RNS Morning Report - Rev. William Barber takes up Mike Johnson's challenge to debate immigration theology

The Rev. William Barber joins the Complexified podcast to talk about his latest campaign to refocus U.S. politics on the needs — and the votes — of the poor. "You will not undermine authoritarianism from D.C. down," said Barber, but in "micro-organizing at the county level. You turn out 1,500 votes per county more than normally vote," said Barber, "and it shifts everything." Listen to a conversation with Barber, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, as he launches his "Love Forward Together" campaign, his latest moral march for change.    Top Stories Rev. William Barber takes up Mike Johnson’s challenge to debate immigration theology (RNS) — Barber made the challenge during a Thursday (Feb. 5) interview for 'Complexified,' a Religion News Service podcast created in partnership with Iliff Institute for Religion, Politics & Culture. The episode will be released Monday. At his installation, New York Archbishop Hicks commits to missionary church NEW YORK (RNS) — At his installation Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Hicks made two things crystal clear: that he seeks to lead a church that will, at its heart, be missionary, and that Latinos will not remain at the peripheries of his ministry. Minneapolis Native communities fight fear of ICE with traditional ritual and prayer   (RNS) — On Sunday (Feb. 1), a group of dancers in dresses affixed with metal noisemakers performed an Ojibwe traditional healing dance known as the jingle dress dance to the heartbeat of a leather drum in downtown Minneapolis.  ‘Time Hoppers’ movie a first for Muslims on the animated big screen (RNS) — 'The industry is recognizing Muslims as a big and important segment of the overall population, and also one that has purchasing power to go to the movies,' said Michael Milo, the film’s co-producer. At Mamdani’s interfaith breakfast, NY clergy condemn Trump’s immigration crackdown NEW YORK (RNS) — During the event, Mamdani signed an executive order to prevent US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering city property without a judicial warrant. Judge orders musician to halt ‘defamatory statements’ about COGIC (RNS) — The judge said the predominantly Black Pentecostal denomination is likely to be able to demonstrate that the defendant exhibited ‘reckless disregard' for the truth. Opinion Bret Stephens is helping Jews reconsider what we should care about (RNS) — The New York Times columnist had a paradoxical, and even playful, response to antisemitism that might surprise you. Mike Johnson’s biblical defense of US border policy ignores the Bible’s stance on power (RNS) — Christian Scripture must be read alongside Israel’s long experience of exile, Jesus’ execution by the state and the New Testament’s recurring suspicion of imperial power. ICYMI Mamdani taps liberal NY Jewish leader to run antisemitism office (RNS) — Her appointment comes as Mamdani faces criticism for revoking the city administration’s adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition. As universities shutter DEI offices, progressive Christian groups open their doors (RNS) — Several of these groups are connected with ZOE, an emerging network of progressive Christian student ministries. 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 © 2026 RNS, All rights reserved.