RNS Morning Report: With a final flourish, United Methodist conference eliminates all anti-LGBTQ policies

Top Stories With a final flourish, United Methodist conference eliminates all anti-LGBTQ policies CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (RNS) — The reversals came in the wake of a schism that saw the departure of a quarter of its US churches — more than 7,600 congregations — over the past five years.    Eastern Orthodox Church ordains Zimbabwean woman as its first deaconess (RNS) — For years, the Patriarchate of Alexandria and Africa has intensified its efforts to establish the female diaconate.   Churches tied to Civil Rights awarded National Park Service preservation funds (RNS) — Other grantees will use the NPS funding to conduct historical surveys, including one in Detroit that will explore 'the role of religion in the struggle for equality.’   Catholic Bishop joins cease-fire prayer vigil protesting weapons for Israel (RNS) — Asked about student protests on college campuses, Bishop John Stowe said he appreciated their 'interest in the situation and their solidarity with the Palestinians' but stressed the need to act peacefully. RNS Opinion The best way to honor Melissa Inouye’s memory is to be a kind and persistent badass (RNS) — Melissa said it's not enough to memorialize our loved ones who die too young. We have to carry on their work.   The pro-life movement in political retreat (RNS) — It finds itself at serious odds with Americans' historical deference to diversity of belief. ICYMI Priests prepare to bring synodality from the Vatican to parishes around the world (RNS) — Even as some Catholics look at the synod with skepticism, others don’t know what it means or haven’t heard of it at all. Pope Francis is tasking parish priests with changing that.   Catholic leaders, urging cease-fire, call on Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel (RNS) — ‘As U.S. Catholics, we recognize our country’s contribution to the present violence and to the ongoing systemic injustices in Israel-Palestine,’ the letter reads. In Other News Special remembrance of Baltimore bridge collapse victims to take place on National Maritime Day Shadow of war hangs over Orthodox Easter as Zelenskiy and Putin mark holiday   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