Thursday, January 30, 2025

This Week in Religion - Springfield, Ohio's Haitian community faces deportation fears

Lead story

A Black man dressed in formal clothing stands with his arms outstretched and head tipped back in prayer. Behind him are other people gathered in the church.

Editor's note:

Many migrant communities across the U.S. have been unsettled by President Donald Trump’s promised migration crackdown. Among them, with a very specific reason for anxiety, are the 15,000 Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. They were dragged into the already heated immigration debate last year, after Trump falsely accused them of eating their neighbors' cats and dogs. Now − even though most of them migrated legally − they're fearful the crackdown will target them. The AP Religion Team’s Luis Andres Henao and Jessie Wardarski met with many community members on a recent trip to Springfield and attended a worship service at one of their churches. At the end of the service, the pastor knelt in prayer, flanked by the flags of Haiti and the United States. “I asked God to protect my people,” the Rev. Reginald Silencieux said afterward. “I prayed especially for the Haitian community, and I prayed for U.S.A. too.”

A banner with a headshot of David Crary and text that says, "David Crary, Religion News Director, The Associated Press."
 

Religion News

In congregations, fear, misinformation and preparation after ICE policy change

Facing misinformation and decreases in attendance, clergy whose congregations include immigrants are working to prepare their flocks for potential ICE raids while at worship. By Aleja Hertzler-McCain/Religion News Service

Vatican says sanctions still in effect against Opus Dei cardinal following sex abuse allegations

The Vatican said disciplinary sanctions are still in effect against the first-ever cardinal from Opus Dei following accusations of sexual abuse, confirming a series of restrictions against the once-powerful archbishop of Lima, Peru. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press

In this area’s matrilineal culture, women have taken on new responsibilities in Catholic churches in the region, acting as catechists, leading parish councils and shaping pastoral life as spiritual counselors. By Priyadarshini Sen/Religion News Service

Auschwitz survivors, world leaders and others gather to place candles at the Auschwitz memorial.

At Auschwitz memorial, survivors see echoes of the past in rising antisemitism

Auschwitz survivors warned of the rising antisemitism and hatred they are witnessing in the modern world as they gathered with world leaders and European royalty on the 80th anniversary of the death camp’s liberation. By Vanessa Gera/The Associated Press

State lawmakers are pushing for vaccine exemptions even as childhood vaccination rates fall 

Vaccination bills are popping up in more than 15 states as lawmakers aim to potentially resurrect or create new religious exemptions from immunization mandates. By Susan Haigh and Devi Shastri/The Associated Press

 

Commentary and Analysis

A scholar of medieval Christianity explores the history of Christians who spoke out, unafraid to risk official censure or even death. By Joanne M. Pierce for The Conversation

One year later, her name must never be forgotten. By Omar Suleiman/Religion News Service

When satire targets marginalized groups, it risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes rather than challenging them. By Armin Langer for The Conversation

In a short but poignant text from his best-known work, ‘Summa Theologiae,’ Aquinas explained his views on venerating relics. By Therese Cory for The Conversation

 
Shrine parishioners throw cold water on themselves. They are shirtless and look startled by the cold water.

Shrine parishioners throw ice-cold water on themselves during the annual cold-endurance festival at Kanda Myojin Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, a traditional Japanese way of purifying their soul and praying for their health in the new year. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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