RNS Morning Report - United Church of Christ synod denounces ICE raids as 'domestic terrorism'

RNS coverage of Hindus and Hinduism: Thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation Scroll down to read more Top Stories Pope Leo XIV revives summer tradition at Castel Gandolfo VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Castel Gandolfo's pilgrims, bikers and locals have missed a papal presence in the town.      Inside Colorado’s psychedelic church: ‘What makes this place magical is not the mushrooms’ (RNS and NPR) — As psychedelics are decriminalized in Colorado, one unconventional church is building community in the basement of a suburban home.   Parishioners battle diocese over closure of historic Brooklyn church 'I'm like, not again!' said one parishioner of the historic St. Teresa of Avila Church, who moved there after her previous church in the neighborhood was closed.   Trump and Netanyahu may take a victory lap on Iran, but the Gaza war looms over their meeting TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Trump has made clear that following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, he would like to see the Gaza conflict end soon.   RNS Opinion How US Christian nationalists are exporting their agenda to Europe (RNS) — A new report follows the money as it moves from reactionary advocacy groups and think tanks to groups waging war on women’s equality and related causes.   Why ‘Shylock’ is antisemitic (RNS) — When the president uses an antisemitic term, we must call it out. ICYMI Nashville’s Christian music stars join activists in push to save PEPFAR (RNS) — During a mid-June event at Otter Creek Church, musicians and activists praised PEPFAR for saving millions of lives and urged evangelicals to call their representatives in Congress and show their support for the program.   Pope Leo XIV approves new Mass centered on care for the environment (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV will be celebrating hist first private Mass for the Care of Creation on July 9. In Other News Catholic leaders, government officials offer condolences and support to Texas flood victims Exclusive: Trump’s immigrant deportations are ‘morally repugnant,’ senior US Catholic leader says Funder Spotlight: The Guru Krupa Foundation Thanks to the support from the Guru Krupa Foundation, RNS has deepened and expanded its coverage and commentary about Hindus and Hinduism, including by hiring Richa Ravindra Karmarkar. The Religion Communicators Council recently honored her work by awarding her a coveted Wilbur Award of Excellence for a series of articles on “Hindu Americans are leaning more right than ever:” As Usha Vance dazzles, Hindu Americans leaning further right than ever; Why Harris and the Democrats may not be able to count on Hindu Americans in November; and For these Hindu Americans, a pivot from the Democratic Party was long overdue. Before joining RNS in 2022, Karmarkar worked at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy and on the production team of the Interfaith Voices podcast. Karmarkar is a graduate of Columbia University with Master's degrees in Religion and Journalism. She also holds three Bachelor's degrees in Religious Studies, History, and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Click here for other stories by Karmarkar. Guru Krupa Foundation’s support helps RNS fulfill its mission to improve understanding and foster discussion about religion, faith, and beliefs in everyday life. Central to that effort is RNS’s coverage of Hindus and Hinduism, highlighting for our readers the increasingly important Hindu community in the U.S. and worldwide. 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