Churches, Denominations and Religions

Week of February 2 - 6

Presbyterians advocate for Haitian neighbors as a federal judge blocks, for now, an end to temporary protective status

From Springfield, Ohio to Spokane, Washington, Presbyterians joined other people of faith to rally for their friends

Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church at the heart of community care

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin church is committed to education, inclusion and community support

El Buen Pastor New Worshiping Community offers vital services and space for community

North Carolina ministry provides services including leadership development, education and health

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong unearths some telling memories during the initial ‘Sounding Board’ podcast

The Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly (2024) shares a few formative faith moments with hosts Sarah Abushakra and Jeremy Roberts

Walking in holy footsteps

A member of the PC(USA) delegation to the Holy Land reflects in visiting some of the historical sites of faith

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

RNS Morning Report - Rev. William Barber takes up Mike Johnson's challenge to debate immigration theology

The Rev. William Barber joins the Complexified podcast to talk about his latest campaign to refocus U.S. politics on the needs — and the votes — of the poor. "You will not undermine authoritarianism from D.C. down," said Barber, but in "micro-organizing at the county level. You turn out 1,500 votes per county more than normally vote," said Barber, "and it shifts everything."

Listen to a conversation with Barber, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, as he launches his "Love Forward Together" campaign, his latest moral march for change.

Rev. William Barber takes up Mike Johnson’s challenge to debate immigration theology

(RNS) — Barber made the challenge during a Thursday (Feb. 5) interview for 'Complexified,' a Religion News Service podcast created in partnership with Iliff Institute for Religion, Politics & Culture. The episode will be released Monday.

At his installation, New York Archbishop Hicks commits to missionary church

NEW YORK (RNS) — At his installation Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Hicks made two things crystal clear: that he seeks to lead a church that will, at its heart, be missionary, and that Latinos will not remain at the peripheries of his ministry.

Minneapolis Native communities fight fear of ICE with traditional ritual and prayer

(RNS) — On Sunday (Feb. 1), a group of dancers in dresses affixed with metal noisemakers performed an Ojibwe traditional healing dance known as the jingle dress dance to the heartbeat of a leather drum in downtown Minneapolis.

‘Time Hoppers’ movie a first for Muslims on the animated big screen

(RNS) — 'The industry is recognizing Muslims as a big and important segment of the overall population, and also one that has purchasing power to go to the movies,' said Michael Milo, the film’s co-producer.

At Mamdani’s interfaith breakfast, NY clergy condemn Trump’s immigration crackdown

NEW YORK (RNS) — During the event, Mamdani signed an executive order to prevent US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering city property without a judicial warrant.

Judge orders musician to halt ‘defamatory statements’ about COGIC

(RNS) — The judge said the predominantly Black Pentecostal denomination is likely to be able to demonstrate that the defendant exhibited ‘reckless disregard' for the truth.

Opinion

Bret Stephens is helping Jews reconsider what we should care about

(RNS) — The New York Times columnist had a paradoxical, and even playful, response to antisemitism that might surprise you.

Mike Johnson’s biblical defense of US border policy ignores the Bible’s stance on power

(RNS) — Christian Scripture must be read alongside Israel’s long experience of exile, Jesus’ execution by the state and the New Testament’s recurring suspicion of imperial power.

ICYMI

Mamdani taps liberal NY Jewish leader to run antisemitism office

(RNS) — Her appointment comes as Mamdani faces criticism for revoking the city administration’s adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition.

As universities shutter DEI offices, progressive Christian groups open their doors

(RNS) — Several of these groups are connected with ZOE, an emerging network of progressive Christian student ministries.

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RNS Morning Report - Dueling National Prayer Breakfasts; Christians confront Islamophobia

At dueling National Prayer Breakfasts, a religious debate over Trump’s immigration policy

(RNS) — Trump told the crowd at the Washington Hilton, ‘I’ve done more for religion than any other president.’

Mamdani taps liberal NY Jewish leader to run antisemitism office

(RNS) — Her appointment comes as Mamdani faces criticism for revoking the city administration’s adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition.

As universities shutter DEI offices, progressive Christian groups open their doors

(RNS) — Several of these groups are connected with ZOE, an emerging network of progressive Christian student ministries.

Christians have a duty to confront Islamophobia, ministers argue in new book

(RNS) — In ‘Confronting Islamophobia in the Church: Liturgical Tools for Justice,’ the authors argue that learning about Islam can help Christians better appreciate and practice their own tradition.