RNS Morning Report - Pastor films as masked federal agents arrest Iranian Christian asylum-seekers in LA

Top Stories Pastor films as masked federal agents arrest Iranian Christian asylum-seekers in LA (RNS) — The arrests sparked angst in the community and have concerned advocates of Iranian Christians who’ve fled persecution from the Islamic regime.   At memorial, friends mourn loss of Jennifer Lyell, SBC whistleblower and publishing exec NASHVILLE (RNS) — Jennifer Lyell, who lost her Christian publishing career after accusing a Southern Baptist professor and missionary of abuse, died earlier this month at age 47.   JVP Chicago members attempt indefinite fast to draw attention to Gaza starvation crisis CHICAGO (RNS) — The strikers said they will continue to fast until their demands are met or their bodies give out.   In rare move, Catholic leaders issue dueling letters criticizing GOP budget bill (RNS) — The US Conference of Catholic Bishops took a firm but mixed approach to the bill, while other Catholic leaders signed an interfaith letter asking senators to oppose the bill.   RNS Opinion Mormon women are finally allowed to wear sleeveless tops. Here’s why some are grieving. (RNS) — The church taught these women they were making a holy sacrifice by covering their shoulders. Now they are confused because showing shoulders is suddenly fine.   Humanitarian aid is an interfaith, bipartisan American value we have to restore (RNS) — The sudden reduction in humanitarian aid by the Trump administration has had devastating consequences that will only grow over time.   ICYMI Pew study finds Trump gained with Catholics, nonwhite Protestants in 2024 (RNS) — The president won over a majority of Protestants and Catholics. He did much better among Hispanic and Asian Protestants.   80 years after the Holocaust, Jewish circus returns to Germany (RNS) — ‘For the longest time, Jews couldn’t just hold any job that they wanted,’ said scholar Stav Meishar. ‘ … Show business was one of the only jobs they were allowed to hold because it was perceived as something lowly.’ In Other News Supreme Court rules in favor of religious parents against LGBTQ+ books US Catholic school fires teacher after husband’s obituary reveals his marriage to a man   Depend on our reporting? Help us out! As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. You can support this work! 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