RNS Morning Report - New Jersey church threatened by eminent domain gets a reprieve – for now

Top Stories New Jersey church threatened by eminent domain gets a reprieve – for now (RNS) — Church leaders and Mayor Dan Rodrick have been at odds for months over the future of the property.   Evangelical legal group asks Supreme Court to overturn same-sex marriage ruling (RNS) — ‘We think that it’s not a matter of if, but just a matter of when, the Supreme Court will overrule Obergefell,’ said Mathew Staver, head of Liberty Counsel.   Amid trial crisis, ACNA pushes forward with clergy misconduct overhaul (RNS) — For some, the turbulence of the ongoing church trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch highlights the weight of reforms seeking to push the church toward a clearer, more comprehensive process.   Palestinian death toll in Israel-Hamas war passes 60,000, Gaza Health Ministry says DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Experts warned Tuesday that the territory of about 2 million Palestinians is on the brink of famine after Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of security have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver aid.   RNS Opinion Years of impunity against Jewish extremist terror have created a monster (RNS) — Impunity, not justice, remains the rule.   Should clergy call the cops? (RNS) — Respecting the confidentiality of confession does not mean taking no action.   ICYMI Belmont University conducts review after DEI complaints from MAGA pols (RNS) — Belmont University has been accused by Trump supporters of violating the president’s ban on DEI programs.   Well-known Palestinian activist committed to nonviolence killed by an Israeli settler (RNS) — Awdah Hathaleen, who worked as an English teacher, was a beloved leader in his community’s nonviolent resistance. In June, he was denied entry to the U.S. on a speaking engagement. In Other News LA archdiocese to deliver food and medication to parishioners homebound due to Ice raids Cherry Vann becomes UK’s first female archbishop after election in Wales   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

RNS Weekly Digest: Fourth group of religious organizations sues US over ICE raids at churches

Fourth group of religious organizations sues US over ICE raids at churches

A group of Christian denominations and organizations filed a lawsuit on Monday (July 28) against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem over the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a policy discouraging immigration raids at houses of worship, the fourth such suit to be brought on the question of arrests made at so-called “sensitive locations.” In the past, immigration enforcement actions at churches were discouraged by a 2011 internal government memo that advised against raids at sensitive locations, such as houses of worship, schools and hospitals. But Trump did away with the policy shortly after taking office, which faith groups argue in their suit “is not just harmful and un-American” but also “violates federal law,” citing both freedom of assembly guaranteed under the First Amendment as well as rights outlined by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. “For Plaintiffs and their members, the present threat of surveillance, interrogation, or arrest at their houses of worship means, among other things, fewer congregants participating in communal worship; a diminished ability to provide or participate in religious ministries; and interference with their ability to fulfill their religious mandates, including their obligations to welcome all comers to worship and not to put any person in harm’s way,” the complaint reads.  Religion &Politics Well-known Palestinian activist committed to nonviolence killed by an Israeli settler Belmont University conducts review after DEI complaints from MAGA pols House Chaplain Margaret Kibben on what makes military chaplaincy important Photos of the Week: Saint festival in feathers, Army chaplains Representatives from across the U.S. Army Chaplains Corps attend an event at Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, Friday, July 25, 2025. The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps celebrated its 250th birthday on July 29, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser/Arlington National Cemetery) In Opinion Why government support for religion doesn't necessarily make people more religious Looking for common ground in the Gaza war Aretha Franklin and the Apostle Paul agree: Sing! And finally, US military chaplaincy marks 250 years of providing spiritual support to service members In 1775, a year before there was a United States and six weeks after the Continental Army was formed, George Washington made a declaration that has shaped the military ever since. “We need chaplains,” he reportedly remarked, prompting action by the Continental Congress near the start of the Revolutionary War. The U.S. military chaplaincy will mark 250 years on Tuesday (July 29), as the national military marked its own 250th anniversary in June. A week of celebrations includes a golf tournament at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, hosted by an organization raising funds for scholarships for family members of chaplains, and a sold-out ball nearby in Columbia. Meanwhile, across the globe, thousands of clergy in uniform continue to provide counsel and care to military members of a range of faiths or no faith. Support our responsible reporting on religion Forward this newsletter to a friend Make a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit newsroom here Or mail us a check: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205 Email membership@religionnews.com with a news tip or a comment Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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