RNS Morning Report - San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as 'men of courage, sacrifice and faith'

‘Men of courage, sacrifice and faith’ The three American Muslim men who were killed in a shooting Monday (May 18) at the largest mosque in San Diego are being remembered by their imam and faith community after putting their lives on the line to protect others. The Islamic Center of San Diego identified the victims as Amin Abdullah, a gentle security guard; Nadir Awad, a dedicated neighbor; and Mansour Kaziha, a longtime shopkeeper and caretaker of the mosque. The mosque’s Imam Taha Hassane told RNS national reporter Ulaa Kuziez about what he'll remember about those who were killed. And as Kuziez reports, Hassane and Muslim advocacy groups pointed to a spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents and speech that preceded the deadly attack — some had previously warned of potential consequences. “A deadly attack on an American mosque was as predictable as it is unacceptable,” the Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a Monday statement. Read the full story below. Top Stories San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as ‘men of courage, sacrifice and faith’ (RNS) — Muslim advocates have warned in recent months of increasing anti-Muslim bigotry and its consequences. Alan Chambers, former Exodus International leader, charged with soliciting minor (RNS) — Chambers gained national notoriety for promoting the idea that therapy could change someone’s sexual orientation. He later apologized and announced in 2013 that the ex-gay ministry, supported by religious right leaders like James Dobson, would disband. Bipartisan Senate duo introduce new bill to protect US Jews and institutions (RNS) — The bill would substantially enhance the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion annually. ‘One Nation Under God?’: 5 takeaways from RNS and NPR’s ‘1A’ live show (RNS) — Host Niala Boodhoo was joined at the American University in Washington, D.C., by RNS national reporter Jack Jenkins, religious liberty lawyer and Muslim identity scholar Asma T. Uddin, Mark D. Hall of Regent University and Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center. Opinion China and the United States should be competitors, not enemies (RNS) — Stable relations with China are good for both countries and good for the world. The Torah’s case for buffer zones around schools and synagogues (RNS) — The Torah asks us not only whether something is permitted, but also whether it preserves human dignity. This hierarchy matters. ICYMI On Pentecost, one California pastor is aiming for the world’s largest synchronized baptism (RNS) — Churches from Africa to Europe to Asia are registered to participate in Baptize the World, while the Museum of the Bible is set to host a hybrid broadcast event, airing footage of baptisms held that day across the globe.  Sidelined from legacy institutions, a movement centering Judaism outside Israel rises (RNS) — The Jewish Diaspora Movement comes in response to U.S. Jewish legacy institutions’ unqualified support for Israel and their unwillingness to welcome forms Jewish practice that reject a focus on Israel. 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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