Wednesday, November 4, 2026

RNS Morning Report - On Election night, the religious left is back

On Election night, the religious left is back

(RNS) — From Texas to Kansas, Democratic candidates drew on their religious values, securing wins and signaling a shift in the relationship between faith and politics.

Midterm election live updates

(RNS) — Religion is playing an unusually prominent role in several races across the country.

Is Brad Lander, a pro-Palestinian liberal Zionist heading to Congress, the future of Jewish Democrats?

NEW YORK (RNS) — Lander’s victory in one of the country’s most Jewish congressional districts has raised questions about whether his approach could offer a new path for Jewish political leadership.

Adam Hamilton takes a pastoral approach in his final days on campaign trail

(RNS) — Considered a long shot when he first jumped into the U.S. Senate race in Kansas, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist megachurch pastor, narrowly led in the polls as Election Day approached.

Washington interfaith group counters anti-LGBTQ+ protests at churches with dance parties

WENATCHEE, Wash. (FāVS News) — An interfaith ‘rainbow response team’ counters anti-LGBTQ+ protesters at churches and Pride events with music and dancing, aiming to defuse tension through nonviolence.

Leo’s Latin America homecoming will also honor Francis’ legacy

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Weeks after cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV will return to the continent that shaped his ministry, injecting hope in secularized Uruguay, honoring Francis’ legacy in Argentina and reconnecting with his adopted homeland of Peru.

Opinion

Israel’s future depends on bringing Jews and Arabs together in its next government

(RNS) — Israel’s election has put the Jewish state’s founding promise to the test. Will it pass?

The Middle East is losing its Christians: We can’t look away

(RNS) — Christianity’s historic presence in the region where our faith was born has reached a critical breaking point — and Christian leaders around the world are increasingly alarmed.

ICYMI

Religion on the ballot: A look at the latest polls

(RNS) — The latest polling in key midterm races where faith is shaping the political conversation.

Faith leaders prepare to serve as poll chaplains on a tense Election Day

(RNS) — A tradition that originated in the Black Church, poll chaplains are faith leaders who commit to offering a peaceful presence at polling locations through prayers and conflict de-escalation.

Support Our Work

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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

RNS Morning Report - Religion on the ballot: A look at the latest polls

Religion on the ballot: A look at the latest polls

(RNS) — A look at midterm races where faith is part of the political story.

Faith leaders prepare to serve as poll chaplains on a tense Election Day

(RNS) — A tradition that originated in the Black Church, poll chaplains are faith leaders who commit to offering a peaceful presence at polling locations through prayers and conflict de-escalation.

5 things to know about the Michigan Senate race set on Israel

(RNS) — When Rep. Haley Stevens shook up the Senate race by revoking her endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed, Israel once again became the lightening-bolt issue in the race.

Episcopal Bishops Curry and Rowe hold funeral service for enslaved Africans’ reinterment

(RNS) — Rowe praised the efforts of the southern Virginia diocese’s Bishop Susan Haynes and the Rev. Jan M. Brown, who led the effort.

Opinion

I was detained for helping Palestinian farmers. Here’s what Israel wants to hide.

(RNS) — The United Nations has documented more than 200 incidents in which Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians since the olive harvest began in September.

ICYMI

Mainline Protestants are having a political moment. Can they move from protest to power?

(RNS) — ‘I do think Christian faith, rightly construed and in a pluralist way, can be a really, really smart strategy for Democrats to pursue in these states that they haven't been as strong in,’ said Heath Carter, a scholar of American religion at Princeton Theological Seminary.

The fall of the Etsy witch

(RNS) — The online marketplace is no longer putting the ‘craft’ in witchcraft.

Support Our Work

E-ssentials: Cross Country Check-In with GCE, Learning Tour to Kenya, Anti-Racism Stories, and more

Join Us for the Next Cross Country Check-In

Join the General Secretary, members of the General Council Executive, and the Moderator for a Cross Country Check-In on November 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET. This live conversation is an opportunity to connect with people from across the United Church, ask questions, put faces to names, and share perspectives that can help inform the church’s leadership and decision-making.

40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism: Inzwirashe's Story

[Video Image still: The United Church of Canada]

For our 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism, Inzwirashe Munikwa shares a moving reflection on the power of family, community, and the strength we carry within us. She calls us to lift up voices too often unheard and to work for a future grounded in equity, dignity, and the recognition that every person is created worthy.

Watch Inzwirashe’s story of resilience, and hope—and take a moment to reflect: What inspires us to speak our truth and work toward a more just and compassionate world?

Watch Inzwirashe's reflection

How Village Savings and Loan Associations are Transforming Communities in Kenya

[Image credit: Shauna McIntosh]

United Church participants in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s 2026 Food Security Learning Tour to Kenya reflect on how Village Savings and Loan Associations are empowering women, strengthening communities, and building greater financial independence.

Read their reflections and learn more about the people and locally led projects making a difference in Kenya in the latest blog from Round the table.

Read the full blog

Host a Climate Motivator for 2027

[Image credit: Canva]

The General Council Office invites communities of faith to host a Climate Motivator (ages 18–25) this summer (mid-May to mid-July). This eight-week position supports local climate action and multigenerational engagement. You can find examples from 2026 in the just released Climate Motivator Impact Report.

Host Benefits: We help secure Canada Summer Jobs funding and provide national training and project grant access.

Your Action: Develop a local project and recommend and mentor a young adult (your Climate Motivator).

Deadline: Submit your expression of interest by November 20, 2026.

Learn more about hosting a Climate Motivator

The United Church Bookstore: Get Ready for Advent!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Get ready for the season of Advent with resources from the United Church Bookstore! Explore Advent candle sets, worship resources, bulletins, music collections, and more to help your congregation prepare for a meaningful Advent and Christmas season.

Explore the Advent and Christmas Collection today!

Mission and Service Stories: A Stable Start

[Image credit: Wesley Youth Housing]

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home. In Hamilton, Ontario, Wesley Youth Housing supports youth experiencing homelessness with safe housing, practical life skills, and encouragement as they work toward independence.

With support from Mission and Service, young people are building stability, confidence, and a brighter future.

Read how Wesley Youth Housing is helping young people get A Stable Start.

Read the Mission and Service story

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Twenty-Fourth after Pentecost - November 8, 2026
Remembrance Day - November 11, 2026
Children's Sunday - November 15, 2026
Twenty-Fifth after Pentecost - November 15, 2026
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20, 2026
Reign of Christ - November 22, 2026
First Sunday of Advent - November 29, 2026

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.

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