RNS Morning Report: Hindus debate the legacy of caste in America

Top Stories Hindus debate the legacy of caste in America (RNS) — As more institutions adopt policies against caste discrimination, disagreements about caste's prevalence among those in the Hindu diaspora are stronger than ever.   Indigenous leaders bring first case under Texas’ COVID-19-era religious liberty measure (RNS) — In oral arguments before the state Supreme Court, Texas’ deputy solicitor general argued that the amendment was ‘not a Swiss Army knife of religious liberty’ and that ‘the amendment’s scope is designed to protect the right to gather,’ not to protect sacred spaces themselves.   Breaking with tradition, Kenyan church leaders refuse politicians’ cash donations (RNS) — Catholic and Protestant leaders have objected that contributions from the government challenge their independence and make them complicit in corruption.   The spiritual heart of Paris awakens: Notre Dame hosts first Mass since 2019 fire PARIS (AP) — For Catholics, it marks the revival of the city’s spiritual heart, a place where faith has been nurtured for centuries. For the world, it signals the rebirth of one of global heritage's most famous landmarks.   RNS Opinion The Double Arch is gone, but God’s love is here to stay (RNS) — When rocks themselves fall away, we need assurance that there is one constant amid the impermanence.   You will need to stay for 15 minutes to see the art (RNS) — In the Northern Hemisphere, in both religious and secular traditions, December signals a time of waiting for the light.   ICYMI At Vatican Christmas tree lighting, Pope Francis calls attention to sustainability (RNS) — Assuring the crowd of the sustainable harvesting of the tree, the pope compared the rings in the 98-foot-tall tree to the generations of believers gathering around the single image of Jesus.   Most congregations avoid discussing politics, new study shows (RNS) — Even if members are politically active and many leaders are often outspoken about issues and candidates they support, most congregations make great efforts to keep politics out of the church when they gather. In Other News Caldey Island abuse report: monks agree to ‘no touch’ policy for visitors Papal Foundation announces $800,000 of scholarship awards to 110 religious and laypeople   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