RNS Morning Report: Pope Francis’ synod made few waves, but organizers say it’s already changing the church

Top Stories Pope Francis’ synod made few waves, but organizers say it’s already changing the church (RNS) — The controversy over blessing gay couples is just another example of synodality at work, according to Sr. Nathalie Becquart.   Catholic clergy in Uganda accuse the West of a new colonialism through LGBTQ activism KAMPALA, Uganda (RNS) — Most Ugandan Catholics oppose Pope Francis' recent move to allow priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples.   Saudi Arabia opens its first liquor store in over 70 years as kingdom further liberalizes JERUSALEM (AP) — Saudi Arabia remains one of the few nations in the world with a ban on alcohol, alongside its neighbor Kuwait and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.   New book draws from Torah’s wisdom to help recovering alcoholics (RNS) — The book gives daily reflection exercises, drawing on AA's famous 12-step method and portions of Jewish Scripture. RNS Opinion South Africa’s genocide claim against Israel is rooted in the history of apartheid (RNS) — Cynical or merely pragmatic, Israel's ties to South Africa's apartheid regime has borne consequences.   Burned out, exhausted, leaving: A new survey finds clergy are not OK (RNS) — This isn't the time for US congregations to be facing a massive leadership transition. ICYMI Coexistence initiatives in Israel tentatively resume as Arabs and Jews live side by side amid war JERUSALEM (RNS) — Groups like the Good Neighbors Project are navigating wartime tensions, making good on years of work trying to foster mutual respect.      Who are the ‘nones’? New Pew study debunks myths about America’s nonreligious. (RNS) — 'Today, the ‘nones’ kind of look like everybody else,' said sociologist Ryan Cragun. 'At some level, we're saying, hey, actually, this is just your neighbor.' In Other News Triumphant Hindu mobs stoke fears in India after Modi delivers temple Pope appoints new bishop in China, bringing a 70-year vacancy to an end   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