RNS Morning Report - After Ruch's acquittal, ACNA grapples with trial implications and looks to reform

Top Stories After Ruch’s acquittal, ACNA grapples with trial implications and looks to reform (RNS) — As the denomination looks ahead to two additional bishops’ trials, the precedents set by the Ruch trial will have substantial bearing on the upcoming proceedings. Cities Church in Minnesota is considering legal options after anti-ICE protest (RNS) — Southern Baptist leaders say the protest was a violation of religious freedom and called on federal officials to protect churches. Jerusalem historic churches call Christian Zionism a ‘damaging’ ideology JERUSALEM (RNS) — Historic Christian churches representing the predominantly Arab Christian community and mostly U.S. evangelicals who support Israel are at odds with each other. Russian intelligence targets major Orthodox Christian leader as ‘Antichrist in a Cassock’ ISTANBUL (RNS) — The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul appears intent on capitalizing on the Russian attack, keeping up a media blitz about the SVR statement for more than a week. Druski’s viral parody of flashy preachers renews debate over wealth in the pulpit (RNS) — Christian rapper and singer Lecrae defended the skit and called on Christians to reflect on the video’s critique of churches. Opinion Harris’ dual loyalty test for Shapiro (RNS) — It is the oldest antisemitic accusation in the book. And Gov. Josh Shapiro felt it. Christians will (and do) oppose civil authorities no matter what Romans 13 says (RNS) — Whether you follow the Apostle Paul’s injunction or not, there’s a long-standing tradition to back you up. ICYMI Black church leaders aid Minneapolis, seek laws curtailing federal agents’ mask usage (RNS) — Minneapolis-area AME Church officials stated Renee Good’s death 'never should have happened' and listed more than a dozen ways they have tried to meet community needs there. Venezuelan procession for La Divina Pastora takes on new weight in tense political moment WASHINGTON (RNS) — Venezuelans in the diaspora and homeland are navigating uncertainty, big emotions and fervent prayers in the aftermath of the US military's seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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RNS Morning Report - Black church leaders aid Minneapolis, seek laws curtailing federal agents' mask usage

Top Stories Black church leaders aid Minneapolis, seek laws curtailing federal agents’ mask usage (RNS) — Minneapolis-area AME Church officials stated Renee Good’s death 'never should have happened' and listed more than a dozen ways they have tried to meet community needs there. Venezuelan procession for La Divina Pastora takes on new weight in tense political moment WASHINGTON (RNS) — Venezuelans in the diaspora and homeland are navigating uncertainty, big emotions and fervent prayers in the aftermath of the US military's seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. DOJ vows to press charges after activists disrupt church where Minnesota ICE official is a pastor MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said her agency is investigating federal civil rights violations 'by these people desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.' US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy ROME (AP) — 'Our country’s moral role in confronting evil around the world, sustaining the right to life and human dignity, and supporting religious liberty are all under examination,' they warned. Opinion When a racist refusal of the Eucharist becomes a tool for competing nationalisms (RNS) — When religious nationalism collides with racial nationalism, they don’t cancel each other out — they compare notes. The US — and its churches — can’t look away from MLK’s warnings about power any longer (RNS) — The celebration of King often comes at the cost of his most radical critiques. ICYMI Two Episcopal bishops say clergy may have to put ‘bodies on the line’ to resist ICE (RNS) — ‘I’ve asked (clergy) to get their affairs in order, to make sure they have their wills written,’ said the Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire. A viral church ranking series is sending young Catholics to Mass in New York NEW YORK (RNS) — The social media account exposes a desire among some young Catholics, particularly Gen Z and younger, to find a church that functions somewhere between a place of worship and a social space. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

Copyright © 2026 RNS, All rights reserved.

Top PC(USA) News of the Week

Week of January 12 - 16

Well-wishers fill the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem as a new bishop is consecrated and installed The Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad is the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

Newly released how-to guide can help Presbyterians embrace  congregation-based community organizing Presbyterian Hunger Program promotes building “collective power” to solve community problems

Trauma care needs among West Bank Palestinians are up dramatically over the past two years Fortunately, the nonprofit Anar is up to the task

The life and times of John R. Fry John Richard Fry (1923-2010) was a pastor, writer, publisher and activist

Presbyterian Youth Workers Association launches faith-based sexuality curriculum Board member calls it ‘a helpful resource for necessary conversations about faith and sexuality’

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202