RNS Morning Report - Hegseth frames Trump policies as ‘biblical’ in address to Christian broadcasters

Good morning, Friend,   Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET, we're hosting a one-time, behind-the-scenes conversation with RNS reporters Fiona André, Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Bob Smietana about the stories shaping the start of this year.  What questions do you have about RNS or the work ahead? Reply to this email and share them with us. We can't promise we'll cover every question, but we'll be reflecting on what we're hearing from readers as we prepare.  Today is the final opportunity to register and be part of the conversation live. A donation of any amount reserves your spot and sustains our nonprofit newsroom's independent reporting on faith and public life. Join the conversation →  Top Stories Hegseth frames Trump policies as ‘biblical’ in address to Christian broadcasters NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — During an address at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, the defense secretary told attendees that President Donald Trump is fighting for their faith and returning America to its Christian foundations. At Brazil’s Carnival, the country’s religions fight for respect on a global stage (RNS) — Carnival, a spectacle celebrating African deities and Catholic saints alike, has become a battleground for religious groups in Brazil. Cardinal Dolan says Vance apologized for claiming bishops were pro-immigrant for the money (RNS) — Despite Dolan’s condemnation of Vance’s comments, he said in the EWTN interview that Vance is 'a very good guy. I enjoy him a lot.' Inspired by Catholic nuns, Kenyan Lutheran pastor becomes church’s first female presiding bishop NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The Rev. Catherine Ngina Musau, a 55-year-old mother of two, was elected in November and will be installed in June. After ICE raids, Ramadan in Minnesota is somber, but some hope it offers healing (RNS) — Interfaith leaders across the Twin Cities are organizing dinners rooted in solidarity with Somali Americans and the Muslim community. Opinion The grim satisfaction of AI doomsaying (Sightings) — Like depictions of the horrors of war may ennoble it, dire warnings about the AI future only make the technology seem inevitable. Sacred marches and sacred music in a time of empire (RNS) — Bad Bunny's joyful Super Bowl halftime show, a group of monks walking hundreds of miles for peace, protesters singing in the streets. ICYMI In Boston, US Jews envision a Judaism beyond Zionism BOSTON (RNS) — At a ‘Jewish Left’ conference, attendees set out to build new institutions that they consider more ethically grounded in Judaism post-Oct. 7, 2023. Bay Area pastor, shot with a pepper round, files $5M claim against federal government (RNS) — Bautista is seeking $5 million in damages from the federal government and plans to sue the unnnamed agent individually. 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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RNS Morning Report - 'Jewish left' conference; Churches house immigrants; an Ash Wednesday theme

Top Stories In Boston, US Jews envision a Judaism beyond Zionism BOSTON (RNS) — At a ‘Jewish Left’ conference, attendees set out to build new institutions that they consider more ethically grounded in Judaism post-Oct. 7, 2023. Ash Wednesday protests and Masses make solidarity with immigrants a Lenten theme (RNS) — Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich told immigrants that Trump administration deportation efforts had acquainted them with Ash Wednesday’s Scripture passage about practicing faith in secret. Bay Area pastor, shot with a pepper round, files $5M claim against federal government (RNS) — Bautista is seeking $5 million in damages from the federal government and plans to sue the unnnamed agent individually. How faith networks are building a safety net for immigrants released from detention LOS ANGELES (RNS) — With fewer asylum-seekers arriving in U.S. cities, faith-based support networks are caring for immigrants after they’re released from stints in detention centers — a time when many lose housing and jobs. Opinion An Ash Wednesday ‘mobilization’ showed us a way out of our country’s mess (RNS) — Led by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the crowd prayed and marched with love and without chaos. How should Muslims talk to their youth about the risks of activism? (RNS) — In households where religious practice is linked with standing against injustice, how do parents guide children engaged in various forms of activism? ICYMI 400 Christian leaders urge resistance to Trump administration on Ash Wednesday WASHINGTON (RNS) — The statement’s signers include a mix of denominational leaders, seminary presidents, scholars and leaders of prominent congregations. Cardinal Tobin leads Ash Wednesday Masses inside New Jersey ICE facility NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — The Newark bishops are the only confirmed U.S. bishops who plan to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass in an ICE detention facility. 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 RNS, All rights reserved.

RNS Morning Report - Cardinal Tobin leads Ash Wednesday Masses inside New Jersey ICE facility

Top Stories Cardinal Tobin leads Ash Wednesday Masses inside New Jersey ICE facility NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — The Newark bishops are the only confirmed U.S. bishops who plan to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass in an ICE detention facility. David E. Anderson, former RNS editor and longtime journalist, dies at 84 (RNS) — ‘He was a legend by the time I got to meet him,’ said journalist Ira Rifkin of his future supervisor David Anderson. ‘He just seemed to know everything.’ 400 Christian leaders urge resistance to Trump administration on Ash Wednesday WASHINGTON (RNS) — The statement’s signers include a mix of denominational leaders, seminary presidents, scholars and leaders of prominent congregations. New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, the indulgent conclusion of Carnival season NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the climax and end of the weekslong Carnival season and a final chance for indulgence, feasting and revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection. Opinion How should Muslims talk to their youth about the risks of activism? (RNS) — In households where religious practice is linked with standing against injustice, how do parents guide children engaged in various forms of activism? Jesse Jackson’s complex history with American Jews (RNS) — Jackson was a great and complicated man. And a rock star told a part of his story. ICYMI For its 400th anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica embraces AI and structural surveillance VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Four centuries after its consecration, St. Peter’s Basilica is turning to artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring technology to safeguard its future. Watchdogs say Russian church helped recruit young Kenyans who have fought in Ukraine (RNS) — The alleged pipeline is a sign that the Russian state is leveraging its national church’s expansion into Africa. 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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