RNS Morning Report - The Bible verses dividing DC

The Bible verses dividing Washington: How Matthew 25 became a political litmus test   Recently, Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, a Democrat and pastor of a prominent Black church, publicly questioned whether Speaker Mike Johnson’s Republican politics reflect his professed faith.   Johnson, a Southern Baptist from Louisiana, has described himself as a “Matthew 25 Christian,” referring to a biblical passage that features Jesus telling his followers a parable in which “all the nations” are judged by how they care for the “least of these.”   How, Warnock, told the New York Times, do you “say a long prayer, hold hands with your fellow legislators and then cut a trillion dollars out of Medicaid?”   RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins reports on how the brewing debate over Matthew 25 has been building, pitting mainline pastors, Black protestants and the pope against evangelical politicians put on the defensive amid outspoken religious criticisms of President Donald Trump’s policies.         Top Stories The Bible verses dividing Washington: How Matthew 25 became a political litmus test (RNS) — 'He told me that Matthew 25 was about individuals, and not nations,' Sen. Raphael Warnock said, referring to Speaker Mike Johnson. 'The text actually says nations.' Warnock added: “It's a very narrow individualistic faith, and I think it has consequences for the kind of policy you end up with.” PCUSA, American Academy of Religion call Gaza war a genocide (RNS) — The largest Presbyterian denomination in the US and the American Academy of Religion both referred to Israel's war in Gaza as genocide in new resolutions condemning the war. Strike on Kyiv cathedral highlights rush to preserve Ukrainian artifacts  (RNS) — The Ark for Ukraine project has brought three mobile labs in vans to Ukraine to help preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage by scanning archives of thousands of manuscripts, artifacts and even buildings to digitize them. Photos of the Week: Society of St. Pius X, Venezuela earthquake (RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes the traditionalist group Society of St. Pius X ordaining bishops, the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela and more. Opinion Texas should ask not whether to require Bible reading in schools — but why (RNS) — If the purpose is to teach students to read rich literary texts to better equip them to understand and appreciate literary and cultural traditions, then teaching key passages from the Bible is an excellent idea. Pope Leo, come to Silicon Valley (RNS) — Twice in the last 135 years, the actions of a pope sparked massive global changes that met the cultural moment. The AI race is another such moment to meet. Ryan Stollar taught survivors they mattered. He couldn’t always believe it for himself. (RNS) — Stollar, a child liberation theologian who fought for homeschooled kids, died by suicide this week. A fellow survivor on grief, legacy and what advocates owe themselves. ICYMI Leo urges SSPX to ‘turn back’ as breakaway traditionalists plan bishop consecrations VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV is urging the Society of St. Pius X to abandon plans to consecrate new bishops without papal approval, a move the Vatican warns would constitute a schismatic act. The showdown could end nearly two decades of cautious rapprochement between Rome and the traditionalist society, which has long occupied a liminal space between communion and rupture. Four key takeaways from Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Report (RNS) — The advisory commission’s 224-page draft report includes some controversial recommendations. 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 Religion News Service, All rights reserved.