RNS Morning Report - San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as 'men of courage, sacrifice and faith'

‘Men of courage, sacrifice and faith’ The three American Muslim men who were killed in a shooting Monday (May 18) at the largest mosque in San Diego are being remembered by their imam and faith community after putting their lives on the line to protect others. The Islamic Center of San Diego identified the victims as Amin Abdullah, a gentle security guard; Nadir Awad, a dedicated neighbor; and Mansour Kaziha, a longtime shopkeeper and caretaker of the mosque. The mosque’s Imam Taha Hassane told RNS national reporter Ulaa Kuziez about what he'll remember about those who were killed. And as Kuziez reports, Hassane and Muslim advocacy groups pointed to a spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents and speech that preceded the deadly attack — some had previously warned of potential consequences. “A deadly attack on an American mosque was as predictable as it is unacceptable,” the Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a Monday statement. Read the full story below. Top Stories San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as ‘men of courage, sacrifice and faith’ (RNS) — Muslim advocates have warned in recent months of increasing anti-Muslim bigotry and its consequences. Alan Chambers, former Exodus International leader, charged with soliciting minor (RNS) — Chambers gained national notoriety for promoting the idea that therapy could change someone’s sexual orientation. He later apologized and announced in 2013 that the ex-gay ministry, supported by religious right leaders like James Dobson, would disband. Bipartisan Senate duo introduce new bill to protect US Jews and institutions (RNS) — The bill would substantially enhance the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion annually. ‘One Nation Under God?’: 5 takeaways from RNS and NPR’s ‘1A’ live show (RNS) — Host Niala Boodhoo was joined at the American University in Washington, D.C., by RNS national reporter Jack Jenkins, religious liberty lawyer and Muslim identity scholar Asma T. Uddin, Mark D. Hall of Regent University and Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center. Opinion China and the United States should be competitors, not enemies (RNS) — Stable relations with China are good for both countries and good for the world. The Torah’s case for buffer zones around schools and synagogues (RNS) — The Torah asks us not only whether something is permitted, but also whether it preserves human dignity. This hierarchy matters. ICYMI On Pentecost, one California pastor is aiming for the world’s largest synchronized baptism (RNS) — Churches from Africa to Europe to Asia are registered to participate in Baptize the World, while the Museum of the Bible is set to host a hybrid broadcast event, airing footage of baptisms held that day across the globe.  Sidelined from legacy institutions, a movement centering Judaism outside Israel rises (RNS) — The Jewish Diaspora Movement comes in response to U.S. Jewish legacy institutions’ unqualified support for Israel and their unwillingness to welcome forms Jewish practice that reject a focus on Israel. 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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UM News Digest - May 20, 2026

UM News Digest - May 20, 2026 Assembly wrap-up • Methodism in Latin America  • Supporting jeepney drivers “Can you imagine the light that you could shine if we all agreed to shine it in a way that creates abundant life for all people?” — The Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, during closing worship at the United Women in Faith Assembly. Dancers from Dance Kaleidoscope perform during the United Women in Faith Assembly in Indianapolis on May 15. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, United Women in Faith. United Methodist women called to be ‘unstoppable’  INDIANAPOLIS (UM News) — At a time of rising threats to basic rights, the United Women in Faith Assembly 2026 called participants to put love into action so all people can have the abundant life promised by Jesus. The nearly 3,000 attendees also went deep into Scripture, joined in worship and explored mission opportunities. Heather Hahn has the story. Read story Leaders of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say the historic autonomy of churches in the region has helped the council navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Bishops Juan de Dios Peña (president of CIEMAL) and Frank de Nully Brown (vice president) and Horacio Mesones, the council’s executive secretary. Photo illustration by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News. Latin American Methodists stress unity  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The changes experienced by The United Methodist Church in recent years also have had repercussions in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, leaders serving on the executive committee of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say member churches have managed to preserve regional unity while strengthening their shared identity. The Rev. Gustavo Vásquez reports.  Read story United Methodist Communications Ministry supports jeepney drivers as fuel costs rise MANILA, Philippines — As fuel prices rise, jeepney drivers in the Philippines are feeling the strain, earning less as costs climb. Members of Wesley United Methodist Church are supporting these public transport drivers through the “Hapag sa Wesley” or “Wesley’s Table” ministry, which serves meals with compassion and care. Kyla Ragasa with UMC TV reports. Watch video Council of Bishops Voting rights decision sparks great concern WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops expresses concern about the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to deny protection to Section Two of the Voting Rights Act. “This decision carries grave implications for the protection of voting rights and the full political voice of Black, Brown and Indigenous communities across parts of the United States,” writes Council of Bishops President Ruben Saenz Jr. on behalf of the bishops. Read statement Read Church and Society statement Read Bishop Holston’s message ADVERTISEMENT Desert Southwest Conference Conference holds leave-taking service PHOENIX — The Desert Southwest Conference held a service of leave-taking to reflect on its Conference Center’s legacy and to bless the transition into a new season of ministry. Conference staff members have called the center home for about 33 years but now have moved to a remote-work model. Christina Dillabough reports. Read story Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign  Faith leaders decry attack on mosque SAN DIEGO — The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, which includes the United Methodist Council of Bishops and Board of Church and Society, has condemned the deadly violence committed at the Islamic Center of San Diego and joins in prayers for safety and healing. The multifaith coalition also denounces the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has been on the rise. Read statement Consultation on Common Texts Ecumenical group supports Festival of Creation DECATUR, Ga. — The Consultation on Common Texts, which drafts the lectionary used by United Methodist and other denominations’ churches, supports an ecumenical Festival of Creation. The group also made editorial changes in the alternative Scripture readings for Holy Week, Easter Season and early Pentecost. The new annual festival is set for Sept. 1, or the Sunday following Sept. 1.  Read press release UM News: Stopping anti-Judaism in lessons about Jesus ADVERTISEMENT UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. West Ohio Conference When grace came ashore at Ganghwa WORTHINGTON, Ohio — A century after Ohio Methodists helped plant the Gospel in Korea, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung reflects on how God transformed Ganghwa Island from a place of conflict into a testimony of grace, reconciliation and enduring mission. Read commentary Archives and History Video series explores Methodism, birth of US MADISON, N.J. —  A video series from the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History and the New York Conference explores Methodism and the birth of the United States as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. “From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic” reflects on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The free resource is designed for use by Sunday School classes, small groups, youth groups or individual study. Learn more Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News Mission school journeys toward climate justice Read story Photo by Paul Jeffrey, United Women in Faith Church women urged to resist authoritarianism Read story Thursday, May 21 Webinar: Practicing Compassion in a Hurting World Sunday, May 31 Peace with Justice Sunday More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos