RNS Morning Report - Oklahoma mosque blocked; Renee Good named a martyr; Ugandan elections

Top Stories Oklahoma mosque project voted down after weeks of anti-Muslim pushback, zoning debate (RNS) — Over 1,000 people packed a nearly four-hour-long Broken Arrow City Council meeting on Jan. 12, which ended with a council vote of 4-1 to stymie the project. Renee Good was a martyr for her faith, like MLK, say Presbyterians (RNS)— The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness, part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), says Good is part of ‘a sacred lineage of faithful witnesses who have risked and lost their lives in defense of human dignity.’ Faith leaders are denied access to immigration detainees in Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS (RNS) — The question of offering pastoral care to immigrant detainees has become a theological and legal flashpoint since President Donald Trump launched his mass deportation effort last year. As Uganda approaches a tense presidential election, faith leaders urge fairness, peace KAMPALA, Uganda (RNS) — With opposition crackdowns and allegations of rigging clouding the Jan. 15 elections, religious leaders are telling voters to reject violence and trust faith amid uncertainty. In Pittsburgh, pro-immigrant interfaith efforts emerge amid concerns about ICE PITTSBURGH (RNS) — On Fridays, a group of interfaith believers holds a vigil outside the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office, where over 800 people have been held amid the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts. Opinion The Jackson synagogue fire began centuries ago (RNS) — The arson suspect spoke of ‘the synagogue of Satan,’ according to an affidavit. The phrase draws on a very old, hateful tradition. What is Christian Reconstructionism − and why it matters in US politics (The Conversation) — Christian Reconstructionism, a little-known movement to rebuild society on biblical law, can often shape US debates over religion, politics and education. ICYMI USCCB President Paul Coakley meets with Trump, Vance at White House (RNS) — It was the first time a US president has met with the president of the Catholic bishops’ conference in nearly a decade.  Suspect in Jackson synagogue fire confesses; congregation determined to rebuild (RNS) — Stephen Spencer Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive. 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

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