ICE goes after church leaders and Christians fleeing persecution

ICE goes after church leaders and Christians fleeing persecution* 
Christianity Today: On Tuesday, Iranian asylum-seekers were detained in Los Angeles, adding to the count of church members taken despite lawful status. 
National Catholic Reporter: ICE agents detain migrants on church grounds at 2 California parishes, diocese says

He sued for marriage equality and won. 10 years later, he fears for LGBTQ+ rights.
NPR: Jim Obergefell on how his legal fight for marriage equality began, the future of LGTBQ+ rights in the United States and reflections on the 10-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges.

Pew study finds Trump gained with Catholics, nonwhite Protestants in 2024 
Religion News Service: The president won over a majority of Protestants and Catholics. He did much better among Hispanic and Asian Protestants.

As Germany’s far right builds ties with US conservatives, churches push back 
Religion News Service: Catholic and Protestant leaders are challenging a connection built on a common rejection of immigrants.

Most churches have discipline policies, but few use them 
Religion Unplugged: According to a Lifeway Research study, most pastors say their churches have policies in place to address significant misbehavior by church members, but few have actually used those policies recently.

How US adults’ views on same-sex marriage have changed since the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling
The Associated Press: For years, it looked as though the United States was steadily climbing toward a consensus on same-sex marriage. But 10 years after the Supreme Court ruled that there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, the split between Republicans and Democrats on the issue is wider than it’s been in decades.

Spirituality and religion: How does the U.S. compare with other countries?
Pew Research: An interactive narrative walks through data from the U.S. and 35 other countries we surveyed in 2023 and 2024.

Zohran Mamdani’s Muslim faith quickly targeted after his victory in NYC mayoral primary
Religion News Service: If elected, the 33-year-old democratic socialist will become the city’s first Muslim mayor.

The New York Times: Young Muslims loved Zohran Mamdani, and their parents listened to them*

Jewish Federations allocate $10 million for Israeli Jews in wake of war with Iran
Religion News Service: The money comes from the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund, which has raised $897 million since Oct. 7, 2023.

Porto celebrates the summer and a beloved saint with plastic hammers, sardines and leeks
The Associated Press: A Christian holiday with pagan roots, the eve of the feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated with fireworks, balloons and lots of grilled sardines.