RNS Morning Report - Minnesota faith groups sue DHS over access to immigrant detainees

On Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18), clergy brought ashes and said Mass for detainees at ICE facilities from New Jersey to California. But in Minneapolis, faith leaders have sued to get inside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, where immigrants have been held. Their suit, like another filed in Illinois claims the lack of access violates the clergy members' religious freedom. "Pastoral care is the heart and soul of what our Pastors and Deacons are called to provide," said Bishop Jen Nagel, a local Lutheran leader. Top Stories Minnesota faith groups sue DHS over access to immigrant detainees (RNS) — It's at least the second lawsuit challenging the federal government's policy of barring faith leaders from accessing some DHS facilities. From Diwali parties to daily puja: Hindu campus houses push for deeper faith practice (RNS) — The Vivekananda House, a Hindu student center across eight U.S. college campuses, is contributing, says students, to 'a major push in how Hindus are represented on campus.' Prayer app Hallow faces backlash over Lenten partnership with Tucker Carlson (RNS) — Some Christian users said they planned to stop using Hallow because of its partnership with Carlson, while others praised the collaboration. Multiple users called for boycotts of the app and other sponsors. The bones of St. Francis are going on public display, a mixed blessing for Assisi ASSISI, Italy (AP) — Already, nearly 400,000 people have registered to pray before the relics and Stoppini estimates the number could well reach a half-million before the bones go back into their tomb March 22. Opinion Before we stand on empathy, let’s decide what we mean by it (RNS) — Most Americans believe empathy is foundational to a healthy society. But are we willing to do the hard work empathy requires? Notre Dame professor’s appointment pits academic freedom against bishops’ authority (RNS) — Who ultimately defines the boundaries of acceptable academic discourse within a Catholic institution? ICYMI Cardinal Dolan says Vance apologized for claiming bishops were pro-immigrant for the money (RNS) — Despite Dolan’s condemnation of Vance’s comments, he said in the EWTN interview that Vance is 'a very good guy. I enjoy him a lot.' Hegseth frames Trump policies as ‘biblical’ in address to Christian broadcasters NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — During an address at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, the defense secretary told attendees that President Donald Trump is fighting for their faith and returning America to its Christian foundations. 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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