RNS Morning Report - The top religion news stories of 2025

Good morning, Friend. Today is the final day of our year-end fundraising for our nonprofit newsroom.  For more than 90 years, Religion News Service has reported on how faith and belief shape public life — work that remains thoughtful, independent, and free to read and share because readers like you choose to support it.   If this coverage matters to you, now is the moment to act. Gifts of any amount made before 11:59 p.m. ET tonight are being matched, doubling their impact and helping carry this reporting into the year ahead.  Now, on to today's Morning Report. Top Stories The top religion news stories of 2025 (RNS) — Last year’s most read, most shared and most likely, in the eyes of RNS’ editors, to shape the year ahead. Acting ACNA archbishop faced claims of financial misconduct prior to current role (RNS) — Bishop Julian Dobbs was reportedly cleared of the claims that he misused tens of thousands of dollars. Richard Smallwood, contemporary gospel musician known for ‘Total Praise,’ dies at 77 (RNS) — His hit song ‘Total Praise’ was included in the group Destiny’s Child’s  a capella “Gospel Medley,” performed by a cantor at New York’s Carnegie Hall and sung by a choir when President Barack Obama welcomed Pope Francis to the White House. Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85 SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — He was the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve after President Dallin H. Oaks, making him next in line to lead the church under a long-established succession plan. Opinion The non-Christian purpose of Trump’s Christmas present to the Nigerians (RNS) — The United States goes to war with Christian identity as cover. Reform Judaism’s Wide Open Doors – A Conversation With Rabbi Rick Jacobs (RNS) — Sometimes, all you really do need is love. A very big love. ICYMI As a year of two popes ends, Catholics and the world watch as Leo takes charge VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Catholic world is keenly watching to see how the more reflective Leo will step out of the shadow of his often disruptive predecessor. 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 - A New Year Message

A New Year Message from Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain – General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA Hebrews 13:8 NIV - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Dear Beloved followers of Christ, As we step into a new year together as American Baptists, we do so with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and with hope for the future. This past year has brought both joys and challenges across our churches, communities, and world. Yet in every season, God has remained present—calling, sustaining, and guiding us by the Spirit. We rejoice that Christ continues to invite us to follow Him more closely. In the coming year, may we renew our commitment to walk in the way of Jesus—in our worship and witness, our workplaces and neighborhoods, our homes and congregations. May this year deepen our sense of belonging to one another, inspiring us to listen well, serve humbly, and stand together in love and justice. As we share life, ministry, and mission, may our fellowship bear witness to the reconciling power of the Gospel. May we trust that Christ is at work bringing restoration—to hearts, families, churches, and communities. Let our congregations be places where healing is nurtured through compassion, forgiveness, hospitality, and hope. Our world knows the weight of division, grief, and hurt, and many of us carry our own burdens and wounds. As 2026 begins, may the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, the joy of the Lord strengthen you, and the love of God overflow through you. Together, as American Baptists, may we follow Jesus faithfully, care for one another deeply, and participate in God’s healing work in our congregations and across the world. Happy New Year from the American Baptist Churches USA. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain General Secretary American Baptist Churches USA

American Baptist Churches USA | P.O. Box 851 | Valley Forge, PA 19482 US

byFaith Magazine - Keeping the PCA Informed and Connected

Keeping the PCA Informed and Connected By Andy Jones  Your generosity enables byFaith to share what God is doing in and through the PCA.  READ NOW

An Update on Presbytery Votes to Proposed BCO Changes By Megan Fowler The 52nd General Assembly approved 13 proposed changes to the PCA Book of Church Order. READ NOW The Most Important Mission By Tom Gibbs A message delivered by Tom Gibbs at the recent funeral of astronaut Jim Lovell. READ NOW The Word’s Beginning By Sarah Reardon A poem reflecting on the wonder of Christ's birth. READ NOW Jesus as our Everlasting Father By Josh Harp Christ's title of everlasting Father should be a source of confidence and comfort for Christians. READ NOW

AROUND THE WEB How the West Became Pagan—Again God hasn’t been removed from the picture; he’s been relocated. Where did God go? The Light of Life   Joni Eareckson Tada’s Advent reflection on this dark-become-light season. Trading TikTok for Time with God—and Each Other Some young Christians embrace lower-tech options. Clean Words and Clean Witness What a profile of budget director Russell Vought teaches us about Christian witness. FOLLOW  |  DONATE  |  DAILY DEVOTIONAL