RNS Morning Report - White Christian clergy running for Congress as Democrats face skeptics in their own party

Top Stories White Christian clergy running for Congress as Democrats face skeptics in their own party (RNS) — At least six white clergy and one seminarian — some from evangelical Christian backgrounds and others from mainline Protestant denominations — have declared to run as Democrats in 2026. Why do some people stay in their religion and others leave? A new Pew report has some clues. (RNS) — Americans who had a good experience as children were likely to keep their faith. Those with bad experiences left, according to a new study from Pew Research Center. Pope Leo’s first Vatican Christmas crèche carries message of peace VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As the Vatican unveils its crèches, Pope Leo XIV marks his first Christmas with a calmer tone and a forceful call against antisemitic violence. Undeterred by Sydney attack, Chabad defiantly celebrates Hanukkah around the world (RNS) — Chabad, the international Hasidic Jewish movement that held the Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, often bears the brunt of antisemitic attacks. That's because in the Jewish world, it is boldly public facing. Opinion You can’t deal your way to peace on earth. Trump should know that by now. (RNS) — Trump claims he's a peacemaker. The death toll tells a different story. How a niche Catholic approach to infertility treatment became a new talking point for MAHA conservatives (The Conversation) — Mainstream medical organizations have criticized ‘restorative reproductive medicine,’ but some Catholics who follow church teachings consider it a welcome alternative. ICYMI DHS threatens Sister Norma Pimentel’s migrant aid with 6-year funding ban (RNS) — 'I take very seriously every single dollar entrusted to us,' said Pimentel in a statement responding to the DHS accusations, which included providing migrant services beyond the federal limit. Jim Caviezel of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ to play Jair Bolsonaro in 2026 biopic (RNS) — Bolsonaro, who rose to power with the support of Brazilian evangelicals, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In Other News Nativity smashed, Mary figure ‘beaten’ at Evanston church: ‘God’s on the side of the vulnerable’ ‘They’re trying to get rich off it’: US contractors vie to rebuild Gaza, with ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ team in the lead 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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Living Lutheran Weekly Email Digest

LL Stories December 16, 2025 Prayer ventures: Dec. 16 Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource “Prayer ventures,” which can be downloaded here. These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer … continue God’s love knows no bounds Editor’s note: This reflection is part of a series by chaplains in the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) about the ways in which God is at work on NECU campuses. Benedict … continue My take: We are called as Lutherans For some Americans, it may be easy to think that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in July, will not affect us. But ELCA members should … continue

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E-ssentials: Prayers for the Bondi Beach Tragedy, Hope for the New Year, and more

Shooting at Hanukkah Event Denounced; Prayers for all Jewish Communities [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   God of life and hope, console all who mourn.  May they feel the comfort of your presence. For those overwhelmed by fear,  grant your peace and the assurance of community solidarity. May we resist the forces that exploit, dehumanize, and marginalize, and defend the dignity of every human being.  Let fierce love combat hate, and violence be overcome, so your light of peace shines ever bright. We pray to the Holy who has many names. Amen.   As the death toll continues to mount from the horrific shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, we continue in prayer for the dead, grieving family members, communities, and those recovering, as well as the first responders, health workers, and all who were witness to this event, described as terrorism by the Australian police.  We lift prayers at this holy time for the whole of the Jewish community in Australia, globally, and here in Canada, recognizing the fear communities feel as they continue to mark the Hanukkah season—a festival of light, resilience, and hope. Read the full news story. Read the full news story The Moderator's New Year's Address! [Image credit: Dreamstime]   Start the year off right! On January 6th, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET, join The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Moderator, for a transformative New Year’s address. The theme is Epiphany. Executive Minister Jennifer Henry and the Growth team, including Rev. Cameron Fraser (Director of Growth and Ministry Development), and Emo Yango (Growth Coordinator), will offer insights into Toward 2035 and introduce new Communities of Faith.  This event is live interpreted.  Register Today! Toward 2035 Strategy Resources Now Available [Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]   Toward 2035 (T2035) is a hopeful, church-wide strategy designed to guide us toward a future that is resilient, inspired, and diverse. This strategy is grounded in the truth of our emerging reality and compelled by our continued call to discipleship. Key Engagement and New Materials Strategy Development: As a whole-church strategy, T2035 has engaged leadership—elected and staff, national and regional—across the country. Over 3,000 people have already been involved in initial presentations and workshops, and Councils at all levels are beginning to build aligned strategies and plans. Resources for Communities of Faith: To include people in the pews in this vital conversation, a new resource page has been developed. It currently features: A video message and call to prayer from the Moderator. Small group resources designed to introduce the T2035 framework. Prayer materials. Next Steps: An equivalent resource page will be available on Église Unie. Future resources will be developed to help Communities of Faith (COFs) engage with this ongoing invitation to look strategically toward the future. We are moving together toward the future we believe is possible with God's help. Please share these new resources widely. Learn more about Towards 2035 How One House in Korea Transformed The United Church of Canada  [Image credit: Korea Heritage Service]   As part of The United Church of Canada's 100th anniversary, we are reflecting on a moment that reshaped us and our global partnerships. In 1974, the United Church transferred a mission house in Seoul to the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). What began as a difficult conversation about ownership and power became a courageous act of decolonizing mission.  The house soon became an underground seminary during dictatorship and a centre for Minjung theology—a Korean liberation theology rooted in the struggle for democracy and human rights. PROK still cherishes the building, now a protected historic site.  Watch the new centennial video to learn how this act of generosity transformed both churches: “How One House in Korea Transformed The United Church of Canada.”  Read the blog Discipleship Group Leaders: Join Collective 2026! [Image credit: Photo by Min An/Pexels]   Called to lead and guide youth or young adults in faith and conversation? We invite you to apply to become a Discipleship Group Leader at Collective 2026! This unique role involves helping participants explore the theme, (em)brace for impact, rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus. As a leader, you will: Facilitate discussions based on scripture, reflection, creative expression, and authentic conversation. Be placed in diverse groups by stream, experiencing voices from across Canada. What You Need to Know Preparation: You will receive the curriculum in advance and participate in a required online pre-event session (spring 2026) and onsite training before the event. Ready to Embrace this Calling? Fill out this application. Reach out to your denominational lead via the email listed on the form. We can't wait to see you at Collective 2026! Apply to become a Discipleship Group Leader Be Bold, Be Generous, and Care for Those Most In Need [Image credit: Lightstock.com]   The youth of our church are leading us forward.  This summer, at our General Council meeting, they shared a vision of a church that is courageous, outward-looking, and committed to real change—a church that spends its gifts where they matter most. Their challenge to us is clear: be bold, be generous, and care for those most in need. This Advent, your gift to Mission and Service supports exactly that—from nurturing young leaders to standing with vulnerable communities in Canada and around the world.  Let’s follow their lead and turn generosity into action. Learn more and make a gift today. Make a Gift Today! United Church Bookstore: Secure Your 2026 Church Calendars Before It's Too Late! [Image credit: Lightstock.com]   Last call for 2026 Canadian Church Calendars! Don't miss out on this essential, bilingual planning tool for tracking all church seasons and lectionary dates, featuring beautiful photos of United Churches across Canada. Order in bulk to save! 10% off when you order a minimum of 10 calendars 15% off when you order a minimum of 25 calendars 20% off when you order a minimum of 50 calendars Discounts will automatically apply to qualifying carts. Get your copy today from the United Church Bookstore.   Order a 2026 Canadian Church Calendar! Worship Resources See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025 Christmas - December 25, 2025 First after Christmas - December 28, 2025 New Year's Day - January 1, 2026 Celebrate Epiphany - January 4, 2026 For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca. Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding! Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

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