RNS Morning Report: United Methodist conference begins to drop rules restricting LGBTQ clergy

Top Stories United Methodist conference begins to drop contentious rules restricting LGBTQ clergy CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — Among the rules overturned were a ban on bishops ordaining LGBTQ candidates for ministry, a ban on funding for LGBTQ affinity groups as well as a series of mandatory penalties for clergy who officiate same-sex weddings.   South Asian groups work to break cultural, religious stigmas around domestic violence (RNS) — In Sexual Assault Awareness Month, advocates hope to reshape the conversation around intimate partner violence within the diaspora.   Arizona pro-Palestinian protesters sue, argue authorities violated their religious freedom (RNS) — ‘We were doing nothing but standing on that piece of property, singing, chanting, praying in the road when we were dragged off,’ said the Rev. Seth Wispelwey.   Abducted retired Catholic bishop who mediated between cartels in Mexico is located, hospitalized MEXICO CITY (AP) — The church leadership in Mexico said in a statement earlier that Msgr. Salvador Rangel, a bishop emeritus, disappeared on Saturday and called on his captors to release him. RNS Opinion What we have to learn from students leading the charge for justice (RNS) — We need to be the kind of faith and public leaders we want our students to become.   Understanding America’s overlooked religious middle (RNS) — The overlooked religious middle is poised to play an outsized role in the 2024 presidential contest. ICYMI How unconditional support for Israel became a cornerstone of Jewish American identity (RNS) — A new book shows how those who dissented were effectively sidelined.   Why faith-based groups are prone to sexual abuse and how they can get ahead of it (RNS) — As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, there are a few steps experts say every faith group can take to improve safeguarding protocols. In Other News Chaplains in public schools? Florida’s Catholic bishops ‘pleased’ by new law Peers told of attacks and discrimination suffered by religious minorities in Pakistan 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