RNS Morning Report - Pope Francis 'in good spirits,' as doctors say pneumonia has been found in lungs

Top Stories Pope Francis ‘in good spirits,’ as doctors say pneumonia has been found in lungs RNS – A scan of the pope’s chest found the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.   Abuse database is no longer a priority for Southern Baptist leaders (RNS) — Southern Baptist leaders said they will focus on training churches to use already available databases.   Wheaton College clash over Russell Vought escalates, exposing evangelical fault lines (RNS) — The college’s social media post about alumnus and Project 2025 architect Russell Vought has led to two open letters that reveal competing interpretations of Christian values.   T.D. Jakes: Defamation suit filed after health incident because ‘Enough is enough!’ (RNS) — Jakes’ legal team filed an initial complaint in the defamation suit in November, on the day after the megachurch pastor had an unspecified medical incident.   Southern Baptist leaders remain undaunted as legal bills from abuse investigation mount NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS)— Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee said they face rising legal bills but defended the nation’s largest Protestant denomination as a force for good.   RNS Opinion Muhsin Hendricks, ‘first openly gay imam,’ helped queer Muslims find their way (RNS) — Hendricks’ message survives him on his WhatsApp status, which reads, ‘BE the LOVE you wish to receive.’   ‘SNL at 50’ shows you can go back homeward (RNS) — ‘SNL at 50’ was a gift. In more ways than I could have imagined.   ICYMI Hindu devotional singing is having a moment (RNS) — From Grammy winners to yoga teachers, the ancient art of sacred Hindu music is appealing to masses young and old across the world.   Faith groups’ environmental projects halted by Trump’s climate funding freeze (RNS) — More than 300 faith communities have lost access to grant funds that were intended to plant trees in disadvantaged urban communities, environmental faith leaders who managed the grants told RNS. In Other News Diocese of Norwich announces $31 million fund for victims of clergy abuse Lawmakers advance bill that could close more Utah stores on Sundays, other ‘religious days’   Depend on our reporting? Help us out! As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. You can support this work! News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205