RNS Morning Report - 🍼In underground breastmilk donation networks, motherhood transcends politics and theology

The religious world of underground breastmilk networks When the Rev. Kim Sue Jackson, a 41-year-old Episcopal priest and Georgia state senator, started browsing Facebook for breastmilk donors in the Atlanta area, she didn’t think religion would play much of a role in the effort. However, one of the first openly gay priests of color in her diocese, Jackson recalls picking up milk from families who talked about homeschooling their children, raising large families as a faith mission and mothers staying home to tend to their families. Their decision to donate, she said, was born out of the desire to “be a blessing for other families.” As RNS national reporter Fiona André reports, in some corners of social media where women mix motherhood with Christian lifestyle content, breastmilk donation has become a trending topic. As Jackson was a beneficiary, others who donated told RNS that they saw giving their breastmilk to families in need as guided by their religions. Read André’s full story below. Top Stories In underground breastmilk donation networks, motherhood transcends politics and theology (RNS) — While institutionalized milk banks offer solutions for parents in need of milk, informal sharing has created opportunities for parent-to-parent connection — where faith plays a role. Black clergy strategize, preach and urge election turnout after Voting Rights Act gutting (RNS) — 'We need accountability. We need to set goals, track registrations, follow up to ensure that those who register actually vote,' a Church of God in Christ bishop said at an 'emergency’ meeting. Why Hillsdale? The Christian liberal arts school hosting Erika Kirk for commencement (RNS) — Through Freedom 250 initiatives, Hillsdale has been enlisted by the Trump White House to shape narratives about American history. “Goonism” is on the rise in Kenya, where a Christian leader is accused of betraying his faith NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Supporters of President William Ruto, who is seeking a second term in elections next year, use the phrase to describe the political violence that authorities will not tolerate. Opposition figures use it to condemn what they see as Ruto’s aggressive — and underhanded — campaign tactics. Opinion Marco and Leo: What they might have said to each other (RNS) — If their conversation was as frank as predicted. On Mother’s Day, being pro-life means helping babies in developing countries live (RNS) — Our commitment to protecting life cannot end at birth, nor stop at our nation’s borders. ICYMI Two years after schism, a United Methodist scholar pens a road map for growth (RNS) — If the United Methodist Church wants to reach younger, more ethnically diverse people, it must focus on densely populated urban areas, suggests researcher Lovett Weems Jr. Joni Lamb, who started of one of the largest Christian TV networks, has died 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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