RNS Weekly Digest - As ICE closes in, Ohio churches line up families to care for Haitian kids left behind

As ICE closes in, Ohio churches line up families to care for Haitian kids left behind

On Friday evening (Aug. 14), Philomene Philostin, a local youth pastor, business owner and nonprofit leader, stood on the street corner outside Springfield, Ohio’s City Hall, crying out in Haitian Creole. Pastor Fontil Daity, a Haitian immigrant who leads a local Pentecostal Haitian church, interpreted in English: “Haitians! Haitians! … We cannot take it anymore. We ask for God in heaven to hear our cries!” About 75 people gathered around them in the sweltering heat, many holding signs that read, “Love your neighbor” — a reference to the biblical command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Philostin told RNS she initiated the gathering in response to a new flurry of ICE raids in the city starting the day before. The peaceful protest wove together prayers and testimonies from community members, lawyers and faith leaders. Daity, singing in Haitian Creole, then in English, led attendees in the hymn “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”   For many of the more than 10,000 Haitians in the city of about 58,000, their faith in God — and the support of local immigrants’ rights organizers and faith leaders — is what’s sustaining them as they reckon with the end of Temporary Protected Status. Many of Springfield’s Haitians attend evangelical, Catholic, mainline and Pentecostal churches across the city. And in the months of dread and uncertainty before a federal judge cleared the way on Aug. 4 for the termination of Haiti’s TPS protections, faith leaders and congregations from within and beyond the Haitian community have emerged as pivotal actors in the support networks for affected families. Now, those networks are adapting in real time to respond to what they see as a human-engineered spiritual, moral and humanitarian crisis, especially as ICE activity stepped up over the weekend. A DHS spokesperson said they would not disclose details of its operations.  Religion & Politics From 'terror threat' to 'civilizational threat,' top Republicans escalate anti-Muslim rhetoric Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters A Jewish scholar of Jesus makes history as president of the Catholic Biblical Association Photos of the Week: Indonesian earthquakes, Haitian immigrants Haitian immigrant Monsanto Maler, center, cries and collapses after receiving an ankle monitor at a DHS field office during a mandatory check in, on Aug. 9, 2026, in Blue Ash, Ohio. Many Haitians are fearful of an impending ICE immigration enforcement surge and being returned to their country which is still in the grip of anarchy and dangerous gang violence. (Photo by Carol Guzy) In Opinion The Episcopal Church is a story of renewal, not decline Johnny Hunt’s lawsuit is over. The SBC’s abuse crisis isn’t. The only humanist in Congress on Christian nationalism, privilege and protecting democracy And finally, Texas barbecue is getting a halal makeover. At 9 a.m. on a scorching Saturday in June, nearly 100 people were already lined up outside Goldee’s BBQ, a small, wooden-shack restaurant.⁠ ⁠ First in line was 30-year-old Thanh Huynh, who sat in a lawn chair on the joint’s rustic porch since 6:30 a.m.⁠ ⁠ “I have, like, a whole list, and I’m going to spend lots of money here. It’ll be worth it,” he said, laughing while rattling off a long order of meats and sides from his phone’s Notes app as a sweet, smoky scent from nearby pits hung in the air.⁠ ⁠ Opened in 2020 by a group of his friends, the restaurant was named the No. 1 barbecue spot in the state by Texas Monthly a year later, and then won a Bib Gourmand award from the prestigious Michelin Guide, given for “great food at a great value.” ⁠ ⁠ The restaurant serves classic Texas barbecue like craft pork belly, sausage and ribs. But it also offers halal brisket, turkey and lamb — meat raised and butchered in accordance with Islamic guidelines.⁠ ⁠ At a time when Republican leaders are increasingly targeting the state’s growing Muslim communities, halal barbecue joints like Goldee’s are thriving in Texas. Across the state, Muslim pitmasters are gaining recognition for putting their own spin on one of Texas’ most iconic culinary traditions.⁠ Support our responsible reporting on religion Forward this newsletter to a friend Make a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit newsroom here Or mail us a check: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205 Email membership@religionnews.com with a news tip or a comment Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2026 RNS, All rights reserved.

WCC news: WCC pays tribute to Rev. Neville George Callam

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Rev. Neville George Callam, honouring his life and ministry as a pastor, church leader, ecumenist, and servant of the wider Christian community. Rev. Neville George Callam addresses the plenary on Christian unity during the WCC 10th Assembly, in Busan, Republic of Korea, 2013. Photo: Peter Williams/WCC 19 August 2026 A retired minister of the Jamaica Baptist Union, member of the executive committee of the Jamaica Baptist Union, and general secretary emeritus of the Baptist World Alliance, Callam died on 15 August, in Florida (US). In a letter of condolence to the Jamaica Baptist Union, Pillay conveyed the fellowship’s “most sincere condolences” to the church and Callam’s family. “Rev. Callam’s life was a remarkable testimony to faithful service,” Pillay wrote, recalling his generous commitment to the ministry of the church and to building relationships across communities and Christian traditions. "We pray that you all may be held by God’s loving presence, surrounded by the affection of family and friends, and strengthened by the many memories of a life so generously given in service to Christ and the church,” added Pillay. Callam made a significant contribution to the ecumenical movement through his long association with the WCC. He served on the Commission on Faith and Order from 1992 to 2007, participating for 15 years in the WCC’s central theological work towards the visible unity of the church. His involvement preceded the Jamaica Baptist Union's formal membership in the WCC in 1995; Jamaican Baptists had already been contributing to Faith and Order for decades. He was particularly involved in the WCC's work on baptism and mutual recognition of Christian initiation. In 2004, he presented “Introducing One Baptism: Towards Mutual Recognition of Christian Initiation” to the WCC Faith and Order Plenary Commission in Kuala Lumpur.  He was also one of the framers of the revised "One Baptism" document - one of the major areas in which Faith and Order sought to move churches from theological dialogue toward mutual recognition and practical expressions of unity. Callam's work built on the legacy of the WCC's landmark 1982 convergence document “Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry.” His 2004 paper explicitly situated the One Baptism as part of the continuing effort to move from the convergence achieved by “Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry” toward deeper consensus among churches. Callam’s theological engagement and ecumenical commitment continued beyond his formal service on the commission. In 2013, at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, he was among the speakers in a plenary session on Christian unity, alongside Orthodox and other Christian leaders. As the ecumenical fellowship mourns his passing, the WCC gives thanks for a life generously offered in service to Christ and the church, and for the lasting contribution Callam made to Christian unity and the worldwide Christian community.  Callam is survived by his wife, Dulcie; his adult children Gairy and Diedre; his siblings; grandchildren; and other family members. Read the full letter 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

WCC news: WCC general secretary to visit Nigeria to strengthen bonds

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay will visit Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria from 20-27 August, to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and cooperation among the WCC member churches in Nigeria, and to deepen the relationship between the WCC and the churches in the country. On November 2023, the WCC executive committee went to worship and fellowship with The Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo: Aregbe Segun Abraham/WCC 19 August 2026 Pillay and the church leaders will gather in a spirit of prayer, mutual respect, listening, openness, and ecumenical fellowship. The gathering will provide space for church leaders to share their experiences and concerns, while also exploring practical ways for churches and the WCC to continue to contribute together to peace, justice, reconciliation, human dignity, and the well-being of the people of Nigeria and Africa. The gatherings will reach for shared discernment and renewed commitment to the unity and common witness of the church. On 20-24 August, the WCC general secretary will participate with the Church of the Lord (Worldwide) in the celebration of its 90th historic Tabieorar Anniversary, under the theme "Faithful & Glorious God.” On 25 August, the general secretary will visit the WCC Africa Regional Programme Office in Abuja, with coordinator of the office Rev. Dr Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf. The visit will provide an opportunity to meet with colleagues and engage on the work and priorities of the office. On 26 August, the general secretary will meet with the heads of WCC member churches in Nigeria and other invited church leaders in Abuja. The programme, hosted by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Abuja, will comprise an ecumenical welcome and worship service; fellowship and prayer; and a consultative meeting with the heads of WCC member churches and participating church leaders. The consultative meeting is intended to provide a fraternal and open space for the general secretary and the leadership of WCC member churches in Nigeria to reflect together on matters affecting the church, the WCC and the Nigerian context, as well as to consider areas of strengthened ecumenical cooperation and common witness. A meeting with senior government leaders is also planned.  WCC member churches in Nigeria 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 - The rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric

From 'terror threat' to 'civilizational threat,' top Republicans escalate anti-Muslim rhetoric   The avalanche of anti-Muslim rhetoric directed at Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan’s Senate Democratic nominee, has added to a wave in mainstream politics that experts say is unprecedented.   RNS reporters Jack Jenkins and Ulaa Kuziez spoke with experts to bring you the analysis: Unlike past spikes, which tended to focus on tying Islam to violence, the version of anti-Muslim bigotry that has emerged this year also reflects xenophobic talking points from far-right factions in Europe that cast Islam as an existential threat to the Western world.   In the U.S., the Sharia-Free America Caucus of 68 Congress members targets what it claims is a growing threat of Sharia, or Islamic religious law, in the country.   For Mobashra Tazamal, associate director of The Bridge Initiative, the comments show a shift in framing Muslims in the U.S. no longer just as a “security threat” but also as “a cultural threat.”         Top Stories From ‘terror threat’ to ‘civilizational threat,’ top Republicans escalate anti-Muslim rhetoric (RNS) — The avalanche directed at El-Sayed added to a wave of blatant anti-Muslim sentiment in mainstream politics that experts say is unprecedented, with politicians openly decrying the faith in new ways. If Jesus showed up today, would he play guitar? Nashville (RNS) — During a gathering in Nashville, scholars looked at the theology, money and music reshaping how Americans worship and experience God.       Opinion The only humanist in Congress on Christian nationalism, privilege and protecting democracy (RNS) — The fight against Christian nationalism needs Christians, too, the California congressman argues in his new book.   ICYMI As ICE closes in, Ohio churches line up families to care for Haitian kids left behind SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (RNS) — In Springfield, Ohio, ICE shifts tactics to stealth raids and ankle monitors. Churches are responding by helping Haitian parents line up temporary caregivers, preparing for the worst. How a trans activist and a priest are creating inclusion in India’s Catholic Church CHENNAI, India (RNS) — Earlier this year, the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore launched the first sustained initiative by India’s Catholic Church to minister to and engage with transgender people.       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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