Covering the world of religion. https://rns.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzca2t2ryf2w(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/02 Nov 2026 02:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzca2t2ryf2whttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzc4plegl627(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/02 Nov 2026 01:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzc4plegl627https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbzeel3pm2a(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/02 Nov 2026 00:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbzeel3pm2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbvyyycfs2wOPINION: (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/01 Nov 2026 23:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbvyyycfs2whttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbsnuv2su2j(RNS) — ‘I do think Christian faith, rightly construed and in a pluralist way, can be a really, really smart strategy for Democrats to pursue in these states that they haven't been as strong in,’ said Heath Carter, a scholar of American religion at Princeton Theological Seminary. https://religionnews.com/2026/11/01/mainliners-are-having-a-moment-can-they-move-from-protest-to-political-power/01 Nov 2026 22:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbsnuv2su2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbpckmum624OPINION: (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/01 Nov 2026 21:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbpckmum624https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzblx67dgq2yHow are religious communities mobilizing voters? Where is faith influencing closely watched races? What role are religious leaders and organizations playing in this election? RNS will be exploring these questions and more as part of our Faith and the Ballot coverage on social media and at rns.org.01 Nov 2026 20:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzblx67dgq2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbilvxbmx2jCHICAGO (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/01 Nov 2026 19:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbilvxbmx2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbfaeagrh2nIRVING, Texas (AP) — The league also announced Wednesday it has established a conference-wide policy with “escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct” that it says “has no place in the Big 12.” https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/big-12-fines-ucf-100000-for-fan-behavior-aimed-at-byu-mormon-church/01 Nov 2026 18:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbfaeagrh2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzbbvdkgvf2wVATICAN CITY (RNS) — Villanova and Notre Dame bring basketball, school pride and a friendly contest for Pope Leo XIV’s loyalties to Rome, exploring what faith brings to competition, teamwork and defeat. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/basketball-and-papal-courts-collide-as-villanova-and-notre-dame-tip-off-in-rome/01 Nov 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzbbvdkgvf2whttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzb6k27ixp2aFRANKLIN, Tennessee (RNS) — Rod Dreher, author of ‘The Benedict Option’ and known for his friendship with JD Vance, is deeply worried about Christian nationalism and Nick Fuentes’ influence in the church and the GOP. He’s not alone. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/rod-dreher-among-prominent-conservatives-focusing-fight-on-groypers-christian-nationalists/01 Nov 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzb6k27ixp2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzb36opqpc2jHow are religious communities mobilizing voters? Where is faith influencing closely watched races? What role are religious leaders and organizations playing in this election? RNS explores these questions and more in our Faith and the Ballot election coverage on social media and at rns.org.01 Nov 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzb36opqpc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzaxtkibh72o(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/01 Nov 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzaxtkibh72ohttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzaui57p5f2a(RNS) — The online marketplace is no longer putting the ‘craft’ in witchcraft. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/31/the-fall-of-the-etsy-witch/01 Nov 2026 13:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzaui57p5f2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mzar4timup2p(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/01 Nov 2026 12:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mzar4timup2phttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz7maoplnk2jHow are religious communities mobilizing voters? Where is faith influencing closely watched races? What role are religious leaders and organizations playing in this election? RNS explores these questions and more in our Faith and the Ballot election coverage on social media and at rns.org.01 Nov 2026 01:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz7maoplnk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz7fy74toh2o(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/31 Oct 2026 23:08 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz7fy74toh2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz7cmvuhh22nOPINION: (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/31 Oct 2026 22:08 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz7cmvuhh22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz77bn5nrs2wOPINION: (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/31 Oct 2026 21:08 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz77bn5nrs2whttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz73vmeqmp27How are religious communities mobilizing voters? Where is faith influencing closely watched races? What role are religious leaders and organizations playing in this election? RNS explores these questions and more in our Faith and the Ballot election coverage on social media and at rns.org.31 Oct 2026 20:07 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz73vmeqmp27https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz73i6cyht2iCOLUMBUS, 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/31 Oct 2026 20:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz73i6cyht2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6y4txfa22oOPINION: (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/31 Oct 2026 19:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6y4txfa22ohttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6urmwoj22aCHICAGO (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/31 Oct 2026 18:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6urmwoj22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6rgbp53t2j(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/31 Oct 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6rgbp53t2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6o37ej272w(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/31 Oct 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6o37ej272whttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6kpkpkqr24IRVING, Texas (AP) — The league also announced Wednesday it has established a conference-wide policy with “escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct” that it says “has no place in the Big 12.” https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/big-12-fines-ucf-100000-for-fan-behavior-aimed-at-byu-mormon-church/31 Oct 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6kpkpkqr24https://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6helw3cl2zVATICAN CITY (RNS) — Villanova and Notre Dame bring basketball, school pride and a friendly contest for Pope Leo XIV’s loyalties to Rome, exploring what faith brings to competition, teamwork and defeat. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/basketball-and-papal-courts-collide-as-villanova-and-notre-dame-tip-off-in-rome/31 Oct 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6helw3cl2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6dzcsnk72oFRANKLIN, Tennessee (RNS) — Rod Dreher, author of ‘The Benedict Option’ and known for his friendship with JD Vance, is deeply worried about Christian nationalism and Nick Fuentes’ influence in the church and the GOP. He’s not alone. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/30/rod-dreher-among-prominent-conservatives-focusing-fight-on-groypers-christian-nationalists/31 Oct 2026 13:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6dzcsnk72ohttps://bsky.app/profile/rns.org/post/3mz6anxlogt2i(RNS) — The online marketplace is no longer putting the 'craft' in witchcraft. https://religionnews.com/2026/10/31/the-fall-of-the-etsy-witch/31 Oct 2026 12:00 +0000at://did:plc:mjwatbcziskf47sa54xyo7oj/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6anxlogt2ihttps://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/3mz65cv65ia2a