The US Department of Homeland Security stated that conservative Christian blogger Samuel Sey will be deported following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Columbus, Ohio. Sey, originally from Ghana, was detained at Columbus International Airport on October 21. DHS claims he overstayed his visa by four years after entering in 2022. Supporters, including influencers Allie Beth Stuckey and Joel Berry, argue the arrest resulted from a clerical error and have launched a crowdfunding campaign for his legal defense. Sey’s wife maintains he entered legally and is seeking permanent residency. The case has drawn attention due to Sey’s previous public support for ICE enforcement.
The Inner-City Muslim Action Network in Atlanta, US, provides transitional housing for Senegalese asylum seekers in Teranga Village. The program, launched in 2023, integrates new immigrants with formerly incarcerated individuals to foster mutual support. This initiative was created after the Atlanta mayor’s office sought help for hundreds of arrivals who lacked housing. Although a key FEMA grant ended under the Trump administration, the nonprofit continues operations through donations and reduced rent. Residents receive assistance with legal and job searches, addressing critical needs in a state with high immigration enforcement activity.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Daniel on UnsplashGood news
A new Pew Research Center report reveals that 41% of US adults aged 18 to 22 attend religious services monthly, exceeding the national average. Chip Rotolo, a senior researcher, noted this figure is remarkably high for such a small cohort. However, data shows conflicting trends, with slightly older Gen Z members reporting the lowest religiosity levels. The study also highlights a narrowing gender gap, as young men in this age group now report higher attendance than young women. Researchers caution that these mixed signals may be a temporary blip rather than a lasting cultural shift.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Syahirah Salleh on UnsplashPersecuted church
Religion News Service has released its weekly photo selection, highlighting two major events. The collection features images from Durga Puja celebrations. It also includes photographs documenting an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan. The outlet presents these visuals to provide a snapshot of significant religious and cultural moments occurring around the world during this period.
Texas has begun distributing $1 billion in public funds to help families pay for private school tuition, a move that is accelerating the growth of classical Christian schools. Keith Castello, an administrator in Hurst, Texas, reports booming demand as eligible families utilize these new education savings accounts. The Association of Classical Christian Schools, led by David Goodwin and founded by Doug Wilson, aims to establish 5,000 new institutions nationwide. Critics argue this diverts money from public schools and violates church-state separation, while supporters view it as a victory for conservative educational goals. This shift affects half of U.S. school-age children eligible for such aid.
More than 150 evangelicals gathered in downtown Chicago on October 26 to pray for asylum seekers. Organizers held the rally near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to highlight a sharp decline in asylum approvals. Data shows Chicago approvals dropped from over 40% in January 2025 to 3.3% in 2026. Pastors and attendees cited concerns about rushed hearings and judge turnover under the second Trump administration. Participants called for fair treatment and justice for immigrants facing deportation proceedings.
American Rabbi Alissa Wise was denied entry to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport on October 25 while leading a delegation to help Palestinians harvest olives in the West Bank. Border officials cited public security concerns, and Wise was deported back to the United States within two hours. Although her group of 19 Jews, including 14 rabbis, was allowed to enter, Wise stated the decision reflects Israel's broader restrictions on activists supporting Palestinians. This incident follows recent violence against international delegations during the annual harvest season, which is economically vital for West Bank farmers but has seen increased attacks by settlers.
An Associated Press investigation reveals that police in Uttar Pradesh, India, have shot hundreds of suspects accused of cow smuggling, primarily targeting Muslims. The Center for the Study of Organized Hate documented nearly 650 cases since 2020 where bullets consistently struck the legs. While police claim these are self-defense actions under a zero-tolerance policy, activists and judges describe them as extrajudicial intimidation that undermines the rule of law. The practice, known locally as Operation Lame, has drawn criticism for disproportionately affecting the Muslim minority and creating a culture of impunity within the state's law enforcement agencies.
On October 11, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis attempted a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora, Illinois. Prosecutors state his assault-style rifle jammed, allowing him to flee before co-workers alerted authorities. Paporakis was arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapon possession. He had shared a manifesto expressing white supremacist views and intent to kill Indian people. The incident highlights rising security concerns for places of worship, as extremists increasingly target religious sites based on political or racial animus rather than spiritual significance.
President Donald Trump announced on October 15 that the Pentagon will not livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. This decision reverses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier proposal and follows intense pushback from religious leaders. Polls showed strong opposition across various faith groups, including Catholics and evangelicals. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other denominations condemned the plan as promoting a culture of death. While some pastors initially supported the broadcast, they now back Trump’s reversal. Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad in December for the 2009 attack that killed 13 people.
According to a new report by The Ascent Leader, approximately 5 million Americans attend multisite churches, which operate across roughly 6,000 campuses nationwide. The study, led by researcher Warren Bird, indicates that about 1,800 churches utilize this model, predominantly in suburban areas. These congregations often share budgets and leadership while varying in structure, with some functioning as franchises and others as federations. The report highlights that video preaching is common in larger sites, though many smaller campuses rely on live sermons. Key challenges include finding suitable facilities and recruiting leaders, with mergers serving as a primary method for expansion.
The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a document on October 22 cautioning against triumphalism regarding recent increases in Catholic baptisms in the United States and France. The text notes that while France saw a 26 percent rise in baptisms in 2026, many new converts are under 40 and may struggle with long-term commitment. Issued by the Vatican, the document urges the Church to avoid pride and instead focus on welcoming new members and fostering community. It highlights the need to support young adults in maintaining their faith amidst secularization and social media influences. (Religion News Service)
In Dallas, Texas, the Dallas Area Interfaith coalition has launched the Immigration Detention Project to assist migrants facing deportation under the Trump administration. Partnering with volunteer lawyers and faith groups, the initiative uses habeas corpus petitions to challenge unlawful detentions in federal court. Organizers report that the network has secured releases for several clients, including families separated during asylum proceedings. The project addresses a critical gap in legal representation by training clergy and attorneys to support detainees. While the U.S. Supreme Court reviews related detention policies, local congregations continue to offer safe spaces and legal education to vulnerable communities. (Religion News Service)
Catholics in Chicago gathered at Holy Name Cathedral to pray for Pope Leo XIV following his lung cancer diagnosis. The 71-year-old pontiff, born in the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood, announced he underwent surgery to remove a lung lobe containing adenocarcinoma. His openness about his health surprised many, breaking with Vatican tradition. Cardinal Blase Cupich urged global support for the first American-born pope. Locals, including students and retired priests, expressed deep reverence and hope for his recovery, viewing his transparency as a call for early cancer detection. The Vatican confirmed the Pope is recovering well, walking, and celebrating Mass in his hospital chapel.
The Central Florida Micah Movement in Orlando has organized eight churches to pack over 100 backpacks for children separated from parents by federal immigration enforcement. Initiated by Kirsty Ortega, the project aims to provide material aid and emotional comfort while encouraging evangelical Christians to engage with immigrant justice issues. The kits include hygiene items, food, and an emotional toolkit. Pastor Sócrates Pérez Jr. notes the initiative serves as an accessible entry point for churches to support families and eventually participate in broader advocacy efforts, such as lobbying for Temporary Protected Status. The effort is part of a national strategy to build solidarity between evangelical congregations and immigrant communities.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on November 3, 2026, regarding whether religious preschools receiving public funding must comply with state nondiscrimination rules. The case, St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, originated in Colorado, where faith-based providers challenged requirements prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Lower courts upheld the rules as neutral conditions for taxpayer money. Legal experts note the decision could significantly impact civil rights protections and the eligibility of religious organizations for public support in education and social services. A ruling is expected by late spring 2027.
Molis Augustave, a Haitian pastor and immigrant rights organizer from Pennsylvania, wrote a letter from an ICE detention center in the US. After being stopped for a broken headlight, he was detained and nearly deported to Haiti. Although he was removed from a deportation flight, 89 others were sent. Augustave describes leading Bible studies and supporting fellow detainees. He was eventually deported to Haiti on September 24. The article highlights the human cost of immigration detention and the dignity of those whose stories remain unknown. The Department of Homeland Security did not comment. (RNS)
A months-long migration crisis in Ceuta, Spain, has intensified tensions between its Christian and Muslim communities. In late July, approximately 80,000 people entered the exclave from Morocco, with up to 15,000 remaining and straining local resources. Residents report that the burden has fallen unevenly on Muslim neighborhoods, leading to protests and accusations of divided loyalty. Although King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are visiting to address the situation, locals describe a breakdown in the historic coexistence that defined the city. The crisis highlights deep-seated socioeconomic disparities and has left the community exhausted and divided.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the US Military Services asked Catholic service members to request exemption from participating in the planned livestreamed execution of Nidal Hasan on December 3. The archdiocese stated that participation violates Church teaching and warned of moral injury to soldiers and audiences. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the broadcast, drawing condemnation from Pope Leo XIV, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley, and evangelical and Methodist leaders. Critics argue the move promotes a culture of death and damages the military's reputation by resembling practices in Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Department of Defense declined to comment on exemption requests.
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