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

Copyright © 2025 RNS, All rights reserved.