RNS Morning Report: Catholics rethink sexuality; Trump and white supremacy; Mourning the dead

Cardinals and bishops attend a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis for the closing of the monthlong synod of bishops, inside St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, on Oct. 28, 2018. (Claudio Peri/Pool Photo via AP)

Need to know: Wednesday, October 31, 2018

A Vatican opening on sexuality worries conservatives — and cheers reformers

Bishops acknowledge they need to update their understanding of the science of sex and gender, and that means updating the church’s theology on sexuality.

Does Trump encourage white supremacists? Faith groups divided in survey

Three-quarters of black Protestants say Trump’s behavior and decisions are emboldening white supremacists. Slightly more than a quarter of white evangelicals agree with that view.

In Colombia, the Avivamiento megachurch hopes former FARC rebels will get religion

As part of a peace plan, the government is allowing churches to evangelize in camps where the former rebels are preparing to re-enter society.

In the wake of tragedy, make a difference where you are

How will Jews confront hatred when we disagree on so much? Our disagreements are how we will progress, Elie Wiesel's son explains.

The Jews of Pittsburgh bury their dead

Jewish tradition teaches that bodies cannot be left alone. The community has come together to guard the victims of Saturday’s shooting.

In the land of Dracula, witches work as ‘life coaches’ of the supernatural

In the U.S., witches are usually only spotlighted on Halloween. But in Romania, witches have year-round work.

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Church-run credit unions keep the faith despite challenges

(RNS) — They are a distinct dimension of the credit union industry, offering a consumer-focused alternative to payday lenders and impersonal larger banks — along with shared religious beliefs.

Pittsburgh suspect’s hatred of Jews, HIAS part of larger anti-immigrant surge

Congregation Dor Hadash, which met in the Tree of Life building, may have been the real target of the massacre: It was on a list of congregations that observed National Refugee Shabbat.

Jeff Sessions speech interrupted by Methodist, Baptist clergy

"I interrupted Attorney General Sessions today because his entire political agenda is antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ," one of the pastors said.

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The Pittsburgh massacre was about refugees

That fact should not be elided.

Catholic bishops end synod with controversy and compromise

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The synod's report deals with a host of issues of concern to young people: treatment of women in society and in the church, the church’s attitude toward LGBT members, clerical sex abuse, warfare, poverty, migration, human trafficking and corruption. But the work must continue in local churches.

Why Pittsburgh matters

(RNS) — The gunman hated Jews, Judaism and, most of all, Jewish values.

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