RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
RNS OPENING BUDGET — MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023

If you have questions about today’s stories and photos or need a retransmission of a story, send an email to support@religionnews.com.

NEWS STORY
RNS-Exvangelical-Worship: Exvangelical TikTok worship parodies bring unexpected healing
(RNS) — Using troubling quotes taken straight from the bible, Prezleigh and Joshua Colburn write and release popular worship parodies on TikTok under the name “Trysten & Sayge.” The former worship and creative arts pastors say the songs were written to poke fun at evangelical worship culture, but have brought unexpected healing from religious trauma for both them and for viewers. 1400 words. (category: a)

NEWS BRIEF
RNS-NFL-Prayer: William Barber points to NFL players’ humanity in prayer for Damar Hamlin
RNS) — As NFL players prepare to take the field for the last Sunday of the regular season, prominent pastor and activist the Rev. William Barber II offered a prayer for NFL players and Damar Hamlin, the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety who was critically injured in Cincinnati Monday night (Jan. 2). By Kathryn Post. 530 words. (category: a)

COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped:Protocols needed for retired popes
(RNS) — Symbols are important in the Catholic Church and having two men dressed in white and called pope is confusing. Now that Benedict is dead, Pope Francis can issue new rules that will apply to him and his successors without disturbing his predecessor. Ideally, a draft proposal would be circulated for discussion prior to its codification in church law. By Thomas Reese. 1,075 words. (category: k)