RNS Morning Report - Feds surveilled anti-ICE churches

 

DHS, probing anti-ICE activists, spied on at least five Midwest churches, court records indicate   Federal agents surveilled at least five churches in Minnesota and Michigan as part of an investigation into activists opposing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to newly revealed court filings, RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins found.   The revelations have alarmed faith leaders — but they haven’t silenced them. Instead, pastors and congregations say the surveillance has reinforced their commitment to immigrant advocacy and caring for vulnerable neighbors.   “We don’t hide the fact that we care about our neighbors,” First Universalist Church pastor Jen Crow told Jenkins. “There’s nothing that the government’s going to do that’s going to make us too scared to care for our neighbors.”         Top Stories DHS, probing anti-ICE activists, spied on at least five Midwest churches, court records indicate (RNS) — Church leaders were outraged and vowed to continue their advocacy for immigrants. 11 faith groups accuse Trump administration of violating court order while spying on churches (RNS) — Religious groups now argue that the government has committed ‘multiple egregious violations’ of a preliminary injunction handed down in their case back in February. As AI enters Sikh life, old debates on technology and tradition continue (RNS) — A machine may reproduce words, images or melodies. But Sikh practice, many argue, remains rooted in intention, consciousness and connection. Pope Leo: War fuels a ‘vicious cycle’ of environmental destruction VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope linked war, environmental destruction and inequality to the same crisis of the human heart, calling for a spiritual and ecological transformation.     Opinion Wouldn’t it be more Catholic of Ross Douthat not to pick a side? (RNS) — Amid our hyper-polarized politics, it helps to have religious communities that do not align with either side. Hind Rajab, the 5-year-old killed in Gaza, should have been enough (RNS) — Hind Rajab was killed while pleading for help in a car with her six dead relatives. On Wednesday (Aug. 19), the Israeli military acknowledged for the first time its firing on the car.  Do former Mormons join another religion? (RNS) — Most former Mormons don't officially resign, but they're not coming back to the LDS Church. They're also not likely to join another religion. ICYMI California inmates celebrate a unique b’nai mitzvah SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (RNS) — 'I’m making a promise to never return to bloodshed or drugs,' one said. 13 US citizens denied entry to Israel for weeklong trip to learn about Palestinian Christians (RNS) — Amid escalating violence in the West Bank, an interfaith group, led by a retired Emory University theology professor, was turned back at Israel's border.     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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