DAILY NEWS
U.S.
Traditional church architecture is gaining renewed interest as congregations reconsider how their buildings shape worship and communicate Christian beliefs. Rather than constructing conventional auditoriums, some churches are incorporating Gothic arches, stained glass and detailed craftsmanship into their sanctuaries. Trinity Presbyterian Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, exemplifies this approach. After worshipping in 12 temporary locations, the congregation
A growing shortage of worship leaders is forcing churches to reconsider how they recruit and prepare future music ministers. A 2026 Southern Baptist Church (SBC) worship study found that 70% of worship leaders approaching retirement have not identified successors. Researchers also project that Southern Baptist churches will need 20,000 new worship leaders by 2040. Will
Disability rights protections face major changes after Trump administration actions challenge federal requirements for community-based care. A Catholic philosopher and father of twin daughters with disabilities warns that these changes could threaten their independence and family life. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead decision
South Texas election results from November 3, 2026, showed a substantial Democratic comeback across the Rio Grande Valley. Democratic candidates won numerous congressional and legislative races, reversing recent Republican gains. All four Rio Grande Valley counties gave Democratic statewide candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa approximately 60% to more than 70% support. Democratic incumbents Vicente
Ancient Christian prayer and liturgy provided unexpected comfort for musician Andrew Osenga during a devastating family crisis. About 15 years ago, a burst pipe flooded his home, forcing his family to relocate for six months. Overwhelmed by financial pressures, home repairs and caring for three young children, Osenga began attending an Anglican church. He discovered
Latino evangelical voters face difficult political decisions ahead of the 2026 midterms as immigration enforcement disrupts Hispanic churches. Pastors report declining attendance, deported congregants and growing anxiety among immigrant families. William Rodriguez, an Assemblies of God superintendent overseeing nearly 340 congregations in Southern California, says most churches have experienced immigration-related detentions or deportations. Two evangelical
The Episcopal General Convention 2027 will bring significant changes to the denomination’s legislative gathering in Phoenix, Arizona. Scheduled for July 3-8, the six-day meeting will emphasize prayer, Bible study and collaborative decision-making. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris announced the vision under the theme “Rising in Hope.” Bishops and
Christianity Today’s editorial independence faces growing scrutiny as journalists accuse executives of interfering with reporting. The influential evangelical publication has lost more than half of its 79 employees through layoffs and resignations over 14 months. Former editors say leadership changes threaten the magazine’s longstanding commitment to investigative journalism. Founded in 1956 with support from Billy
Cleveland-area pastor Israel Ford sparked controversy after publicly introducing his second wife at LifeWorks Church. Ford, who founded the congregation in 2009, announced his polygynous marriage in an Instagram video posted Oct. 25. His first wife and fellow pastor, Lydia Ford, introduced Minister Shakayla Talley Ford during the service. Congregants responded with a standing ovation.
Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson warns that a reproductive health crisis threatens Black women ahead of the midterm elections. Speaking with The Root, Johnson discussed abortion restrictions and the consequences of federal funding cuts. The yearlong Planned Parenthood funding ban, enacted under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, has expired. But Johnson says
A federal appeals court has sided with The Episcopal Church and 26 interfaith partners challenging ICE enforcement at churches. The D.C. Circuit ruled 2-1 that religious organizations have standing to contest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policy. The ruling reverses an April 2025 district court decision that found the organizations had not demonstrated an imminent
A former Lifeway executive faces 22 criminal charges following allegations that he diverted ministry funds for personal use. Tennessee authorities arrested Giancarlo Montemayor-Trejo on Oct. 20 after a Williamson County grand jury indicted him Oct. 7. The charges include felony theft, forgery, computer offenses and criminal simulation. Authorities set his bond at $250,000, and he
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