Monday's News & Ideas - 3/11/2024

Ramadan begins as hunger and fear stalk Gaza*
New York Times: International hopes of reaching a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan were dashed on Sunday, hours before Palestinians and other Muslims were to begin the month of daytime fasting, as Hamas repeated demands for a comprehensive cease-fire, which Israel has rejected.

Pope Francis: Ukraine should have courage of the 'white flag,' negotiate end of war with Russia
National Catholic Reporter: Pope Francis said in an interview that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should have the courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia and not be ashamed to sit at the same table to carry out peace talks.

‘It’s not a lot when you consider the harm’: Why bishop is calling for £1bn in C of E reparations for slavery
The Guardian: Bishop of Croydon Rosemarie Mallett is calling for the Church of England to atone for slavery. She wants to see other UK institutions and organizations that benefited financially from African chattel enslavement in the 18th and 19th centuries to partner with the Church of England.

How does a pastor survive a 59% vote of confidence?
Baptist News Global: What’s happening at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, appears to be a convergence of two of the greatest conflicts plaguing American churches today — not knowing how to prevent and respond to sexual abuse, and not being able to oust authoritarian pastors. If it can happen there, it can happen in your church too, says Mark Wingfield.

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary plans to leave Columbia for Hickory, North Carolina
News19: When the school merged with Lenoir-Rhyne University back in 2012, many thought this would be the Columbia-based school’s saving grace. Officials said this move will save the university $2.1 million yearly in operating and maintenance costs.

The Spark

Behind 'The Boy and the Heron': The myths and magic of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli and its 82-year-old co-founder and standard bearer Hayao Miyazaki won an Oscar with his new film – the quietly released but loudly acclaimed “The Boy and the Heron.” If the film (whose Japanese title translates to “How Do You Live?”) is to be his goodbye, it’s a fittingly great one, says the Independent.