RNS Morning Report - In Chicago, clergy and faith-based protesters say ICE is threatening their religious freedom

Top Stories In Chicago, clergy and faith-based protesters say ICE is threatening their religious freedom (RNS) — Despite potential danger, religious leaders and faith activists have been a visible presence at Chicago-area ICE protests, some waving signs with slogans such as ‘Love thy neighbor’ and ‘Who would Jesus deport?’ Despite scandals, clergy say Eric Adams’ faith partnerships revitalized NYC aid services NEW YORK (RNS) — Adams’ legacy among faith communities is marked by an unprecedented partnership that brought congregations to the front lines of city governance in ways no modern mayor had before. Deportation flight to Iran included Christians at risk (RNS) — The deportees, who include other minorities, may face harsh penalties for their religious beliefs upon return to the Islamic Republic.  From Fisk Jubilee Singers to megachurch hits, new museum celebrates Christian music (RNS) — The museum, devoted to the history of Christian and gospel music, opened late last week in Nashville. Organizers say it’s a sign Christian music is experiencing a revival. Opinion A woman as archbishop of Canterbury will come at a cost. She may also bring more welcome change. (RNS) — Mullally’s appointment is a landmark moment in a broader trend of women’s presence becoming gradually stronger in her denomination. On the second anniversary of Oct. 7, hope is messy (RNS) — To be a Zionist is to live with faith. Even after Oct. 7, even after all the heartbreak, we believe honey can follow ashes, that hope can rise from horror. ICYMI Tony Evans will no longer lead Dallas megachurch after restoration process for ‘sin’ (RNS) — ‘For anything that has hurt you from me, I'm sorry, but I'm so glad I have you and you have me,’ Evans told the congregation he led for decades, on Sunday (Oct. 5). Conservative British Anglicans extend the first woman archbishop a warm embrace LONDON (RNS) — Conservative Church of England congregations, both evangelical and Anglo-Catholic, are willing to accept Mullally's gender. Their real worry is her views on same-sex marriage. In Other News Christian therapist seeks right to counsel gay teens to change attraction Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip, says he’ll bring message of peace 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. You can support this work! 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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Uniting Church in Australia - New Lectionary out now 📖 Season of Creation celebrated 🌻 Korean National Conference marks 50 years 🎉 and more in National Update 8 October

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8 October 2025 National Update Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story LECTIONARY RESOURCE 2025–26 Uniting Church Lectionary out now! The 2025–26 Uniting Church Lectionary resource is out now from the Assembly! A key resource for preaching and teaching in Year A, the coming year’s lectionary continues with a new-look poster format, includes official Uniting Church dates and links to an online hub of resources for preaching, teaching and worship. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli writes in the introduction: “This year we will hear the voice of Jesus the Teacher as Matthew frames Jesus’ ministry around five great discourses. In these we encounter the Sermon on the Mount with its call to a deeper righteousness, Parables of the Kingdom that reveal God’s upside-down reign, instructions for life together as disciples, and visions of judgment and hope for the nations.” “Matthew continually invites us to see not only what Jesus does but what it means to follow him: to embody mercy, humility, justice and courage in our own context.” The Lectionary is now available to download as a PDF from the Assembly, or order it in print from Wayzgoose, the online store for Uniting Church resources. Enjoy preaching and worshipping in the Year of Matthew! Discover the Lectionary EVENTS Season of Creation celebrated From outdoor worship services to vibrant decorations in church spaces, there was a great sense of gratitude and reverence across the Uniting Church during this year’s Season of Creation. Many congregations also engaged in hands-on activities like nature-based crafts, photography, environmental learning sessions and the popular blessing services for our beloved pets – all expressing a shared commitment to caring for our planet. PRESIDENT STATEMENT Welcoming the new Archbishop of Canterbury The Uniting Church in Australia joyfully congratulates The Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, named on Friday the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Mullally makes history as the first woman to serve in this globally significant role. Read the statement from President Rev Charissa Suli, who writes: "This is an affirmation of our deep and long-held belief that the gifts and call of the Holy Spirit are poured out freely, without boundary or restriction of gender, for the leadership of Christ’s church." COVENANT Congress leaders reflect and challenge In 1985, Rev Charles Harris founded the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress as a voice for justice and a space for Aboriginal and Islander Christians to live out faith in their own way. This year, we celebrated 40 years of Congress. In this great piece originally published in Crosslight, Congress leaders and elders Rev Will Pickett and Alison Overeem reflect on this milestone. CLIMATE Uniting Church, government and Pasifika reps meet for climate talanoa Last Thursday, the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT and Uniting NSW.ACT hosted a Community Talanoa with Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen MP and Pacific Climate Ministers in Western Sydney. Ron Johnson, Policy Advisor - Church Engagement with UnitingCare Australia, reflects on the gathering. OUR MULTICULTURAL CHURCH Korean National Conference celebrates 50 years of faith and ministry The Korean National Conference, one of the longest-standing and largest National Conferences within the Uniting Church, took place at United Theological College in Sydney last week. The 2025 conference was not only a time of fellowship and reflection but also a celebration of 50 years of Korean ministry within the life of the Church. UNITINGWORLD UnitingWorld needs your help this Christmas! In the lead-up to Christmas, Uniting Churches across Australia host gift stalls to promote poverty-fighting gifts from UnitingWorld’s Everything in Common catalogue. It’s a powerful way to turn generosity into practical support for people working hard to overcome poverty, injustice and the impacts of climate change. Every card sold represents a life-changing gift: goats, clean water, solar lights, food gardens, seedlings, small business support and more! Register for a stall and UnitingWorld will send you everything you need. WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL A call for justice around Australia For the past three years, the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network has invited churches across Australia to stand in solidarity with those suffering in the Holy Land by holding signs calling for an end to the injustice and devastation. These images are then compiled into a compelling video message shared directly with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Parliamentarians. The 2025 video is out now with a great Uniting Church presence! CLIMATE Armidale Uniting leading the charge for a cleaner energy future Armidale Uniting Church is emerging as a leader in faith-based climate action. Guided by their dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice, members of its congregation are taking bold, practical steps to reduce emissions and support vulnerable members of the community in the process. Do you have a Messy Church in your Uniting Church community? Register to come along to Refresh the Mess, which is gathering the Australian Messy Church family online this November. Catch up with other Messy Church leaders, hear back from the International Messy Church Conference in the UK and be encouraged in your Messy ministry. Lane Cove Uniting was delighted to welcome the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, to a recent morning service where she showed her support for the Great Outback BBQ. The 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) meets in Thailand next week. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, it will meet under the theme Persevere in Your Witness, inspired by Hebrews 12:1. On the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, the World Council of Churches’ General Secretary has expressed prayerful remembrance for all those who have suffered the consequences of that day and the devastating violence that has followed. Wesley Mission is encouraging churches across Australia to pray for gambling reform in their gathered worship on 19 October. Have a story to share?   National Update is back as a weekly mailing every Wednesday. We gladly welcome contributions of stories, news and events from across the Uniting Church. Email comms@nat.uca.org.au Join us in prayer for... The ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt. May God soften hearts and inspire wisdom, and allow truth, justice and lasting peace to prevail. Our Korean siblings who bring richness, diversity and fresh perspectives into the life of our Church. Uniting Church Chaplains who serve across diverse ministries and settings, reflecting hope and walking alongside people through some of life’s most challenging moments. The nations of Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Jobs: Residential Youth Worker - Perth (Uniting WA) Build a career supporting and mentoring children in care with a team that values, empowers and makes a real difference. Jobs: Minister - Glasshouse Country UC (QLD Synod) A part-time minister to lead worship, provide pastoral care and support vibrant community outreach in Beerwah and Peachester. Jobs: Youth (Innovations) Pastor - Camden UC (Synod of NSW-ACT) A permanent part-time leader to grow schools ministry, disciple young people, and support through worship, outreach and pastoral care. Jobs: Community Registered Nurse - Latrobe (Uniting AgeWell Tas) Lead in-home clinical assessments, reviews and care needs for clients, working closely with local allied health professionals.

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