RNS Morning Report: Young Catholics bring the spiritual lessons of the Synod on Synodality home

Top Stories Young Catholics bring the spiritual lessons of the Synod on Synodality home (RNS) — Invited to participate in a global meeting of Catholic bishops and lay leaders, young Philadelphians found themselves hopeful about the future of the church.   Taylor University awarded $30 million to revitalize local community (RNS) — The grant, the largest in the university’s history, will help fund dining, retail and startup space in downtown Upland, as well as create related academic programs at the college.   What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic? SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but also puts their lives in danger.   Native Hawaiian salt makers combat climate change and pollution to protect a sacred tradition HANAPEPE, Hawaii (AP) — Over the past decade, this tract has been under constant threat due to development, pollution from a neighboring airfield, sand erosion from vehicle traffic and littering by visitors to the adjacent beach. RNS Opinion The world must confront the sexual violence of Oct. 7 (RNS) — The essay I wrote with shaking hands. I did not want to do it. I had to do it.   Another dark Christmas in Ukraine  (RNS) — As Orthodox Christmas approaches, we cannot abandon Ukraine to Russian destruction. ICYMI How Philadelphia’s faith communities held together as Oct. 7 attack tested ties (RNS) — Interfaith bonds fostered by Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups before the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas have allowed the groups to pull together despite a spike in hate incidents.   In a secular age, some young Americans still choose religious life (RNS) — While the numbers of priests and nuns have declined in recent decades, many millennials and Gen Zers still find a calling to religious life in the Catholic Church, even if the path to discernment has changed. In Other News Shia LaBeouf enters Catholic Church, considers vocation to the diaconate Imam fatally shot outside a New Jersey mosque remembered for his community leadership   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