RNS Morning Report - Is Moscow, Idaho, ground zero for Christian nationalism?

More from Moscow When CNN aired its latest documentary on Doug Wilson and the Christian nationalist movement on Sunday night, it was news to many Americans — but not to residents of Moscow, Idaho, who have lived with Wilson’s influence for decades. Religion reporter Tracy Simmons has been covering Wilson and his Christ Church from the ground in Moscow for years. She spoke with locals who have a message for national audiences: Moscow is not Doug Wilson’s town. “Christ Church can own every brick on Main Street,” said one longtime resident, “but it’ll never own the soul of Moscow.” Wilson’s neighbors also have a warning: Moscow is just the most visible front in a much broader battle. Read Simmons’ full report from Moscow. Top Stories For Doug Wilson’s neighbors, CNN documentary a reminder Moscow is Christian nationalism’s ground zero MOSCOW, Idaho (FāVS News) — ‘I’m hopeful that this exposure will help people recognize the signs of Christian nationalism in their own spaces,’ one Moscow resident said. For the first time, the Anglican Communion will be led by a woman. Here’s how women are celebrating LOS ANGELES (NPR) — Mullally's selection as archbishop of Canterbury comes as a joy and a surprise for many female priests in the Episcopal Church. ‘The baton is being passed’: Evangelist Anne Graham Lotz on writing, working with her daughter (RNS) — After the daughter and granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham faced medical ailments, they wrote a book about a biblical character’s relatable life. Photos of the Week: Eid celebrations, Buddha’s birthday preparations (RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes celebrations of Eid around the world, preparations for Buddha's birthday and more. As GOP revives threat of Shariah, Muslims call the campaign a gambit for votes (RNS) — As midterm elections approach, GOP leaders in Congress have accelerated anti-Islam rhetoric. Opinion At 250, Congress must act to protect our fundamental freedoms  (RNS) — Lawmakers must act now to reinstitute the checks and balances our democracy has provided for two and a half centuries. Why the right’s antisemitic shift is scarier than the left’s (RNS) — With the right-wing drift of the Republican Party, these antisemites are proximate to the halls of political power.  ICYMI How the sanctuary movement became the faithful’s answer to ICE raids (RNS) — The sanctuary movement has deep biblical roots, but it has evolved from the 1980s in important ways. Federal judge grants injunction allowing clergy visits at Minneapolis ICE holding facility ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell granted an injunction requested by Minnesota branches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, and a Catholic priest who had sued the Department of Homeland Security. 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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RNS Morning Report - How a network of ordained women got Sarah Mullally to Canterbury

Canterbury Tale When Sarah Mullally is installed as the 106th archbishop of Canterbury on March 25, she will be the first woman to serve in the role. But as a former chief nurse of the UK’s National Health Service, she is also the first archbishop of Canterbury to have led a major public agency. Though amply accomplished, Mullally may never had made it to the top of the Church of England if it hadn’t been for an Anglican organization called Leading Women. The program was founded in 2010 by women clergy who felt they’d fall short of leadership roles unless they could cope with budgets and manage historic buildings. That meant seeking out women with "transferable skills from previous work experience,” in the words of one founder. Mullally more than fit the bill. Read RNS correspondent Catherine Pepinster's narrative of the new archbishop's path to Canterbury below. Top Stories How a network of ordained women got Sarah Mullally to Canterbury (RNS) — Mullally’s sometimes twisting journey to Canterbury may never have been completed if it hadn’t been for an Anglican organization called Leading Women. How the sanctuary movement became the faithful’s answer to ICE raids (RNS) — The second story in a series about faith and protest. Jerusalem’s Palm Sunday procession canceled due to Iran war JERUSALEM (RNS) — In lieu of the Palm Sunday procession, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem called on Christians around the world to commit to a moment of prayer for the Holy City of Jerusalem. Jehovah’s Witnesses ease policy on transfusions, allowing storage and use of one’s own blood (AP) — The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses announced what it called a “clarification” of its teaching on Friday, saying it came after extensive prayer and consideration. Opinion New book aims to break silence on Mormon temple garments (RNS) — Two hundred women said they had medical obstacles to wearing LDS temple garments, according to a survey conducted for 'Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret,' released last month. In the Easter story, women are the first to proclaim the resurrection – but churches today are still divided over female preachers (The Conversation) — Women’s preaching is controversial in some Christian denominations – but key to the biblical story of Jesus’ resurrection. ICYMI Progressive faith leaders found new power in protesting ICE. Can their movement survive success? (RNS) — Not since the Civil Rights Era has the religious left so publicly and collaboratively protested in the name of a social question they regard as a spiritual one. Federal judge grants injunction allowing clergy visits at Minneapolis ICE holding facility ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell granted an injunction requested by Minnesota branches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, and a Catholic priest who had sued the Department of Homeland Security. 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 RNS, All rights reserved.

Uniting Church in Australia - President's Easter Message now available | Spotlight on South Perth UC | Visit from true giant of Uniting Church and more in National Update 25 March

25 March 2026 National Update Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Featured Story EASTER Uniting Church President’s Easter Message now available to view, share and download This Easter, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli shares a message that speaks directly into the moment we’re living through. In a world that feels loud, anxious and divided, she offers a word of peace. Not the kind that looks away from what’s hard, but the kind that meets us right in the middle of it. We’d love this message to travel far beyond the walls of the church, and you can help make that happen. Please head to our Facebook and YouTube posts now and like, comment, and share so this message of peace can reach those who need it most this Easter. Download video OUR CHURCH This is my Uniting Church: South Perth UC In the second instalment of ‘This is my Uniting Church’ for this year, we take a look at the heart of the Uniting Church in South Perth, where faith, community and welcome come together. South Perth Uniting is a vibrant and diverse congregation committed to worship, connection and hospitality, offering a place where people can belong, grow and encounter God in everyday life. OUR PEOPLE Assembly General Secretary meets up with a giant of our Church Earlier this week, Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson met with Rev David Gill, a true giant of the Uniting Church. Ordained in 1965, David’s ministry spans decades and continents, including leadership roles nationally and globally. Their conversation explored church leadership, worship, partnerships and the 50th anniversary in 2027. We give thanks for David’s wisdom, humility and enduring witness. JUSTICE Restoring what has been bent: President reflects on Gendered Violence Conference Last month, President Rev Charissa Suli attended the Gendered Violence Conference hosted by Rev Robyn Whitaker, Director at The Wesley Centre, in partnership with Pilgrim Theological College. The gathering brought together theologians, clergy, counsellors and survivors. Following the conference, Rev Suli penned this reflection, and continued the conversation on ABC Radio’s Soul Search. UNITINGWORLD Be part of UnitingWorld’s Lent Event! UnitingWorld’s Lent Event invites Christians across Australia to practise courageous discipleship during the Lenten season. Journey through 40 for the Future, use the inspiring Lent resources, and give generously to support communities confronting poverty and climate change. Together, individuals, congregations and groups can stand in faith and solidarity with neighbours building hope for a more just and sustainable future. FRONTIER SERVICES For some remote communities, fuel isn’t just expensive – it’s running out Fuel shortages are adding new pressure to life across rural and remote Australia, where rising prices are now compounded by uncertainty about supply. This update from Frontier Services highlights how communities are travelling further, paying more and struggling to plan ahead, with the impacts felt across farming, healthcare, education and everyday connection in the bush. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has joined with other church, community and social justice leaders in urging the Prime Minister to ban gambling advertising. Uniting’s Youth Trauma Service has launched a new program for teens in Canberra, aiming to fill critical gaps in mental health care. The first of its kind in Australia, the new initiative combines a range of supports from mental health care to family services, all designed with input from young people with lived experience of trauma. A new affordable housing project led by Uniting Vic.Tas has now opened in Bendigo. Located on Myers Street beside St Andrew’s Uniting Church, it includes 73 one- and two-bedroom units for more than 130 local residents. ICYMI: Join the Uniting Church’s 2026 Net Zero Roundtables – three online sessions equipping you for practical climate action. Explore advocacy, emissions reduction and First Peoples’ wisdom, connect with others, and be inspired to help shape a more just and sustainable future. Register today. March 29  Palm Sunday April 3-5  Easter weekend 24  Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide 25  ANZAC Day May 17-24  Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 21  Net Zero Roundtable #1 24  Pentecost 26  Sorry Day 27  National Reconciliation Week (until 3 June) 31  Trinity Sunday Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. ACT: Maintenance Officer/Tradesperson - Uniting NSW.ACT ACT: NEST Key Worker - Uniting NSW.ACT NSW: Chaplain & Minister - Uniting Crookwell & Taralga, and Crookwell UC NSW: Team Leader, GambleAware Helpline - Wesley Mission NT: Minister - Alice Springs UC NT: Minister - Living Water UC QLD: Minister - Bribie Island UC QLD: Minister - Burdekin UC QLD: Minister - Gatton UC QLD: Ministry Agent - Rosewood UC and Fernvale UC SA: Chaplaincy & Supervision Manager - Synod of SA VIC: Audit & Risk Committee Member - Synod of Vic & Tas TAS: Care Advisor - Uniting AgeWell Launceston WA: Minister - Wagin Group of Congregations WA: Lead Minister/Pastor - The Billabong Church WA: Executive Support Assistant - Uniting WA Join us in prayer for... the world around us, marred by anxiety and division. God, help us to live as people of Jesus’ resurrection, embodying his peace, hope and love in all we do and share. the welcoming community of South Perth Uniting. May the Lord continue to strengthen their faith and shine Christ’s through their local community. survivors of Gendered Violence. Strengthen and restore them from their sorrow and brokenness. Grant us compassion as we stand alongside them, being bold to confront silence and act justly, creating communities of safety, truth, and healing. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Czech Republic as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

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