RNS Morning Report: Catholic dioceses repent; Kavanaugh allegations; The Good Place

Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama kneels to address the congregation at a Mass of Reparation and Prayer for Healing in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 25, 2018. Image courtesy of Diocese of Raleigh

Need to know: Thursday, September 27, 2018

In a show of contrition, Catholic dioceses begin long road of healing

Standing in front of the altar, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama took his violet zucchetto from his head and fell to his knees. "In the name of the church, I ask for forgiveness,” he told sex abuse victims.

Religious women push lawmakers to investigate Kavanaugh, suspend confirmation

"I know all too painfully that being a person of faith does not stop men from being sexual predators," said Sister Simone Campbell.

Lawsuit settled, former SNAP director returns to the fight against abuse

David Clohessy's re-emergence is a reboot for the organization representing abuse survivors, two years after he resigned amid allegations of kickbacks from victims' attorneys.

There is no God on TV, only The Good Place

In a post-7th Heaven TV landscape, Christian-based TV is failing in favor of secular moral programming inspired by The Leftovers and Lost.

The latest attack on Islam: It’s not a religion

State lawmakers, lawyers and influential social commentators are making the case that Muslims are not protected by the First Amendment, Asma Uddin writes.

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Three Ohio dioceses to release abusive priest list

CLEVELAND (RNS) — 'The Diocese of Columbus understands this is an important step to restore the confidence of our faithful in their church and its clergy,' a diocese spokesman said.

Praise God and pass the plasticware

JERUSALEM (RNS) — Israel is awash in excess food and disposable dinnerware. Environmentalists are starting to clean up the country's act.

New film highlights belief that Trump’s election was God’s plan

A small but influential 'Trump prophecy' movement claims the current administration's policies are divinely ordained.

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Why we must hold law enforcement officials accountable for racism

(RNS) — Ridding our justice systems of those most prone to perpetuating injustice tells marginalized communities that they can trust the people.

More Mormon missionaries are coming home early, study shows

A growing number of Mormons who serve a mission wind up coming home early, a national study shows. What is going on?

Where is the Jewish Mister Rogers?

All along, Fred Rogers was preaching a special gospel. Or, Torah.