RNS Morning Report: Venezuelan migrants; West Bank tourists; Mormon music

Palm Sunday is celebrated at the Living Water Community in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on March 25, 2018. Photo courtesy of Living Water Community

Need to know: Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Trinidad and Tobago Catholics aid Venezuelan migrants amid government crackdown

In the midst of the crackdown on Venezuelan migrants, Catholic leaders on the twin island are working to protect those seeking refuge.

Evangelicals visit West Bank to see life — and Christian faith — on the other side

The program brings hundreds of mostly U.S. evangelicals to the West Bank to meet its tiny evangelical community and learn about the Palestinian narrative.

1 in 5 New Yorkers who wear religious clothing have been pushed on subway platforms

A new study on the experiences of Muslim, Arab, South Asian, Jewish and Sikh New Yorkers found rampant physical and verbal harassment.

Finally! A new Mormon hymnal, designed for a global church

After 33 years and many requests for an update, the LDS Church is revising its hymnal to reflect Mormonism's global membership.

British government ordered to open Amritsar massacre files

The documents could reveal further information about the British military's role in the deaths of hundreds and possibly thousands at Sikhism’s holiest site following a violent assault by the Indian army in June 1984.

Latest news from RNS

At Catholic bishops conference, a deeper embrace of Pope Francis — and relevancy

(RNS) — The spring meeting of Catholic bishops made headlines with their stern critique of the Trump administration's immigration policies, a political splash for a group that has struggled to remain relevant in the Trump era. 

The ’Splainer: Why is Jeff Sessions quoting Romans 13 and why is it so often invoked?

Does the Bible really command anyone to obey the laws of government as Attorney General Jeff Sessions told critics of his immigration policy?

In new book, Rachel Held Evans gets ‘Inspired’ by the Bible

In her fourth book, the post-evangelical author explores what the Bible is and how it’s read.

More views from RNS

Pleas for border justice are aimed at the wrong end of Pennsylvania Avenue

Faith leaders are excoriating Sessions and President Trump for recent immigration policy changes. But this crisis is Congress’ fault, Jacob Lupfer writes.

Publishing in Color conference helps spiritual writers from minority groups get a foot in the door

African American, Latinx, and other minority groups are underrepresented in religion publishing and writing. Next week, the Publishing in Color conference in New Jersey sets out to help them get a foot in the door.

Cardinal Dolan makes good points but ignores politics of abortion

The flaw in the Catholic bishops' pro-life strategy, writes Thomas Reese, is that their political allies support its end but not its means.