RNS Morning Report: Scripture-quoting Alabama judge in IVF case bridges natural law and Christian nationalism

Top Stories Scripture-quoting Alabama judge in IVF case bridges natural law and Christian nationalism (RNS) — But those who know Tom Parker say his IVF concurring opinion was not simply a heartfelt expression of faith, but part of a strategy the chief justice has used to create legal precedent for conservative causes.   Animal chaplains offer spiritual care for every species (RNS) — 'This is beyond animal blessings and pet funerals,' said animal chaplain Sarah Bowen.   A new memoir examines how to reclaim faith after a bipolar diagnosis (RNS) — In her new book, 'Devout: A Memoir of Doubt,' Gazmarian lays bare how inadequately the church and church-approved therapists treated her condition and how she struggled to find another way.   Photos of the Week: Shivaratri; International Women’s Day (RNS) — This week’s photo gallery includes Shivaratri, International Women's Day commemorations and more.   With war in Gaza, American Muslims plan Ramadan of protest and activism (RNS) — 'Ramadan is not the month of taking a break or relaxation. It is a month of action and organization for us as an organization and as a community,' said an activist. 'We hope Ramadan will be a reinvigoration of the work we have been doing over the last five months.' RNS Opinion Biden’s pier for food aid into Gaza is no substitute for a Ramadan cease-fire (RNS) — The prospects for peace diminish with every passing day of Ramadan that goes without a cease-fire.   Who is leaving the LDS church? 8 key survey findings (RNS) — Among the findings: Most don’t join another religion after leaving but they also aren’t interested in coming back to the LDS church. ICYMI 9 Jehovah’s Witnesses convicted of extremism for practicing faith in Russia (RNS) — The men received sentences of up to seven years in a penal colony for practicing their faith.   What is happening with the SBC and the Department of Justice? (RNS) — Confusion over the status of a DOJ investigation into the SBC has strained already tense relationships between abuse survivors and the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. In Other News Pope Francis says Ukraine should have “courage of the white flag” against Russia Iowa House passes bill to affirm personhood at moment of fertilization   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. RNS 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