RNS Morning Report: RNS reporters look ahead to the big religion stories they expect in 2024

Top Stories RNS reporters look ahead to the big religion stories they expect in 2024 (RNS) — From papal reforms to psychedelics to presidential elections, here are the big religion stories RNS reporters anticipate next year.   Southern Baptists settle abuse lawsuit against legendary conservative leader Paul Pressler (RNS) — Texas Judge Paul Pressler, a conservative activist and one of the founding fathers of the so-called conservative resurgence, had been accused of abusing young men for years.   What does Watch Night mean for Black Americans today? It dates back to the Emancipation Proclamation Watch Night is still being observed each New Year's Eve, at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country.   Pope says ‘our hearts are in Bethlehem’ as he presides over the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St. Peter’s grand columns.   2023 Photos of the Year (RNS) — This week’s gallery looks back at some of the best photographs from 2023. RNS Opinion Study: Utah is no longer a majority-Mormon state (RNS) — With more nonmembers moving into the state and smaller Mormon birthrates, Utah is no longer a majority-Mormon state.   Why Israel matters: A conversation about the National Library of Israel with Raquel Ukeles When people tell me that they are ‘culturally Jewish,’ I can now say: ‘Welcome to your culture.’ ICYMI The top religion stories of 2023 (RNS) — Some of the year's most dramatic global events had religion at their center.   13 emerging faith leaders who made their mark in 2023 (RNS) — 2023's rising stars in religion are loud, proud and defiant.   6 pop culture and religion clashes from 2023 (RNS) — Remember when the pope became a fashion icon? In Other News The Church in the Holy Land rings in the new year with pleas for peace At these schools, Arab and Jewish students share their feelings, with each other   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