSantis in the upcoming caucuses. Still, Trump seems poised for an easy win in Iowa and beyond.   Dozens of Black churches receive total of $4 million for historic preservation (RNS) — This year’s grants, which range from $50,000 to $200,000, will allow congregations to address issues such as mold contamination, demolition, water filtration and deferred maintenance.   On Vivekananda’s 160th birthday, female monastics venerate the ‘mother’ of his movement PUNE, India (RNS) — The female monks at Sri Sarada Math in Pune, India, celebrated Sarada Devi’s birth anniversary on Jan. 3, in accordance with the Hindu auspicious calendar.   Bishop T.D. Jakes continues longtime commitment to Md. revival in wake of rumors UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (RNS) — ‘I love you back,’ he told those who welcomed him back to the revival. ‘I feel your prayers. I’m thankful to God for them.’   Religious leaders to mark MLK Day with early start for 2024 voter mobilization (RNS) — 'We're starting early because we need to spend a lot more time educating people about how to vote, how to vote against the rising tide of misinformation,' said the Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner. RNS Opinion Dealing with racism in the Book of Mormon (RNS) — The Book of Mormon could teach us some hard truths about racism if we're brave enough to listen, say co-authors Fatimah Salleh and Margaret Olsen Hemming.   Israel’s crimes in Gaza may be condemned at the Hague. The real victory is already won. (RNS) — After nearly 80 years, Israel is a defendant at the Hague. ICYMI Sharon Brous on the power of saying ‘amen’ in a broken world (RNS) — 'The Amen Effect' is an extended meditation on the importance of showing up — in good times and bad.   Vatican launches massive restoration effort of baldachin in St. Peter’s Basilica VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Restorers plan to complete the work in time for the start of the Jubilee of 2025. In Other News Netflix pulls original film as religious viewers condemn meat-eating characters Several still recovering from out-of-control bonfire at religious ceremony in Baltimore   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