Presbyterian Connection Newspaper: Spring Edition 2026

Issue 37, Spring 2026 The latest issue of the Presbyterian Connection newspaper was delivered to all congregations and subscribers in early March. This edition is once again packed with articles and photos from Presbyterian congregations, individuals, ministries and groups across Canada. In this issue you’ll find: A feature article on events at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal A reflection from the Moderator on offering the church’s apology to Indigenous people An update from Transcarpathia, Ukraine A conversation about the New Beginnings program A special report about Presbyterians Sharing An article on a recent mission trip to Nepal Several book reviews Congregational photos from celebrations and special events, plus so much more! View or Download Copies of Prayer Partnership were sent out with the Spring 2026 issue of the newspaper. This edition contains an in-depth Social Action Spotlight, daily prayers and Sunday Mission Moments for April, May and June 2026.

The Presbyterian Connection newspaper is a Christian newspaper that strives to unite Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles, allowing us to share and develop our faith. The newspaper is distributed four times a year, free of charge. The goal is to further equip leaders, connect congregations and missions, facilitate communication and highlight denominational work—strengthening our denominational ties across the country.

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RNS Morning Report - Lawsuit: Texas school voucher program excludes Islamic schools

Skipped schools Texas Gov. Greg Abbott fought long and hard for the state’s new school voucher program, which includes $1 billion that parents can tap for private education. The catch: no Islamic schools have been deemed eligible. Last year Abbott declared Muslim rights group CAIR a “foreign terrorist organization.” In January, Texas Attorney General (and GOP Senate candidate) Ken Paxton ruled that schools with ties to CAIR could be refused voucher funds. Now an attorney whose children attend Houston’s Qu’ran Academy Spring has sued, saying Paxton’s dictum has turned into a “blanket exclusion” of Islamic schools and “a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution.” Read RNS National Reporter Fiona André’s full story below. Top Stories Muslim father sues over exclusion of Islamic schools from Texas voucher program (RNS) — The dispute comes amid growing hostility from Republican elected officials in Texas toward the state’s Muslim residents. Mike Johnson says Rep. Andy Ogles’ anti-Muslim remarks reflect ‘popular sentiment’ (RNS) — Claims that Muslim Americans are seeking to impose Islamic religious law on the country have become popular talking points among Republican lawmakers recently. Chabad ups security, reiterates peaceful mission after Tucker Carlson’s Iran accusation (RNS) — ‘When public figures frame Chabad in conspiratorial terms, it risks turning ordinary rabbis and their families into targets,’ said Rabbi Mendy Chitrik. Pope accepts resignation of Chaldean leaders after US bishop faces felony charges (RNS) — Chaldean Catholic Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta was arrested Thursday at the San Diego International Airport on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Opinion Which James speaks for you: Carville or Talarico? (RNS) — Both Democrats oppose Trump, but the political consultant and the U.S. Senate candidate take different rhetorical lines. White House’s religious liberty push is exactly what James Madison feared (The Conversation) — The early correspondence of James Madison – who went on to become the fourth U.S president and played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights – wrestles with the tensions of religion and public life. It can be instructive for Americans today. ICYMI How one Chinese American healed from growing up in Western evangelicalism (RNS) — The book, releasing April 7, uses the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a metaphor for a faith that acknowledges wounds rather than hiding them. Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated JERUSALEM (RNS) — Worshippers' access to Israel’s holy sites came to a sudden halt last week amid safety concerns as Iran retaliated to the joint US-Israeli attack. 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 - Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated

Safety vs. politics Last week, Israel shuttered major holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, out of concern, authorities said, for residents’ safety as Iran retaliates. But Muslims told RNS Jerusalem correspondent Michele Chabin that closing Al-Aqsa, the third-holiest site in Islam, during Ramadan was politically motivated, adding that the move could further destabilize the region. “We watched as Jews celebrated Purim in Mahane Yehuda (Market) while we are banned from Al Aqsa,” said Mohammed Mahmoud, referring to revelers who defied orders not to congregate outdoors on last week’s Jewish holiday. Read Chabin’s full story about the controversial closure. Top Stories Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated JERUSALEM (RNS) — Worshippers' access to Israel’s holy sites came to a sudden halt last week amid safety concerns as Iran retaliated to the joint US-Israeli attack. How one Chinese American healed from growing up in Western evangelicalism (RNS) — The book, releasing April 7, uses the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a metaphor for a faith that acknowledges wounds rather than hiding them. Where things stand after another weekend of war (AP) — The Islamic Republic's war strategy now has a new commander, and the powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has pledged allegiance. Explosives thrown near New York City mayor’s residence investigated as ‘ISIS-related terrorism’ NEW YORK (AP) – The devices were hurled during raucous counterprotests Saturday near Gracie Mansion during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” event led by the far right activist Jake Lang. Deportations surge, aid collapses and faith groups in Latin America struggle to respond (RNS) — 'There simply isn’t enough capacity even for the local community. It’s much harder with a population that has been abandoned in places that are extremely difficult,' said Karen Perez, the country director for Jesuit Refugee Service in Mexico. Opinion The goal of National Women’s History Month should be to make misogyny history (RNS) — Imagine what women could accomplish if they did not have to contend with misogyny every day. Whom Does Your God Love? A Jewish Case for the Stranger. With Shai Held. Who is the stranger in the Bible? Some Americans would be surprised. ICYMI ‘A lie from the pit of hell’: Episcopal leaders push back on rumors of fatal decline CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — More than 850 Episcopal Church leaders gathered in Charlotte to talk about the future of the church and what the denomination still has to offer. Forbidden love finds a way in new memoir about Israeli-Palestinian couple (RNS) — A Jewish human rights lawyer living in Israel fell in love with one of her clients — a Palestinian Muslim living under occupation. 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.