RNS Morning Report - VIDEO: This Christian mom is recording ICE arrests

VIDEO: Inside a Christian mother’s fight against ICE activity in Chicago   Christian mother of eight Audrey Luhmann and her family have volunteered in a network tracking and documenting federal immigration officers’ actions since the Trump administration launched a mass deportation campaign in September 2025.   RNS National and Multimedia Reporter Fiona Murphy travelled to Chicago to show you Luhmann’s faith and activism up close.   In between documenting what she describes as “anything illegal” she and her family see during enforcement actions, including arrests without a judicial warrant, use of force and traffic violations, Luhmann also collects food, clothing and other supplies for immigrant families and people released from detention.   Her two teenage sons, Ben and Sam, often help.   “They are actually doing everything that I’ve taught them,” Luhmann said. “I’ve spent my entire life telling them that Jesus was with those who were oppressed, that Jesus was with those who the rest of the world pushed away.”         Top Stories Inside a Christian mother’s fight against ICE activity in Chicago (RNS) — The second episode of ‘Faith on the Immigration Frontline' follows Audrey Luhmann, mother of eight, as she patrols courthouses, responds to community alerts, gathers supplies for immigrants and cares for her family. Muslim advocacy group fights for trust after Texas brands it a terrorist group AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — A terrorist designation in Texas is fraying trust inside Muslim communities as mosque and nonprofit leaders decide whether standing by CAIR is worth the risk.  As Israel divides Jewish communities, Yiddish draws a new generation (RNS and NPR) — The language app Duolingo reported that roughly 296,000 people around the world are studying Yiddish as of this year. An estimated 60% of them are under 25 years old.         Opinion Can AI replace vocation?    (RNS) — For many, the uncertainty is about more than employment — it's about meaning and purpose.  The intellectual roots of feminism’s antisemitism (RNS) — I don't know that feminism is a word Jewish women still fully own, but I know it’s worth fighting to keep. ICYMI Faith-based AI company Gloo faces moment of truth after $438M in losses (RNS) — Serial entrepreneur Scott Beck believes he has a mission to help churches and Christian ministries spread God's work and help others. After years of financial losses, he believes his investment in building a faith-based tech company will soon pay off. New polls show plummeting support among faith groups for Israeli government, Netanyahu (RNS) — One survey found that most U.S. adults — 62% — now view the Israeli government unfavorably, a nearly 20-point shift from 2022, when only 43% said the same. 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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American Baptist Churches USA - Biennial Excitement!

A Special Invitation from Rochester Last summer, American Baptists gathered in Omaha for an unforgettable Biennial Mission Summit. Now, the Rochester Genesee Region is looking ahead with excitement as it prepares to welcome the American Baptist family to Rochester, New York, for the 2027 Biennial Mission Summit. In this special invitation, Rev. John Campbell, pastor of First Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Rev. Dr. Sandra Hasenauer, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of the Rochester Genesee Region share what makes Rochester such a wonderful host city—from its welcoming spirit and family-friendly attractions to the celebration of the region's 200th anniversary. Whether you're planning to attend with family, friends, or your church community, Rochester offers opportunities for fellowship, exploration, and making lasting memories. Make plans now to join us June 10–13, 2027. We look forward to welcoming you to Rochester! Stay tuned for more updates at abc-usa.org/biennial-2027. Learn More! FOLLOW US

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UM News Digest - July 13, 2026

UM News Digest - July 13, 2026 Remembering Clara Ester | Leadership Gathering | Lawn ministry “She never stopped answering God’s call to serve others, to seek justice and to love without reservation.” — Alabama-West Florida Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, on the late Clara Ester. Clara Ester of the Alabama-West Florida Conference addresses the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. Remembering civil rights advocate Clara Ester MOBILE, Ala. (UM News) — Lifelong United Methodist Clara Jane Ester was inspired by the Revs. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Lawson to fight injustice. She went on to inspire countless others as a civil rights advocate, deaconess and servant leader. Ester died July 9 at age 77. Kathy L. Gilbert has a remembrance. Read story The Leadership Gathering, organized by the Council of Bishops, is scheduled to be held Oct. 20-24 at Knox United Church Calgary in downtown Calgary, Canada. Photo courtesy of Knox United Church Calgary.  Leadership Gathering moves ahead amid challenges NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — War in the Middle East and the Ebola outbreak in Congo are adding complications to preparations for the Leadership Gathering scheduled in October in Canada. Nevertheless, organizers are pressing forward with the gathering intended to help set a new course for The United Methodist Church. They also are releasing a survey to get more input from youth and young adults. Heather Hahn reports.  Read story Take survey   Wisconsin Conference Church serving from the lawn up OAK CREEK, Wis. — Last summer, Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church looked around the church property, and saw a gift: acres of green lawn that stretch around the building. The congregation began reimagining this underutilized land for ministry. Jane Lentz has the story. Read story Susquehanna Conference College café extends ministry to students STATE COLLEGE, Penn. — Abba Java, a Wesley Foundation ministry at Pennsylvania State University, has long been more than just a coffee shop. It is a place of belonging, connection and community, where students can find friendship and needed support amid the pressures of college life. The Wesley Foundation is connected with St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The Susquehanna Conference has a video. Watch video   ADVERTISEMENT South Georgia Conference Helping children dream a better future COLUMBUS, Ga. — Years ago, staff at Open Door Community House asked the children in their after-school program a simple question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answers shaped how Open Door approaches ministry. The Rev. Stephanie Smith has the story. Read story Dakotas Conference Church closes with gifts TYNDALL, S.D. — Tyndall United Methodist Church, a fixture in the community for 147 years, held its last worship service in May. But the church is continuing its ministry through donations to nearby Wagner United Methodist Church and other gifts to support its community and the wider denomination. Doreen Gosmire has the story. Read story Immigration Task Force United Methodists denounce ICE killing NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Immigration Task Force grieves the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, whose life was taken during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Houston’s East End neighborhood. In a statement, the task force denounces “the actions that led to his death and reject any system that treats immigrant lives as disposable.” The task force also called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into his death. Read statement Council of Bishops Wespath makes ecumenical connections GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath, the general agency that administers investments and benefit plans for The United Methodist Church, also offers an example of leading ecumenically. Since 2022, Wespath has administered retirement benefits to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Most recently, the agency has begun attracting ecumenical customers to its institutional investment services, including Baptist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Mennonite and nondenominational churches, colleges and social service organizations. Read press release   ADVERTISEMENT Camp & Retreat Ministries New scholarships available for retirees PHILADELPHIA — United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries is offering scholarships for retired United Methodist camp and retreat ministry leaders to attend the 2027 National Camp & Retreat Leaders’ Gathering on Jan. 24-28 at Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply Learn about national gathering   2024 file photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News Group advises adding 2 more US bishops Read story Map courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by UM News  Probe ends of pastor who worked for Epstein Read story July 27-Aug. 7 Online course: Embracing personal prayer Aug. 3-Sept. 11 Online course: A Life Worthy of the Gospel More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos