RNS Morning Report - The Christian DNA of suspected White House Correspondents’ dinner shooter

The Bible verses quoted in the shooter's manifesto In the manifesto reportedly sent to family members moments before he attempted to storm past security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening, Cole Tomas Allen thanked his “family, both personal and church,” for their love. While President Donald Trump characterized the manifesto as “anti-Christian,” RNS reporter Kathryn Post was curious about Allen’s religious connections — and whether they might reveal anything further about the would-be assassin’s worldview. She found that Allen’s family ties to a theologically conservative Reformed church, involvement in a Christian student ministry and social media posts condemning Christian hypocrisy hint at his complex faith background.   “Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed,” Allen wrote in the manifesto. “I’m not a schoolkid blown up or a child starved or a teenage girl abused by the many criminals in this administration.” Read the full report below. Top Stories The Christian DNA of suspected White House Correspondents’ dinner shooter (RNS) — President Donald Trump described the would-be assassin as anti-Christian. The evidence hints at a complex faith background. Dallas pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts recovering, ‘almost paralyzed’ in accident (RNS) — ‘One disc up or one disc lower, and this would’ve been a different testimony,’ she said on social media. New imaging uncovers hidden text in ancient Christian manuscript (RNS) — The discovery offers insight into how early Christians read and understood Scripture — and provides a point of connection for contemporary Christians. Lebanon resident recognizes family crucifix smashed by Israeli soldier in viral image BEIRUT (AP) — The images of the soldier swinging an ax into the fallen statue of Jesus on the cross in the southern Lebanese village of Debel had sparked widespread condemnation, in Lebanon and internationally. Opinion When it comes to war and peace, you get what you pay for (RNS) — It’s time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional power of the purse and answer the growing public call: Enough is enough. As Quebec’s secularism laws threaten religious identities, Ontario schools embrace them (RNS) — Quebec's secularism laws, which include banning wearing religious symbols and faith-based accommodations in public schools, were up for debate in a four-day hearing at the Supreme Court of Canada. ICYMI Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report ATLANTA (RNS) — Researchers from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research said the median congregation grew from 65 in 2020 to about 70 today. That is not enough to erase earlier declines, but it is noteworthy. Two new books reveal secrets, alliances behind Pope Leo’s election (RNS) — Two new books reveal insight around the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, tracing the alliances, rivalries and quiet maneuvering that shaped the first American papacy. 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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