RNS Morning Report: African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel

Top Stories African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel (RNS) — The statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7.   Photos of the Week: Carnival celebrations; VaLENTines Day (RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes unique Carnival celebrations around the world, Ash Wednesday and Valentines Day coinciding, and more.   Freethought Democrats object to Pastor Jack Hibbs as guest chaplain, say he’s Christian nationalist WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I think there is a real problem with our new speaker and his ability to accept religious pluralism, diversity, and inclusion in a way that can work for our country and our diverse Congress,' said Rep. Jared Huffman.   ‘Black Liturgies’ book offers prayers for Black-centered spiritual liberation (RNS) — Cole Arthur Riley on doubt, embodiment and writing a prayer book to a God she’s not convinced exists. RNS Opinion How many Mormons are actually in church every week in the US? (RNS) — Cellphone data reveals the number is lower than people self-report (but Mormons do better than most).   Trump’s language of evil (RNS) — A manner of speaking is infesting our politics that is insulting to both the subject and the listener. ICYMI Kamala Harris holds private meeting with Rev. William Barber (RNS) — The vice president sat down with Barber and the Rev. Kazimir Brown, head of Repairers of the Breach, to discuss poverty and Israel's ongoing assault into the Gaza Strip.   New animated Bible series aims to reach post-reading generation (RNS) — Watching the iBible will appeal to digital natives more than reading Scripture, said Steve Cleary, the project’s creator. In Other News As Gaza death toll mounts, the peace lobby fights for influence in Washington Italian town in turmoil after far-right mayor bans Muslim prayers   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