RNS Morning Report: Texas Legislature passes bill allowing chaplains in public schools

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Texas Legislature passes bill allowing chaplains in public schools

(RNS) — ‘I worry that this bill will lead to Christian nationalists infiltrating our public schools and indoctrinating our students,’ said Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat and Presbyterian seminarian.

New books celebrate faith and motherhood in time for Mother’s Day

(RNS) — Yes, that’s this weekend. Call your mom — or maybe gift her one of these books.

State Rep. James Talarico: Christian nationalism in Texas is an ‘oxymoron’

(RNS) — ‘I think my fellow Christians and I have a moral obligation to speak out against this growing Christo-fascist movement,’ Talarico said.

COVID-19 health emergency is ending but faith-based vaccine clinics continue

(RNS) — Over the last few years, African American congregations have provided outsized action on getting people tested and vaccinated.

Six dead after gunman attacks Jewish pilgrimage site in Tunisia

(RNS) — The attack came as thousands of Jews had traveled to the island of Djerba for an annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba synagogue, the oldest in Africa.

Catholic, Coptic Orthodox popes offer joint Vatican blessing

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Tawadros, the Coptic Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, joined Francis on the stage for the entirety of Francis’ weekly general audience.

How Mexico City’s mural movement transformed walls into art

MEXICO CITY (AP) — It is no coincidence that muralism was born in this place.

Archbishop of Canterbury: UK migration bill is morally wrong

LONDON (AP) — The legislation bars asylum claims by anyone who reaches the U.K. by unauthorized means, and compels officials to deport refugees and migrants 'to their home country or a safe third country.' Once deported, they would be banned from ever re-entering the U.K.

RNS Opinion

Is it time for conservative Christians to give Freud another look?

(RNS) — Freudian psychoanalysis might have something to offer religious believers.

ICYMI

Breakaway Texas UMC megachurch reveals plans for new Methodist denomination

SOUTHLAKE, Texas (RNS) — White’s Chapel plans to invite others to join the Methodist Collegiate Church once its disaffiliation is approved by Central Texas United Methodists next month. 

The IRS just hiked taxes on private jet flights. Pastors are not excluded.

(RNS) — The tax increase impacts flights on employer-owned planes — including those owned by ministries.

In Other News

  • ‘Christianity’s got a branding problem’
  • A gun attack on an old Tunisian synagogue has killed 5 people
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