An Update on the New Montreat Lodge Site Last night, the Town of Montreat Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the Mountain Retreat Association’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) application, paving the way for the “Cottage Plan” on the new lodge site on Assembly Drive. We’re grateful to the Board of Commissioners, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Town staff for their careful review, and to everyone in our community who took the time to share their perspective along the way. The MRA Board of Directors will review the approved plan and its conditions at an upcoming meeting before deciding how to proceed.   We’ll provide further updates following that meeting. You can follow updates at montreat.org/new-montreat-lodge, and questions are always welcome at lodgeproject@montreat.org. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW LODGE Montreat Conference Center, a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, is a national conference center located in Western North Carolina with roots in the PC(USA). Learn more at www.montreat.org.

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WCC news: WCC, Pentecostal World Fellowship: “we have been transformed through our work together”

The Joint Consultative Group between the World Council of Churches and the Pentecostal World Fellowship met 8-11 November at the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana in San José, Costa Rica.  Photo: WCC 13 November 2026 The group engaged in Bible studies, shared ecclesial stories and personal faith journeys, reflected on Christian purpose, and reaffirmed common methodologies for future work. Daily sessions were accompanied by morning prayers organized by the group members. In a communique, the group reflected on what it means to be in alignment with God’s will. “All of creation is part of God’s purpose, which we can only ever know in part,” reads the communique. “We need one another.” The group also acknowledged the need for discernment in the face of new challenges that necessitate a deepening of dialogue. “Prayer, Bible study, theological reflections, and storytelling will continue to guide the group’s methodology, helping to reveal how God’s purpose for us is growth in unity through faith, fellowship, and mission,” reads the communique.  Read the full communique of the 2026 meeting  Photo gallery Learn more about the Joint Consultative Group between the WCC and the Pentecostal World Fellowship See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

RNS Morning Report - Pope Leo’s return to Peru; Hindus criticize “Ramayana: Part 1″ movie

Top Stories Pope Leo XIV calls for unity as he returns to a more polarized Peru (RNS) — Speaking to government officials, representatives of civil society and diplomats shortly after his arrival in Peru, Pope Leo XIV underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions. In a blockbuster retelling of the Ramayana, some Hindus worry the core meaning is lost (RNS) — Part one of the $500 million film series faced criticism for glorifying the demon Ravana and for overdoing the VFX and CGI. Anti-Muslim attacks didn’t help Republican candidates. In Texas, they may have hurt. (RNS) — From Georgia to Michigan, several candidates who campaigned on anti-Muslim rhetoric lost. In Texas, where the party went furthest, Democrats had a clean sweep. Opinion The evangelical election wipeout (RNS) — The vote share on Election Day of white evangelicals fell, contributing to Democratic victories. ICYMI Lutheran pastor and Rep.-elect Sarah Trone Garriott on her ‘new calling’ on Capitol Hill (RNS) — ‘There'll be a lot to learn. There's going to be a lot of challenges ahead. But I'm really excited for the opportunity and all the joy that comes with it, too.’ During Leo’s visit, protest messages on the streets reveal Argentine church tension BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (RNS) — On the streets of Buenos Aires as Pope Leo XIV arrived, posters and graffiti revealed some of those deep tensions in the Argentine church.     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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This Week in Religion - When Catholic faith complements progressive politics

Lead story Editor's note: California's fifth consecutive Catholic governor exemplifies the faith's deep roots While campaigning for California governor, Xavier Becerra reflected on how his Catholic upbringing informs his politics. “The sanctity of life is something that’s really ingrained in you,” the Democrat and former U.S. health and human services secretary said. He then explained his rationale, confounding to some, for supporting abortion rights. As the AP's Krysta Fauria reporters, Becerra exemplifies how Catholicism’s deep roots often go hand in hand with California's progressive reputation. With his win last week, California has elected five consecutive Catholic governors. Some of the five have been more vocal about their faith than others – notably Jerry Brown, who was a seminarian in the 1950s. Catholic voters – especially Latinos – helped elect Becerra, who became the state's first elected Latino governor. California is home to more Catholics than any other state; a Pew Research Center poll in 2024 found that 25% of California adults identify as Catholic.

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Religion News Music videos, remodeling and backup plans: Chiclayo prepares for Pope Leo's return Local businesses are displaying cardboard cutouts of the pope and welcome banners, schools are putting together special projects and local vendors are preparing to sell to the crowds that will soon descend. By Aleja Hertzler-McCain/Religion News Service Remembering Kristallnacht: Witness says night of terror risks being a lesson not learned Germany marked the 88th anniversary of the 'Night of Broken Glass,' the Nazi-led attacks on Jewish communities on Nov. 9, 1938, when synagogues, homes and thousands of Jewish businesses were destroyed. By Kirsten Grieshaber/The Associated Press Religious Democrats prepare to turn election victories into legislative action Newly elected lawmakers are setting their priorities as progressive faith groups press Congress to act on voting rights, healthcare and economic inequality. By Adelle M. Banks and Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service From ink to sacred text, Malaysia's Quran makers blend craft and faith At the Nasyrul Quran complex, traditional calligraphy meets modern printing technology. From handwritten designs to inspections by religious specialists, the process seeks to ensure the accuracy of the sacred text. By María Teresa Hernández/The Associated Press Pastor at a Beijing underground church has been arrested, his wife says China is intensifying its crackdown on unregistered churches. Xianfeng Edward Cui, who founded Beijing Jiaquan Church, was arrested Oct. 23 on charges of fraud, said his wife, who lives outside of China. By Simina Mistreanu and Didi Tang/The Associated Press

Commentary and Analysis Pope Leo’s trip is a homecoming to Peru – where debate over liberation theology roiled the church during his early years as a priest

Pope Leo’s November 2026 trip to Latin America will bring him back to Peru, where he served as a priest and bishop for two decades. By Eben Levey for The Conversation Russell Brand, convicted of rape, told us who he was. Why didn't Christian leaders listen? After Brand's conversion to Christianity, Bishop Robert Barron, Carl Lentz, Tullian Tchividjian and Gabe Lyons all appeared in interviews with him – even though the accusations against Brand were already public. By Karen Swallow Prior/Religion News Service What C.S. Lewis said about Narnia’s most famous character: the Jesus-like lion Aslan Some Narnia fans are up in arms about Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ directed by Greta Gerwig. By Christopher A. Snyder for The Conversation The ‘religious left’ may be rising – but Black Christian women have been there all along For years, Black women have been one of the Democratic Party's steadiest groups of supporters. And for many of those voters, faith helps inspire their politics. By Dara Delgado for The Conversation Photos of the Week: Diwali, Pope Leo in South America and more A devotee lights candles during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at a temple in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw) About the Global Religion Journalism Initiative

This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S. The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith. The Conversation U.S.'s daily and weekly newsletters The Associated Press Newsletter Hub Religion News Service newsletter sign-up page