RNS Morning Report: Voting Questions at UMC Conference; Mosque Shooting Hits Home; Be the Bridge

Delegates attend the first day of the special session of the United Methodist Church General Conference in St. Louis, Mo. on Feb. 24, 2019. RNS photo by Kit Doyle

Need to know: Monday, March 18, 2019

Evidence of improper voting raises questions about Methodist gay clergy vote

Church officials say they are concerned about the possibility that improper votes were cast.

New Zealand shooting hits home for American Muslims

The attacks left Muslims torn between seeking spiritual solace in prayer and protecting their personal safety. 

Latasha Morrison hopes to build a bridge between black and white Christians

Latasha Morrison launched Be the Bridge's Facebook group with about 69 members in 2015. Today, the online community fostering racial reconciliation is more than 21,000-strong, with more than 1,000 groups in 48 states.

How social media changes our grieving

Grieving is no longer a private process. Today, we reach out to our community of friends and family worldwide for solace on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter.

Why evangelicals are applauding California’s governor for halting executions

As evangelicals, we are taught to examine the systems around us and to call out those that are unfair and unjust. The death penalty is exactly that. It is arbitrary, biased and immoral, writes Heather Beaudoin.

In solidarity with Muslims, NZ Jews shut synagogues on Shabbat for first time

‘We offer our full assistance and support to the Muslim community,’ New Zealand Jewish official says after slaying of at least 49 people at two mosques in Christchurch.

Latest news from RNS

A look at attacks on houses of worship over last decade

Houses of worship around the world, a place of reflection and peace, have been targeted regularly by extremists.

Mosque attacks spark outrage, fuel concern over Islamophobia

BRUSSELS (AP) — Amid an outpouring of condolences, some Muslim countries' leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of violent Islamophobia.

Mass shootings at New Zealand mosques kill 49—1 man charged

Forty-nine people were killed in an attack in two mosques in New Zealand. The man who claimed responsibility for the shooting said he came to New Zealand only to plan and train for the attack, according to police.

More views from RNS

To battle the hate that invaded two New Zealand mosques, start in the schoolroom

(RNS) — We need to re-lay our foundations with values that prioritize love and oneness.

The truth about St. Patrick’s Day

(The Conversation) — Though he's become synonymous with parades and drinking, the Irish revere the fervor of their patron saint's words and feel a debt of gratitude for his unselfish commitment to their spiritual well-being.

How Lent prepares us for what is lost

What happens when an accident, old age or illness robs loved ones of their memory, and we forget that they are a child of God, Kate Bowler asks.