Covering the world of religion. https://rns.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz65cv65ia2a(RNS) — ‘The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,’ the Vatican said. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/in-another-historic-move-pope-leo-casts-absentee-u-s-vote-from-rome/31 Oct 2026 11:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz65cv65ia2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz574yjeef2yReligion is shaping some of the most consequential debates in this year’s midterm elections. RNS will be following the stories, communities and political forces at the intersection of faith and politics. Follow our coverage as Election Day approaches on social media and at rns.org.31 Oct 2026 02:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz574yjeef2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4yi265gl24(RNS) — Samuel Sey, who immigrated to Canada from Ghana in childhood, moved to the U.S. in 2022 to get married. His family initially believed a paperwork mistake had led to his arrest. A series of conservative Christian influencers had rallied to his cause. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/samuel-sey-christian-blogger-arrested-by-ice-is-now-in-canada/31 Oct 2026 00:01 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4yi265gl24https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4v4pfkfr2p(RNS) — ‘When a vampire is at your door or your child is possessed, you don't call for a Methodist,’ said Matthew J. Cressler, the co-author of the new book ‘Body and Blood: Catholic Horror in America.’ https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/why-hollywood-keeps-turning-to-catholicism-for-horror/30 Oct 2026 23:01 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4v4pfkfr2phttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4rpuanhp27Religion is shaping some of the most consequential debates in this year’s midterm elections. RNS will be following the stories, communities and political forces at the intersection of faith and politics. Follow our coverage as Election Day approaches on social media and at rns.org.30 Oct 2026 22:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4rpuanhp27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4mqicfun2yOPINION: (RNS) — There was one thing that Houdini never tried to escape. And that was his Jewish identity. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/one-hundred-years-after-his-death-houdini-still-matters/30 Oct 2026 20:31 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4mqicfun2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4jdfdoun24Religion is shaping some of the most consequential debates in this year’s midterm elections. RNS will be following the stories, communities and political forces at the intersection of faith and politics. Follow our coverage as Election Day approaches on social media and at rns.org.30 Oct 2026 19:30 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4jdfdoun24https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4eg3ygzy2zOPINION: (The Conversation) — Ordinary Muslim religious practices can often be treated as political threats, writes a law professor. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/what-is-sharia-law-and-why-is-it-so-controversial-in-the-united-states/30 Oct 2026 18:02 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4eg3ygzy2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz4b2rmbni2aCHICAGO (AP) — Members of the targeted temple and others in the area said they are seeking comfort in preserving traditions, determined to celebrate the holidays without fear — and to press for ways to address hatred hurled at the community. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/chicago-area-hindu-community-shaken-but-resilient-after-alleged-mass-shooting-plan-was-thwarted/30 Oct 2026 17:02 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4b2rmbni2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz45pi3qiv2pRussell Moore on the death penalty, cruelty as spectacle, and who gets to define what counts as Christian. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/when-cruelty-stops-shocking-us/30 Oct 2026 16:02 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz45pi3qiv2phttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz42ate4ox27Religion is shaping some of the most consequential debates in this year’s midterm elections. RNS will be following the stories, communities and political forces at the intersection of faith and politics. Follow our coverage as Election Day approaches on social media and at rns.org. 30 Oct 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz42ate4ox27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz3wvka6u32z(RNS) — The nonprofit Inner-City Muslim Action Network-Atlanta opened its housing program to Senegalese immigrants seeking asylum after the city government asked for help. The group says the model is working, even while federal funding has been slashed. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/transitional-housing-offers-senegalese-immigrants-stability-in-atlanta-or-after-funding-cut-muslim-nonprofit-struggles-migrant-housing-to-sustain/30 Oct 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz3wvka6u32zhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz3tk4chqc27MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A 46-year-old man was charged in Sydney on Tuesday with publishing misleading material to obtain financial advantage and with false representation resulting in a police investigation, a police statement said on Wednesday. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/man-charged-with-posing-as-sydney-hanukkah-massacre-victim-to-get-compensation/30 Oct 2026 13:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz3tk4chqc27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz3q73rbtm2iOPINION: (The Conversation) — After the Holocaust, Eastern European survivors collaborated on memorial books called ‘yizker bikher’ – one way to reclaim their neighbors’ lives and memories. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/let-nothing-be-forgotten-holocaust-survivors-memorial-books-honored-lives-lost-and-vibrant-hometowns/30 Oct 2026 12:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz3q73rbtm2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz3mtr223c2aOPINION: (RNS) — In establishing safeguards for AI, some companies should attempt to build in not only rules of ethical behavior, but also, to the extent possible, a sense of what it means to be a flesh-and-blood being. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/ai-and-religion-a-modest-proposal/30 Oct 2026 11:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz3mtr223c2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz2lcukqqc2nCOLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — Visiting campaign events and houses of worship, RNS explores how religion has shaped both Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaigns. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/ohio-governor-vivek-ramaswamy-amy-acton-hindu-jewish-religion/30 Oct 2026 01:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz2lcukqqc2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz2hxodunv2n(RNS) — In yet another escalation, the bishop said he was removing the Rev. Matt Tuggle, senior minister, and the Rev. Paul Rasmussen, former senior minister, ‘from all positions’ at the church. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/umc-bishop-removes-ministers-from-highland-park-church-says-they-will-stay/30 Oct 2026 00:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz2hxodunv2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz2emefc662j(RNS) — LGBTQ Christians also say they are disappointed with Democrats who have backed away from positions that affirm trans people, resulting in a conflict for advocates. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/republicans-turn-to-transgender-focused-attack-ads-against-democrats-of-faith/29 Oct 2026 23:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz2emefc662jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz2bawivuv2zVATICAN CITY (RNS) — The delegation thanked the Chicago-born pope for supporting pastoral access to detained immigrants as its legal fight for permanent access to the Broadview ICE facility continues. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/chicago-catholics-suing-trump-administration-bring-migrant-detainees-stories-to-pope-leo/29 Oct 2026 22:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz2bawivuv2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz25vrt5ih27OPINION: (RNS) — I have spent years coming to Jordan to work alongside Jordanian churches and young people. I know some of the Christians who were affected by the Oct. 23 attack. Their grief is personal to me, as is the deep pride they express in their country. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/jordans-christians-are-citizens-not-guests/29 Oct 2026 21:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz25vrt5ih27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz22ke7fgr2yOPINION: (RNS) — You know the saying that two Jews have three opinions? It's more like eight. A new book tells why. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/why-american-jews-are-divided/29 Oct 2026 20:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz22ke7fgr2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzx74uqm32pROME (AP) — Leo, 71, had the lower lobe of his right lung removed Oct. 13 after doctors found a tumor, later diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/top-vatican-official-says-popes-cancer-diagnosis-a-game-changer-for-the-papacy/29 Oct 2026 19:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzx74uqm32phttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzttwdjj727JALUD, West Bank (AP) — Israelis are deeply divided over Netanyahu's leadership and moral character, but they largely support settlement expansion and are opposed to a Palestinian state. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/27/whatever-the-outcome-of-israels-election-its-policies-toward-the-palestinians-will-largely-endure/29 Oct 2026 18:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzttwdjj727https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzqimey5d24(RNS) — The complicated findings, based on relatively small samples within each age group, come as Americans’ religious decline continues to plateau. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/28/amid-mixed-pew-findings-youngest-adults-outpace-parents-generation-in-worship-attendance/29 Oct 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzqimey5d24https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzn5emxna2oRussell Moore on the death penalty, cruelty as spectacle, and who gets to define what counts as Christian. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/when-cruelty-stops-shocking-us/29 Oct 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzn5emxna2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzjs2dsuq27(RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes Durga Puja, an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan and more. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/28/photos-of-the-week-durga-puja-jordan-church-attack/29 Oct 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzjs2dsuq27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzggohswn27CAIRO (AP) — Many in Iran are anxious about a possible return to all-out war. Israeli and American leaders have been sharpening their threats before elections in both countries, while Iranian leaders have remained defiant. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/27/delegations-meet-in-iran-with-mideast-region-on-edge-over-potential-for-renewed-fighting/29 Oct 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzggohswn27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myzd3k5mcf27(RNS) — On Monday (Oct. 26), organizers of an evangelical rally in downtown Chicago said they fear that people seeking asylum no longer receive a fair hearing in court. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/27/evangelicals-in-chicago-pray-asylum-seeker-will-get-a-fair-day-in-court/29 Oct 2026 13:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzd3k5mcf27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myz7qawttv24(RNS) — The nonprofit Inner-City Muslim Action Network-Atlanta opened its housing program to Senegalese immigrants seeking asylum after the city government asked for help. The group says the model is working, even while federal funding has been slashed. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/transitional-housing-offers-senegalese-immigrants-stability-in-atlanta-or-after-funding-cut-muslim-nonprofit-struggles-migrant-housing-to-sustain/29 Oct 2026 12:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myz7qawttv24https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3myz4erms7x2oOPINION: Pastors, polls and the 'empathy gap' in our politics. Listen ... if you dare. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/29/ai-political-ads-and-other-spooky-midterm-specters-robert-p-jones/29 Oct 2026 11:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3myz4erms7x2o