NEWS STORY
RNS-USCCB-Profiles: Who are the Catholic bishops drafting the controversial Communion document?
(RNS) — RNS looks at the bishops charged with drafting a controversial document outlining the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ conception of the Eucharist. By Jack Jenkins, Alejandra Molina, and Claire Giangravè. 1500 words. (category: a)
NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Rebel-Hearts: ‘Rebel Hearts’ film recalls nuns ‘who stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church’
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A new documentary tells the story of the sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a group of nuns based in Hollywood that, as the film notes, “stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place.” By Alejandra Molina. 415 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Rodgers-Documentary: Julie Rodgers shares story of surviving ‘ex-gay’ movement in new book and Netflix documentary
CHICAGO (RNS) — Julie Rodgers’ story of ultimately finding love and faith as a gay Christian shows “there is hope that you can find community and acceptance outside of this world,” according to filmmaker Kristine Stolakis. Rodgers’ memoir “Outlove” hit shelves this week and “Pray Away,” a documentary highlighting her story, comes to Netflix in August. By Emily McFarlan Miller. 1,200 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Modest-Video: Christian musician Matthew West deletes ‘Modest is Hottest’ YouTube video after pushback
(RNS) — Christian musician Matthew West has deleted his “Modest is Hottest” video after the satirical song create a social media controversy. West said he was trying to make fun of over-protective dads. Critics says the song promotes so-called “purity culture” that blames women for tempting men to sin. By Bob Smietana. 500 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Loki-Trademark: Pagan god (and Disney star) Loki wrapped up in trademark battles
(RNS) — An Australian online marketplace’s decision to remove a user’s depiction of Loki, comic book character with his own Disney series, elicited angry responses denouncing the entertainment giant for attempting to trademark an an ancient, if mythological, Norse god. By Heather Greene. 680 words. (category: c, i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-LGBTQ-Campus:How college chaplains became vanguards for LGBTQ acceptance on campus
(RNS) — Forty years ago, a dean of religious life at Princeton University stumbled onto a surprised group of students in a campus cafe. Since the Rev. Sue Anne Steffey Morrow took up the students’ cause, it’s become common for offices of religious life on American campuses to be a place where LGBTQ students continue to turn to for support. By Silma Suba. 880 words. (category: c, a)
NEWS-STORY
RNS-MUSLIM-INTERNSHIP: With fashion shows and internships, Muslim women calm tensions with police and FBI
(RNS) — The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council seeks to build better trust between Muslim communities and law-enforcement agencies to counter a post-9/11 legacy of surveillance programs and rising Islamophobia. By Joseph Hammond. 780 words. (category a).
COMMENTARY
RNS-Hirschfield-Oped: People won’t be vaccinated for bread — or million-dollar lotteries — alone
(RNS) — The vaccination campaign has come down to a struggle between medical reality and personal perception. To sway those who hesitate to get the vaccine due to their beliefs, we need to appeals to Scripture and inspiration. By Brad Hirschfield. 636 words. (category: k)