Weekly religion news roundup (October 17-23, 2025)
Photograph by Utsav Srestha via Unsplash
Rev. Dr. Anna Piela
Judge bars ICE from taking some violent actions against religious activists, journalists. The suit was primarily brought by journalists who allege they have been targeted by federal agents, but the list of plaintiffs also included the Rev. David Black, a Chicago-area Presbyterian minister. (RNS)
Vance calls Israel’s parliament vote on West Bank annexation an ‘insult.’
U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday criticized a symbolic vote in Israel’s parliament the previous day about annexing the occupied West Bank, saying that it amounted to an “insult” and went against the Trump administration policies. (Associated Press)
Anglican Church Archbishop accused of sexual misconduct. Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads the Anglican Church of North America, faces allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and plagiarism, according to an explosive report published by The Washington Post on Thursday (Oct. 23). It’s the latest in a string of crises to rock the small, conservative denomination. (NPR)
Trump administration refuses to document ‘anti-Christian bias’ concerns. President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias faces yet more litigation demanding the release of records related to the commission’s investigation of government agencies. (Baptist News Global)
Pope meets with global group of clergy abuse survivors to talk zero tolerance. Pope Leo XIV met Monday for the first time with an organization of clergy abuse survivors and advocates, who said he agreed to maintain a permanent dialogue as they press for a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in the Catholic Church. (The Hill)
Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.
New York faith leaders join 'No Kings' march against Trump administration agenda. A diverse group of faith leaders gathered in Manhattan on Oct. 18 to offer prayers at an interfaith prayer vigil before joining a massive “No Kings” march in Times Square, one of thousands of demonstrations organized to denounce the Trump administration and to support the United States' commitment to democracy and the rule of law. (National Catholic Reporter)
Manhattan churches revitalize aging congregations through partnerships. A 130-year-old Baptist church in Manhattan has become a model for how to revitalize aging congregations through creative land use and partnerships. (Baptist News Global)
‘Nazi-like’ ad campaign uses religious imagery. Religious imagery plays a role in a controversial new ad campaign created by the Trump administration’s Department of Labor. (Baptist News Global)
On Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed, monks and nuns keep harvesting olives. Come October, monks and nuns are busy harvesting olives at the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane garden — where, according to the Gospel, Jesus spent the last night before being taken up the other side of the valley into Jerusalem to be crucified. (Associated Press)
Three US states now recognize Diwali as a holiday. As of this week, three US states have codified Diwali as a state holiday, offering a framework for excused absences or paid leave for students and employees who wish to celebrate. (RNS)
Rev. Dr. Anna Piela is senior writer at American Baptist Home Mission Societies and assistant editor of The Christian Citizen.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
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