RNS Morning Report - Dallas faith groups, volunteer lawyers amplify legal support for detained immigrants

Top Stories Dallas faith groups, volunteer lawyers amplify legal support for detained immigrants (RNS) — A North Texas coalition of congregations, clergy and attorneys is helping asylum seekers connect with legal support and challenge detentions. Their efforts have reached more than 1,200 people over the past year, organizers estimate. As Texas Gov. Abbott targets Muslim groups, his PAC receives millions from Muslim oil exec (RNS) — While Gov. Abbott has been a vocal opponent of what he calls the 'Islamification' of Texas, he also has received more than $15 million in donations from S. Javaid Anwar, a philanthropist and oil industry exec. An ‘empathy gap’ divides Americans ahead of the midterms, says PRRI report (RNS) — A survey released Tuesday (Oct. 20) found that Republicans and evangelicals increasingly see empathy as a danger that can lead society away from God. The survey found that more than half of Americans see President Trump as a threat to democracy. Opinion Anti-Hindu hate targets race and religion at once (RNS) — When the framers wrote the Constitution, race stood at the front, but religion was always there alongside it. American Jews’ toxic family feud over Israel (RNS) — Divisions over Israel and the war in Gaza are testing longstanding political loyalties among American Jews, whose votes could prove decisive in closely contested congressional races. ICYMI El-Sayed, Vance pressed on religion, loyalty and immigration (RNS) — In separate events, the vice president and the Democratic Senate candidate faced questions that highlight the intersection of faith and politics. Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Church, to resign in 2027 (RNS) — Stanley told church members he would no longer be employed by the church as of May 2027, when he turns 69. North Point, which claims 37,000 weekly worshippers, is one of the nation's largest churches. Joel Thomas has been nominated as his successor.     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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