RNS Morning Report - Britain’s first Catholic-born PM begins term

How Andy Burnham's religious roots shaped Britain's first Catholic-born prime minister   When Andy Burnham began his term as the United Kingdom’s 59th prime minister on Monday (July 20), he made history — not only for taking office in an unusual way after the resignation of his unpopular predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, but also for becoming Britain’s first Catholic-born prime minister.   Hundreds of years of restrictions following the English Reformation and institutional bias meant Catholics did not achieve high political offices until relatively recently, and Burnham’s move into the role marks a major shift.   Catherine Pepinster reports for RNS from London on how the law may apply differently in practice to a Catholic prime minister and the role faith has had on Burnham’s values. Back in 2009, he recalled that important influences on him were, in order: the Everton FC soccer team, the Labour Party and the Catholic Church.         Top Stories How Andy Burnham’s religious roots shaped Britain’s first Catholic-born prime minister (RNS) — Back in 2009, Burnham recalled that important influences on him were, in order: the Everton FC soccer team, the Labour Party and the Catholic Church. With voting rights in mind, Progressive National Baptists head to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'The Supreme Court, not too far from here, decided that it was OK for Black folks to not deserve representation in Congress,' said its social justice commission co-chair. John Esposito, scholar who fought against misconceptions of Islam, dies (RNS) — The Georgetown University scholar was distinguished for his sensitive and nuanced portrayal of Islam and his desire to build bridges between Westerners and Muslims.       Opinion Half of Gen Z says Trump support keeps them out of church (RNS) — A new study found that, even among Gen Z Christians, the strong alliance between Trump and Christianity has had a negative impact on churchgoing for many. ICYMI Maryland residents got a pro-data center text linked to an ‘interfaith’ website. Who’s behind it? (RNS) — When RNS identified the faith leader behind the text, the Rev. Derrick Green, he said, ‘We're really trying to get information out to people in real ways, in credible ways, so that people can make their own decisions on how they want to move forward with data centers.’ Hindu group sues Chicago suburb to build temple, citing 1967 legal barrier (RNS) — Umiya Mataji Sanstha, a Hindu community in Chicago's western suburbs, hopes to build a temple and homes for community members. But a 1960s-era consent decree stands in their way. Will a religious freedom law help their case? 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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