RNS Morning Report - A church-made app that protects immigrants

Inside a Brooklyn church where immigration activism is the Gospel In February, RNS National Reporter Fiona André began covering interfaith vigils held outside a federal prison in Brooklyn that houses ICE detainees. Over the next few months, André reported on the church behind the effort, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, attending services and vigils. The majority-immigrant church, led by a former Catholic priest who immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s, has vowed to continue supporting immigrant communities throughout New York City. “It’s something truly beautiful,” Silvia Feliz, a caregiver from the Dominican Republic and a church member, told RNS in a recent interview in Spanish. “The priest preaches about love for others, and it’s not just that he preaches it; he actually practices it.” As the Trump administration steps up its mass deportation efforts, Good Shepherd is also innovating to protect congregants through an encrypted app that connects volunteers and immigrant families. Read André’s reporting on their efforts.         Top Stories Inside a Brooklyn church where immigration activism is the gospel (RNS) — From encrypted apps to legal clinics: How an immigrant-majority church is responding to protect its congregation. SBC leaders called an abuse crisis a hoax. Abuse survivors want an apology. (RNS) — In an open letter, a group of survivors and advocates say that comments by SBC President Willy Rice and Texas pastor Jack Graham make it harder to address the issue of abuse in churches. How a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace thrust a Texas monk and his rescue dog into the spotlight LOS ANGELES (AP) — Within weeks, the Walk for Peace had propelled this obscure monk into the spotlight as a leading voice for inner peace and unity in an increasingly divided nation. Opinion Pope Leo doesn’t mess around (RNS) — Pope Leo is someone who can't be pushed around. Purity culture backlash over a comedian exposes fear of theological scrutiny (RNS) — Millions of Christians have been programmed to the point of nervous system-level discomfort to avoid cultural taboos as though divinely established, yet feel no such conviction about the things Jesus is recorded as saying are his priorities. ICYMI How Andy Burnham’s religious roots shaped Britain’s first Catholic-born prime minister (RNS) — Back in 2009, Burnham recalled that important influences on him were, in order: the Everton FC soccer team, the Labour Party and the Catholic Church. With voting rights in mind, Progressive National Baptists head to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'The Supreme Court, not too far from here, decided that it was OK for Black folks to not deserve representation in Congress,' said its social justice commission co-chair. 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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