RNS Morning Report - Military archbishop asks that Catholics be excused from livestreamed execution

Top Stories Military archbishop asks that Catholics be excused from livestreamed execution (RNS) — The archdiocese’s statement adds to the list of faith leaders who have condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of former Major Nidal Hasan. SBC seminaries see new generation of leaders with R. Scott Pace installed at Southeastern WAKE FOREST, N.C. (RNS) — R. Scott Pace succeeds Daniel Akin, a key champion of the conservative takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention in the early 1980s. At his inauguration, Pace promised to continue that conservative mission. Faith leaders on the ballot: 11 races to watch (RNS) — The Democratic clergy running are making some races unexpectedly tight. Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh groups say FBI data undercounts bias (RNS) — In a statement shared exclusively with RNS, 35 organizations wrote that the decline in hate crimes registered by the FBI isn’t 'synonymous with safety.' Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery to remove part of right lung ROME (AP) — Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin after the surgery. Opinion Even murderers are made in the image of God (RNS) — What does Judaism say about what happened to Christa Pike and what is planned for Nidal Hasan? Pope Leo is teaching the church the virtue of patience (RNS) — Like Francis, Leo understands the synodal process is more important than any teaching that comes out of the event. ICYMI Black church leaders broaden voter outreach ahead of midterm elections (RNS) — ‘We have to try to make it so big it can't be rigged,’ Michigan Baptist leader the Rev. James C. Perkins said of voter turnout efforts. What to know about Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming lung surgery VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Pope Leo XIV prepares for surgery to remove a lung nodule, questions have arisen about what prompted the procedure, how long he will remain in the hospital and who runs the Vatican during his absence.     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

Copyright © 2026 Religion News Service, All rights reserved.

RNS Morning Report - Black church leaders broaden voter outreach ahead of midterm elections

Top Stories Black church leaders broaden voter outreach ahead of midterm elections (RNS) — ‘We have to try to make it so big it can't be rigged,’ Michigan Baptist leader the Rev. James C. Perkins said of voter turnout efforts. What to know about Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming lung surgery VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Pope Leo XIV prepares for surgery to remove a lung nodule, questions have arisen about what prompted the procedure, how long he will remain in the hospital and who runs the Vatican during his absence. Theobro pastor Joel Webbon calls for public execution of Mike Huckabee (RNS) — In a now-erased social media post, the Texas pastor compared Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel, to convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, saying 'let's kill two birds with one stone.' ‘The Shack’ author Paul Young returns with a sequel set on Death Row (RNS) —  Two decades after his first novel became a runaway hit, William Paul Young returns to the world of ‘The Shack’ in a story where a grieving father meets the man who killed his daughter. Opinion Christianity teaches us not to turn executions into entertainment (RNS) — The history of public executions suggests that when they are staged in free countries, they serve to degrade the citizens. ICYMI Catholic, evangelical leaders condemn public execution plan of Fort Hood gunman (RNS) — ‘The public execution even of one who has done grave harm will only further undermine the moral fabric of our nation and be a blight on the conscience of its people,’ Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said in a statement. Catholic Iowa bishop steps up in case of immigrant from Ivory Coast facing deportation (RNS) — Bishop Dennis G. Walsh wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to urge him to stop the deportation of Fatou Traore, which he called a ‘grave violation of her human dignity and the rights that are intrinsic to each one of us.’     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

Copyright © 2026 Religion News Service, All rights reserved.

E-ssentials: Act Now for the Crisis in Cuba, Kitchen Conversations, General Council 45, and more!

The Moderator Calls on Canada to Act Now to End the Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba [Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]   With a crucial United Nations vote on Cuba coming October 27–28, Moderator Kimberly Heath is calling on Canadians to urge the federal government to take action. The United Church of Canada’s longstanding partners in Cuba are reporting a deepening humanitarian crisis, including shortages of food, fuel, water, medicine, and electricity. The United Church has been in partnership with churches and ecumenical organizations in Cuba for 50 years. Send a letter to the Prime Minister and other Canadian officials urging Canada to vote in favour of ending the U.S. embargo, oppose military intervention, support the delivery of life-sustaining supplies, and increase humanitarian aid to Cuba. Watch the Moderator’s video, and read the full news story. Read the news story There’s Still a Place at the Table: Catch Up on Kitchen Conversations! [Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]   If you missed our Kitchen Conversations Thanksgiving series, there’s still a place for you at the table. You can go back and watch the full series. Whether you watched along over Thanksgiving or are just discovering the series now, we invite you to pull up a chair and join the conversation. Watch all the episodes on YouTube! Join the Livestream of General Council 45 on October 17! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   You’re invited to join the livestream of the United Church of Canada’s General Council 45 Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Watch it live on YouTube.  GC45 members will gather in worship before receiving reports and considering proposals and decisions that shape the life and work of the church. The meeting will conclude with a covenanting service for incoming General Secretary Éric Hébert-Daly. Explore the agenda, reports, and proposals on GeneralCouncil.ca. Watch the General Council 45 Meeting October 17 on YouTube Beyond Borders, Faith Communities as Partners in Advancing Human Rights [Image credit: Prairie to Pine Regional Council] CBC News highlighted the voices of LGBTQIA+ faith leaders and advocates from Kenya and Zambia visiting Manitoba as part of a United Church of Canada exchange focused on human rights, inclusion, and faith-based advocacy. The exchange brought together partners from across the Global South and Canada to share experiences, strengthen international solidarity, and explore how faith communities can advance justice and inclusion. Read the full news story and watch the CBC News feature to learn more about this international partnership and its impact. Read the full news story The United Church Bookstore: 2027 Canadian Church Calendars Have Arrived! [Image credit: Robert Lesser | Almonte United Church] The 2027 Canadian Church Calendar: Draw the Circle Wide brings the church year to life with colourful photos from United Church communities across the country. It includes church seasons, special days, and lectionary dates, making it a beautiful and practical companion for the year ahead. This bilingual calendar is a wonderful addition to your home, office, or church—and makes a thoughtful gift for members, volunteers, and friends of the church. Planning for your whole community? Bulk discounts are available: 10% off 10 or more 15% off 25 or more 20% off 50 or more   Bring a little bit of the wider church into your space in 2027. Order the 2027 Canadian Church Calendar. Get your calendar today! Annual Theology Conference: October 19 and 20, 2026 [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   On October 19–20, the Annual Theological Conference, presented by the alumni/ae of Queen’s Theological College, invites participants to explore what biblical stories of communities living under empire can teach us about faithful discipleship today. Biblical scholar, activist, and farmer Dr. Sylvia C. Keesmaat will explore lament, resistance, and hope in the face of environmental collapse, genocide, political power, and the oppression of marginalized people, drawing on biblical wisdom as well as Indigenous and Palestinian Christian voices. The conference is open to everyone, with a livestream available through United in Learning. Register on CHURCHx on learn more. Register on CHURCHx Last Call for Nominations! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Last call for nominations! The calls for nominations to serve are closing tomorrow. Check if the leaders you believe are called need any assistance to submit their interest–and don’t forget to submit your own, if you are the one who feels called!    Learn more about the current opportunities to serve.    Deadline: Wednesday, October 14 Learn more about all opportunities to serve Mission and Service Stories: A Circle of Twelve [Image credit: Women's Training Centre]   At the Morogoro Women’s Training Centre in Tanzania, Mission and Service is helping mothers of children with disabilities build confidence, financial independence, and community. A 2023 training brought 12 women together to learn about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, caregiving, and self-esteem. For many, it was also a chance to move beyond isolation and stigma and find strength in one another. Among them was Agness Mduma, a widowed mother of four who has raised her youngest child, who lives with a disability, largely on her own. With new skills and startup support, Agness expanded her small businesses—from selling charcoal and eggs to running a grocery shop and baking cakes. She is now better able to support her children and plan for the future. Her story is one of many that show what accompaniment can make possible: not quick fixes, but the slow, steady work of walking together, nurturing resilience and restoring hope. Read the Mission and Service story Worship Resources See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. International Day for the Eradiction of Poverty - October 17, 2026 Twenty-first after Pentecost- October 18, 2026 World Food Sunday - October 18, 2026 Peace Sunday - October 25, 2026 Reformation Sunday - October 25, 2026 Twenty-Third after Pentecost - November 1, 2026 Twenty-Fourth after Pentecost - November 8, 2026 Remembrance Day - November 11, 2026 For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca. Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding! Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

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