WCC news: WCC congratulates Ecumenical Patriarch on 35th anniversary of enthronement

The World Council of Churches (WCC) sent a congratulatory message to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I upon the 35th anniversary of his enthronement. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 21 October 2026 “With deep joy and gratitude to the Triune God, the World Council of Churches extends its warmest congratulations to Your All-Holiness on the 35th anniversary of your enthronement as Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, on 2 November 1991,” wrote WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “The fellowship of the World Council of Churches holds a special debt of gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” Pillay recalled with particular affection the Ecumenical Patriarch’s own personal bonds with the ecumenical movement: his years of study at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, his long service on the WCC Faith and Order Commission, and his steadfast encouragement of the churches to seek together the visible unity to which Christ calls us. “The commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 2025, so deeply marked by your hospitality and vision, reminded all Christians of the common faith that unites us and of the unfinished task of reconciliation before us,” wrote Pillay. “May the Holy Spirit sustain and guide you as you continue to shepherd the faithful, strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship, and offer a prophetic witness of hope to our troubled world.” Read the full message 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 - Dallas faith groups, volunteer lawyers amplify legal support for detained immigrants

Top Stories Dallas faith groups, volunteer lawyers amplify legal support for detained immigrants (RNS) — A North Texas coalition of congregations, clergy and attorneys is helping asylum seekers connect with legal support and challenge detentions. Their efforts have reached more than 1,200 people over the past year, organizers estimate. As Texas Gov. Abbott targets Muslim groups, his PAC receives millions from Muslim oil exec (RNS) — While Gov. Abbott has been a vocal opponent of what he calls the 'Islamification' of Texas, he also has received more than $15 million in donations from S. Javaid Anwar, a philanthropist and oil industry exec. An ‘empathy gap’ divides Americans ahead of the midterms, says PRRI report (RNS) — A survey released Tuesday (Oct. 20) found that Republicans and evangelicals increasingly see empathy as a danger that can lead society away from God. The survey found that more than half of Americans see President Trump as a threat to democracy. Opinion Anti-Hindu hate targets race and religion at once (RNS) — When the framers wrote the Constitution, race stood at the front, but religion was always there alongside it. American Jews’ toxic family feud over Israel (RNS) — Divisions over Israel and the war in Gaza are testing longstanding political loyalties among American Jews, whose votes could prove decisive in closely contested congressional races. ICYMI El-Sayed, Vance pressed on religion, loyalty and immigration (RNS) — In separate events, the vice president and the Democratic Senate candidate faced questions that highlight the intersection of faith and politics. Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Church, to resign in 2027 (RNS) — Stanley told church members he would no longer be employed by the church as of May 2027, when he turns 69. North Point, which claims 37,000 weekly worshippers, is one of the nation's largest churches. Joel Thomas has been nominated as his successor.     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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Religion News Service - What will the 2026 midterms reveal?

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Top PC(USA) News of the Week: Stated Clerk statement, God's Love, NWC National Gathering, Prayers for the disappeared, Christian nationalism

Week of October 12 - 16, 2026

A statement on the planned livestreaming of an execution As followers of the risen Christ, we are called to bear witness to a different way

‘Who’s got it better than us?’ ‘Nobody!’ says the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, who led closing worship during the Mid Council Leaders Gathering

(re)Considering the Body of Christ At the 1001 New Worshiping Communities National Gathering, leaders explore how innovation grows through relationships, diversity and shared belonging

‘Prayer Service for the Disappeared’ highlights need for solidarity, advocacy and justice Victims of the US immigration crackdown are honored during online service

A danger to the church and democracy The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, the PC(USA)’s Director of Advocacy and Witness, speaks to New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202