Weekly religion news roundup (October 24-30, 2025)
Photograph by Utsav Srestha via Unsplash
Rev. Dr. Anna Piela
‘Islamophobia is endemic,’ Mamdani says of Republicans’ push to deport him. Two US House Republicans are pushing the federal justice department to investigate the path to citizenship of Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate favored to win the 4 November election for New York City mayor. (The Guardian)
Faith-based disaster relief groups mobilize to respond to Hurricane Melissa. Disaster relief groups have moved supplies into place, mobilized volunteers and started raising funds to respond to Hurricane Melissa, which has killed more than 20 people and flooded out thousands in the Caribbean. (RNS)
USCCB president raises alarm about disruption of federal food assistance. The president of the U.S. bishops' conference has urged lawmakers to fund federal food assistance before a looming deadline risks disrupting benefits for more than 40 million people. (National Catholic Reporter)
King and Pope make history by praying side by side. King Charles and Pope Leo made history in the Sistine Chapel by praying side by side - a first for the leaders of the Church of England and Catholic Church. (BBC News)
Don’t Believe Boo: Americans Skeptical About The Paranormal. Many U.S. homes may decorate with ghosts and witches for Halloween, but most U.S. adults are doubtful they actually exist. Surveys from Gallup and Pew find broad skepticism for psychics, ghosts, astrology and witches. (Religion Unplugged)
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.
‘Exvangelical’ women are leaving their churches. But is it decline or renewal? Dissenting former evangelical Christian women are forging a path different from those who have left the church in the decades-long decline in institutional faith. (RNS)
Undergarment upgrades bring many Mormon women comfort and joy. Sleeveless versions of the sacred undergarments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints flew off the shelves on their first day available in the U.S., marking a momentous occasion for many women in the faith who say they no longer need to trade comfort to feel close to God. (Associated Press)
Trump’s immigration agenda is a minority view, research shows. Other than white Christians, majorities of religious Americans concur that ICE officers should be prohibited from concealing their identities using unmarked vehicles when conducting raids and making arrests. Among them are 80% of non-Christians, 74% of Hispanic Catholics, 72% of Black Protestants, 71% of Jewish and religiously unaffiliated Americans and 67% of Hispanic Protestants. (Baptist News Global)
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia becomes the world’s tallest church. Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica became the world’s tallest church on Thursday after a part of its central tower was lifted into place. (Associated Press)
Germany to pay over $1 billion for Holocaust survivors. The Claims Conference nonprofit has negotiated the agreed-upon amount on behalf of Holocaust survivors worldwide. (Jewish News Syndicate)
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.
Get early access to the newest stories from Christian Citizen writers, receive contextual stories which support Christian Citizen content from the world’s top publications and join a community sharing the latest in justice, mercy and faith.