The Slingshot: Mormon scandal; Stormy Daniels; The last rhino

A former missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has accused a Mormon church leader of sexual misconduct; a recorded interview suggests he denies her allegation of rape but admits to unspecified sexual misconduct with other women, including at least one other missionary. Photo courtesy of Pixabay 

Need to know: Thursday, March 22, 2018

Retired Mormon mission president admits he molested a female missionary

Former Missionary Training Center President Joseph L. Bishop, who is now in his mid-80s, admitted to a history of sexual misconduct in a recorded interview. His son is casting doubt on the accuser.

With White Evangelicals, Trump Weathers Stormy Daniels Saga

News of Donald Trump’s alleged pre-presidential affair with the adult film actress hasn’t significantly dented his standing over time with white evangelical Christian voters.

The last male rhino of its kind dies. African religious leaders call it a spiritual loss.

“I feel as if we have neglected our duty as stewards of creation and should have done more for this species,” said a Roman Catholic conservationist priest from Kenya.

Survey: Protestant church diversity ‘heading in the right direction’

More than 4 in 5 Protestant pastors say their congregations are predominantly made up of one racial or ethnic group.

Archbishop of Canterbury: Church has failed to protect children from abuse

The archbishop said reading about abuse and listening to survivors was particularly painful because the church had failed victims of abuse by Anglican priest.

Latest news from RNS

Memphis megachurch pastor resigns following sexual abuse investigation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (USA Today) — Savage's fall culminates more than two months of accusations and soul-searching over a case that became symbolic of the #churchtoo offshoot of the #metoo movement.

Pope confirms plans to visit Dublin for August family rally

VATICAN CITY (AP) — It will be the first papal trip to Ireland since the explosion of sex abuse cases sorely compromised the Catholic Church's moral authority.

Vatican media chief resigns over doctored letter scandal

VATICAN (AP) — The so-called 'Lettergate' scandal erupted last week after Vigano read aloud part of a private letter from retired Pope Benedict XVI at a book launch for a Vatican-published, 11-volume set of books about Francis' theology.

More views from RNS

Letter from Benedict brings down Vatican media czar

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Monsignor Dario Vigano has no one to blame for his demise other than himself.

Evangelicals haven’t always cozied up to Russia

(RNS) — A generation ago, evangelical luminaries denounced the Soviet Union and Russian leadership in the strongest possible terms.

Praying for students in Kentucky

(RNS) — Kentucky could soon have a new law on prayer for its students, and given what Gov. Matt Bevin is saying about their teachers, they'll need it.

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