Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? What wouldn’t happen if Coney Island took over Manhattan?

The much-debated mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is finally being permitted to conduct a final inspection, after a local judge voided approval from a planning commission. To the disappointment of mosque officials, it will not be able to open in time for Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, which begins today. A slim majority (51%) of Americans say they would be comfortable with a mosque being built near their home.

Diana Butler Bass responds to Ross Douthat’s claim that liberal Christianity is dying, saying that the decline in membership among mainline Protestant denominations is in fact a “reality facing the whole of American Christianity”.

Gallup reports that a majority of Americans – including nearly one-third of Republicans – want Mitt Romney to release his tax returns.

Apparently nearly three-quarters of Asian-American Hindus in the United States celebrate Christmas, and more fascinating tidbits from this new analysis by Pew.

The PRRI team is thrilled to welcome our inaugural group of Affiliated Scholars. These leading scholars of religion and politics will partner with PRRI for the next two years, and will be regular contributors to our blog. Check out their bios here!

And finally, to celebrate Friday morning, some breathtaking photos from National Geographic.

Want to receive the Morning Buzz as a daily email? Sign up here. For updates and coverage throughout the day, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.