Tuesday, June 17, 2025

RNS Morning Report - New Pew report shows Catholicism's deep roots and dire challenges in US life

RNS Morning Report



Top Stories

New Pew report shows Catholicism’s deep roots and dire challenges in US life

(RNS) — While reporting relatively low levels of attendance at Mass, almost half of US adults (47%) say they have a personal or family relationship to Catholicism, a new Pew Research Center survey finds.
 

Supreme Court order gives religious organizations new chance to challenge New York abortion rule

The justices acted after the court unanimously ruled earlier in June that Wisconsin discriminated against a Catholic charity by forcing it to pay state unemployment taxes.
 

Meet the gay millennial priest on a mission to pull the Episcopal Church out of ‘free fall’

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio (RNS) — The Rev. Charles Graves IV is part of a younger, more diverse generation of Episcopal priests who believes the denomination can thrive — as long as it continues to evolve.
 

What church do you attend? Maybe more than one, survey finds

(RNS) — Overall, besides worship services, participation in other religious activities and programs has increased or remained the same in the last five years.

 

 

RNS Opinion

The LDS historical department just published an 1886 polygamy revelation

(RNS) — After denying that the 1886 pro-polygamy 'Taylor revelation' existed, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quietly published it on Saturday.
 

Conflicted, disillusioned, disengaged: The unsettled center of Jewish student opinion after Oct. 7

(The Conversation) — Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the ensuing war, some Jewish students have been vocal about support for Israel or for Palestinians. But many more have views that don’t fit into ‘either/or’ categories.

 

ICYMI

At Sox’ stadium Mass, Chicago celebrates Pope Leo XIV, its native son

(RNS) — Cardinal Blase Cupich spoke on immigration and the undocumented in his ‘Sermon on the Mound.’
 

At Philadelphia’s ‘No Kings’ protest, faith leaders urge crowd to ‘rebuke hate’

PHILADELPHIA (RNS) — In a city known as the cradle of American democracy, an impassioned, hourslong protest filled the streets for a ‘No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance.’

In Other News

 

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E-ssentials: Action and Affirmation for Pride 2025, Get Ready for GC45, and more!

Pride Month: Action and Affirmation

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

As we hit the halfway point of Pride Month 2025, The United Church of Canada continues to proudly be in solidarity with 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, affirming everyone's sacred worth and dignity.

There's still time to get involved! Join our Love, Faith and Bold Action letter-writing campaign to urge the Canadian government to uphold and advance the rights of gender-diverse, 2S, and LGBTQIA+ people globally. Your voice makes a difference.

Also, watch and share the Moderator's 2025 Pride Message. Moderator Carmen Lansdowne's powerful message highlights "A Place at the Table"—our ongoing campaign welcoming absolutely everyone to The United Church of Canada's table.

Visit our website to learn more about these campaigns and how you can get involved. Let's keep making this Pride Month a time of both celebration and meaningful action!

Take Action for Pride 2025

Regional Councils Celebrate 100 Years of The United Church of Canada

From coast to coast, all 16 Regional Councils came together to mark the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada! Watch these inspiring one-minute video tributes from the heart of our local communities of faith, highlighting the vital role these regions play in carrying out the church's work. It's a testament to the enduring spirit and connections that have defined our church for 100 years.
Watch and Download the video!

Act Now for Peace in Gaza: Your Faith Calls You to Justice!

[Image credit: Jeffrey / Act Alliance]
 

Our faith compels us to act for a just and lasting peace in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to demand an immediate end to the starvation of Gaza. Women’s Voice for Gaza remind us “This is our kairos moment—a time pregnant with divine possibility amid unspeakable suffering.”

Throughout June, The United Church of Canada invites and encourages communities of faith to:

• Pray for Palestinians and Israelis resisting the Israeli government’s genocidal acts on Gaza
• Consider A Fast for Gaza, for up to 40 days
• Call for Canada to impose comprehensive sanctions on the Israel government–join the daily calls to Members of Parliament
• Join the World Council of Churches Campaign to Stop Annexation, End the Occupation: Pave a Path for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel (even beyond June 11!)

It will take all of our efforts to get the Government of Canada to take action. Please act and share this call to solidarity.

Act Now for Just Peace in Gaza

General Council 45 Livestream Agenda and Calendar of Events!

 

Join us for General Council 45 (GC45) of The United Church of Canada, where the future of our church takes shape! As the denomination's key decision-making body, the General Council is responsible for vital matters of doctrine, worship, governance, and public witness.

While the full General Council gathers, we invite you to be part of this significant event by tuning into our livestreamed sessions. Witness the discussions, decisions, and spirit of our church community from wherever you are.

The Constitution of GC45 livestream is happening this Sunday, June 22 at 4:00 p.m. ET . Don't miss this opportunity to stay up to date with the visionaries and dreamers of GC45 as they convene online for their opening worship, procedural motions, and the introduction of ecumenical and global guests.
 
Review the full GC45 livestream agenda and calendar of events at GeneralCouncil.ca/Calendar.

View the GC45 Calendar and Livestream

The United Church Bookstore: Gear Up for General Council 45!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

Want to sport some special General Council 45 gear? You're in luck! We've got some fantastic branded merchandise available for purchase.

Get your hands on a commemorative t-shirt, a handy tote bag, a cozy ceramic mug, or a sleek stainless steel water bottle.
 
Order your items today at the United Church Bookstore.

Get GC45 Merchandise Today!

40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism Returns in Fall 2025

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

The United Church's 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism program returns this October, offering practical learning, prayers, and actionable ideas for congregations. Designed by United Church members, this year introduces new short videos for worship and social media, focusing on congregational engagement and "Toward 2035." A series of online events will also be available on CHURCHx and social media. While typically running from after Thanksgiving to Advent, you can explore this impactful program at any time; sign up for the anti-racism newsletter to stay informed. 

Read the full news story
Sign up for the Anti-Racism Newsletter

Mission and Service Stories: Gathering to Remember, Reconnect, and Renew

[Image credit: Mamawe Ota Askihk]
 

The 2023 Mamawe Ota Askihk gathering, supported by your Mission and Service gifts, created a sacred space for Indigenous children, youth, and families. Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, 31 participants reconnected with culture, language, and one another through hands-on workshops, powerful ceremonies like sweat lodges, and vibrant evenings around the sacred fire.

With the crucial involvement of the Neechi Youth Camp, the gathering fostered deep intergenerational connections and profound healing, reminding participants they are connected and not alone. Your generosity through Mission and Service makes this vital cultural renewal possible.

Read the full Mission and Service Story

Structural Change Evaluation: Your Input Is Vital

[Image credit: Creedence & Co.]
 

In 2019, The United Church undertook a significant restructuring, moving from four courts to three councils. Now, five years later, we're evaluating this change against its original goals.

A survey has been sent to all pastoral charges (for Board/Council completion), ministry personnel, and relevant regional and General Council staff. We've engaged Credence and Co. to ensure anonymous and unbiased data collection and analysis.

While the survey doesn't include a comments section due to cost, your input is crucial. If you haven't received it, please check your junk mail and ensure your ChurchHub email is correct. The survey closes on June 22, 2025, so please respond promptly.

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Trinity Sunday - June 15, 2025
Indigenous Day of Prayer - June 15, 2025
UN World Refugee Day - June 20, 2025
Second after Pentecost - June 22, 2025
Canadian Multiculturalism Day - June 27, 2025
Third after Pentecost - June 29, 2025

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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