RNS Morning Report: United Methodists strike down ban on ordination of gay clergy

Top Stories United Methodists strike down ban on ordination of gay clergy CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — With a simple vote call and without debate, delegates to the General Conference removed the ban on the ordination of ‘self-avowed practicing homosexuals’ — a prohibition that dates to 1984.   Azerbaijan named among religious freedom violators by religious liberty watchdog (RNS) — The commissioners recommended the State Department also retain the dozen countries that are currently designated as ‘countries of particular concern.’   How a beloved worship song became the theme song of Christian nationalism (RNS) — ‘How Great Is Our God’ has long been one of the most popular worship songs in Christian churches. Since 2020, it’s also become a theme song for Christian nationalist protesters.   75 Christian leaders urge president, Congress, churches to act on racism, poverty (RNS) — ‘Issues related to racism are now being fiercely debated across the country, and many people of color are fearful that racism is getting worse,’ reads their statement. RNS Opinion United Methodists condemning Christian nationalism should address their complicity (RNS) — The thinning of the UMC’s conservative ranks makes this week’s conference a perfect time to address the issue.   The biblical character who goes ‘down the rabbit hole’ into an alternate reality (The Conversation) — The Book of Job and ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ both make fun of preachy know-it-alls and resist conventions of their genres. ICYMI 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. In Other News House passes antisemitism bill over complaints from First Amendment advocates Rising Hindu nationalism leaves Muslims fearful in India’s holy city   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