RNS Morning Report - Inside the ‘TikTok masjid’s’ social media stardom

The ‘TikTok masjid’ A few years ago, the Islamic Society of Baltimore began taking its social media presence seriously, mostly to bring more people to the mosque. But its candid videos highlighting everyday aspects of Islam in America have exploded — boasting almost 300,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 200,000 on TikTok. As Aminah Malik, an RNS/Interfaith America fellow reports, ISB’s rising access to a global audience places the masjid within a larger digital culture committed to advocating for and humanizing the Muslim experience. Read the full RNS story below. Top Stories ‘We’re not strangers’: How a Baltimore masjid’s relatable videos led to Instagram fame (RNS) — The Islamic Society of Baltimore’s videos highlight the everyday aspects of Islam in America. Iranian Duke scholar: War will increase religious fundamentalism around the world DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — Mohsen Kadivar, an Iranian dissident who teaches Islam at Duke University, is as critical about what the Iran war is doing to American democracy as he is of the Islamic Republic. What are starseeds? The alien subculture offering a conspiratorial spiritual escape (RNS) — Starseeds say they’re not from this planet. Online, they’re sharing mythologies and rituals that, for some, are taking on the trappings of religion. Meet the African women bishops attending the archbishop of Canterbury’s installation NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The five are attending in defiance of the wishes of GAFCON bishops, who rejected Mullally​’s appointment at a gathering in Nigeria in early March. Opinion Christian nationalism makes our rights conditional — just look at the SAVE Act (RNS) — As Christian nationalism increasingly shapes public policy, proposed voting restrictions could erode the equal citizenship George Washington promised to minorities. At 250, Congress must act to protect our fundamental freedoms  (RNS) — Lawmakers must act now to reinstitute the checks and balances our democracy has provided for two and a half centuries. ICYMI As GOP revives threat of Shariah, Muslims call the campaign a gambit for votes (RNS) — As midterm elections approach, GOP leaders in Congress have accelerated anti-Islam rhetoric. For Doug Wilson’s neighbors, CNN documentary a reminder Moscow is Christian nationalism’s ground zero MOSCOW, Idaho (FāVS News) — ‘I’m hopeful that this exposure will help people recognize the signs of Christian nationalism in their own spaces,’ one Moscow resident said. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. 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

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