RNS Morning Report - Mainline Protestants are having a political moment. Can they move from protest to power?

Top Stories Mainline Protestants are having a political moment. Can they move from protest to power? (RNS) — ‘I do think Christian faith, rightly construed and in a pluralist way, can be a really, really smart strategy for Democrats to pursue in these states that they haven't been as strong in,’ said Heath Carter, a scholar of American religion at Princeton Theological Seminary. The fall of the Etsy witch (RNS) — The online marketplace is no longer putting the ‘craft’ in witchcraft. Why Hollywood keeps turning to Catholicism for horror (RNS) — ‘When a vampire is at your door or your child is possessed, you don't call for a Methodist,’ said Matthew J. Cressler, the co-author of the new book ‘Body and Blood: Catholic Horror in America.’ Rod Dreher among prominent conservatives focusing fight on Groypers, Christian nationalists FRANKLIN, Tennessee (RNS) — Rod Dreher, author of ‘The Benedict Option’ and known for his friendship with JD Vance, is deeply worried about Christian nationalism and Nick Fuentes’ influence in the church and the GOP. He’s not alone. Basketball and papal courts collide as Villanova and Notre Dame tip off in Rome VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Villanova and Notre Dame bring basketball, school pride and a friendly contest for Pope Leo XIV’s loyalties to Rome, exploring what faith brings to competition, teamwork and defeat. Christian blogger Samuel Sey, arrested by ICE, has been removed to Canada, family says (RNS) — Samuel Sey, who immigrated to Canada from Ghana in childhood, moved to the U.S. in 2022 to get married. His family initially believed a paperwork mistake had led to his arrest. A series of conservative Christian influencers had rallied to his cause. In another historic move, Pope Leo casts absentee US vote from Rome (RNS) — ‘The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,’ the Vatican said. Opinion ‘Witches’ epithet hurled at abortion proponents has roots in Appalachian history (RNS) — Reproductive healthcare providers and advocates are routinely called demonic and witches, and through a twist of fate, there is some truth in it — specifically in the language of far-right leaders’ ancestors, who also called the reproductive healthcare providers of their isolated, rural communities ‘witches.’ One hundred years after his death, Houdini still matters (RNS) — There was one thing that Houdini never tried to escape. And that was his Jewish identity. ICYMI Ohio will elect its first Hindu or Jewish governor. Here’s how religion is shaping the nasty race. COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — Visiting campaign events and houses of worship, RNS explores how religion has shaped both Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaigns. UMC bishop removes ministers from Dallas’ Highland Park; church says they will stay (RNS) — In yet another escalation, the bishop said he was removing the Rev. Matt Tuggle, senior minister, and the Rev. Paul Rasmussen, former senior minister, ‘from all positions’ at the church. 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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