RNS Morning Report: Greear and Southern Baptists; White House iftar; Fox News apology

J.D. Greear preaches during Good Friday on March 30, 2018. Photo by Sara Davis

Need to know: Thursday, June 7, 2018

J.D. Greear is ready to give Southern Baptists a makeover

If the North Carolina pastor wins the presidency next week, he will be the youngest SBC leader in two generations.

White House iftar dinner marks opportunity for Muslims

Rising above bitterness against Trump and communicating a vision for a better America is what Ramadan is all about, writes Salaam Bhatti.

American Muslims on Trump’s iftar: Thanks, but no thanks

Many American Muslims say they are reluctant to break bread with Trump, citing the president's rhetoric and actions toward Muslims and other religious and racial minorities.

In red-state Oklahoma, marijuana ballot question splits people of faith

Proponents argue pot will reduce dependence on opioids, and critics — including the state's Southern Baptist convention and Catholic conference — say it will lead to recreational use.

Fox News apologizes for implying Eagles players were kneeling in protest. They were praying.

Eagles players continued to express their frustrations with both Fox News and the White House on the day they were scheduled to visit Washington. (Subscription may be required.)

Latest news from RNS

Paige Patterson attorney says Southern Baptist seminary’s claims aren’t accurate

(USA Today Network) – Fort Worth attorney Shelby Sharpe, who is representing Patterson, responded point-by-point to revealing comments made last week by a Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary official.

North Korean detainee speaks about his ordeal

Back at his home church in L.A., Kim Hak Song says he spent most of his time in a North Korean prison committing the “crime” that got him arrested: Praying.

Church in Congo suspends sacraments as Ebola spreads

In the areas of the DRC hardest hit by the outbreak, Catholics will not be baptized, confirmed, ordained or anointed.

More views from RNS

The lessons of the Masterpiece Cakeshop case

Columnist Mark Silk shares takeaways for "culture warriors" on both ends of the spectrum.

Pope Francis’ five loves to combat the ills of today’s culture

(RNS) — Our modern culture breeds anxiety, negativity, says Francis, while asking us to content ourselves with consumerism and ersatz spirituality. Love for God and neighbor is the way to fight back.

Why Robert Kennedy’s assassination still matters

Robert Kennedy was the first American victim of modern Arab terrorism, writes RNS columnist Jeffrey Salkin.