RNS Morning Report - After Helene, one Asheville church finds a way to step up

Top Stories After Helene, one Asheville church finds a way to step up (RNS) — In less than four months, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church has doled out more than $3.5 million in rent support to hundreds of people who have walked through its doors.   Taking a second COVID-era loan is proving costly to some faith groups (RNS) — Jewish Voice for Peace is one of at least five nonprofits, including three groups critical of Israel, to run afoul with federal officials over the rules about political involvement and Paycheck Protection Program loans.   Trump demands an apology from bishop who asked him to ‘have mercy’ on LGBTQ+ people and migrants WASHINGTON (AP) — Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God from assassination, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde said, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”   After eyebrow-raising sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde beset with criticism and praise (RNS) — ‘The people who are in danger are the people who fear for their lives and their livelihoods,’ Budde said in an interview. ‘That’s where the focus should be.’   RNS Opinion The state isn’t God. Nor should it be. (RNS) — On the false comforts of conformity.   In Trump, we have abandoned our civil religion — and we are no longer the same (RNS) — No one should underestimate how serious Trump is about his policies. But nor should we understand him to be morally serious.   ICYMI Harvard agrees to controversial definition of antisemitism in settling lawsuits (RNS) — The university will now consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism when investigating complaints.   In Israel, where support for Trump is high, celebrations on his inauguration JERUSALEM (RNS) — ‘I am excited to see a leader who is a real friend of Israel stand by his words,’ one American expat in Israel said at an inauguration celebration. In Other News Pope warns Davos summit that AI could worsen ‘crisis of truth’ Who is Mariann Budde, the bishop who asked Trump to ‘have mercy’?   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