All articles tagged with #church
The U.S. Department of Justice has added 30 defendants to an ongoing case stemming from an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church, bringing the total charged to 39. The indictment accuses the group of conspiring to interfere with religious freedom at a place of worship and engaging in oppression and threats during a January service. Don Lemon was among those previously charged and has pleaded not guilty.
Rome’s Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina is under investigation by the Catholic Church and Italian authorities after a cherub in a restored chapel fresco appears to resemble Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting questions about political symbolism in sacred art.
Italy’s culture ministry and the Diocese of Rome are investigating an angel restoration in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina after it was noted to resemble Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; the restorer says he faithfully restored the original, while Meloni and church officials frame it within heritage concerns as authorities decide next steps.
Federal judges in Minnesota largely blocked the DOJ’s effort to prosecute anti-ICE agitators who invaded Cities Church, tossing FACE Act charges for lack of probable cause and denying arrest warrants for five others; the DOJ’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit was rejected, leaving three defendants (Armstrong, Allen, and Kelly) with warrants and five others released, as the case moves forward and civil actions against the intruders are being considered.
A woman who led a protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service has been arrested.
Protests interrupted a St. Paul church service led by a Minnesota ICE agent who is also a pastor as the DOJ investigates ICE actions. Separately, a Minneapolis man arrested by ICE on Jan. 6 died in federal custody in Texas, prompting calls for an investigation from state leaders. A Liberian immigrant arrested during an ICE raid in north Minneapolis was flown to Texas and later returned to Minnesota after lawyers argued for release. The roundup also notes a second ICE-related tear-gas incident and ongoing public debate over ICE enforcement in Minnesota, alongside other state news about Minnesota Power’s Cohasset solar project and the Minnesota State Fair budget.
Protesters disrupted services at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., a church whose pastor, David Easterwood, is tied to leading the local ICE field office. The DOJ said it is investigating federal civil rights violations related to the disruption, as activists push back against ICE tactics in the region following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month.
In the Piazza San Pietro's January edition, Pope Leo XIV responds to a Swiss catechist's struggle to involve families, stressing that hours spent on catechesis are never wasted and that the church should be measured by a sense of belonging and active participation, not attendance numbers, urging Christians to conversion together and witness to the Gospel.
A Minneapolis church, St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran, hosted a Sunday service titled “Lament and Hope” for its largely immigrant congregation amid a broad immigration crackdown, with outside enforcement drawing fear and protests while congregants prayed, lit candles and received support from volunteers. The service occurred near areas of ICE activity, and attendees described feeling unsettled but drew strength from community, faith, and solidarity as a vigil and other related activities unfolded in the church.
The article discusses the political and religious turmoil in Armenia, highlighting Prime Minister Pashinyan's controversial peace deal with Azerbaijan, his conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the broader implications for Armenian national identity, sovereignty, and Christianity's future in the region, amid shifting alliances and Western influence.
A suspect broke into Our Mother of Consolation Church in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill, attempting to steal from the poor box, but fled after being spotted by the priest; police are investigating and seeking tips.
Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, has granted a temporary dispensation from attending Mass to individuals who fear detention due to increased immigration enforcement, encouraging spiritual practices and pastoral care during this period until January 11, 2026, amidst community anxiety and fears.
A fire destroyed Tiree Baptist Church on the Scottish island of Tiree during the early hours of Boxing Day, causing community shock and sadness, with investigations ongoing into the cause.
A fire severely damaged the Reformation Covenant Church in Oregon City on Christmas Day, with firefighters responding to a blaze between the old and new roofs, causing significant destruction and smoke damage, though no one was injured and the cause is under investigation.
The Boston Archbishop plans to meet with a Dedham priest after the holidays to discuss a controversial nativity scene outside St. Susanna's Parish that depicts Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as detained by ICE, sparking criticism from the Archdiocese and ICE officials. The church aims to create dialogue on contemporary issues, but the Archdiocese has called for the scene's removal, emphasizing the importance of respectful religious expression.