RNS Morning Report: New book: J. Edgar Hoover’s Christian nationalism

Top Stories

For FBI legend J. Edgar Hoover, Christian nationalism was the gospel truth, argues new book

(RNS)— In 'The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover,' Stanford professor Lerone Martin details how the longtime FBI director shaped the belief in America as a Christian nation.

Nuns, friars partner to explore future for iconic shuttered Hollywood monastery

LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The chapel, gift shop and beloved peanut brittle and pumpkin bread business have remained open.

American Jews will protest Israel finance minister’s speech in DC

(RNS) — Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, a right-wing Israeli politician, is scheduled to speak Sunday (March 12).

Arizona Christian University sues school district for religious discrimination

(RNS) — At issue, the school board claims, is the university's 'strong' anti-LGBTQ stance.

French church abuse victims get reparations, and recognition

PARIS (AP) — France’s Catholic bishops’ conference agreed to provide reparations after a 2021 report estimated some 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by priests or other church-related figures in France.

RNS Opinion

‘Spiritual exemplars’ change the media narrative about religion

(RNS) — We need stories that capture the power of religion and spirituality to change society for the better.

Mormons know how the Church sanctioned racial exclusion. That policy has a paper trail.

(RNS) — Paul Reeve's new book argues the decision to ban Blacks from priesthood and the temple began with Brigham Young but wasn't fully entrenched until the early 1900s under Joseph F. Smith.

ICYMI

Vatican prosecutors reveal extraordinary exchange between pope and accused cardinal

ROME (RNS) — Cardinal Angelo Becciu pleaded with the pope to confirm that the pontiff had endorsed an investment of church funds into a London real estate property that is at the heart of the Vatican’s blockbuster corruption trial.

In North Idaho, religious and secular activists work to fight Christian nationalism

(RNS) — In a recent editorial, Episcopal Bishop Gretchen Rehberg decried Christian nationalism as ‘heresy for Christians and dangerous rhetoric for all Americans.’

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