AGP Executive Report

Religious freedom in detention: A federal judge heard arguments from Salah Sarsour’s lawyers, who say his health is deteriorating in an Indiana immigration facility and that his ability to pray and get halal meals has been denied. Church safeguarding crisis: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland opens its General Assembly amid scrutiny over safeguarding “failings,” with police referrals and a statutory inquiry in motion. Violence at worship: Armed robbers stormed a Cape Town church service, stealing congregants’ cellphones and violating a “safe and sacred space.” Orthodox unity push: The Church of Greece and the Jerusalem Patriarchate discussed protection of holy sites and the need for pan-Orthodox unity. Catholic relief for disaster-hit Philippines: Bishops urged special prayers and an emergency second collection after a deadly Mindanao earthquake. Middle East escalation: Iran’s missile strikes on Israel and the back-and-forth targeting of Lebanon and Iran raise fears of a new regional order. Nigerian church massacre: Death sentences were handed down for the 2022 Owo St Francis Catholic Church attack that killed 41. Pentagon religious list shake-up: The U.S. Defense Department revised recognized religious categories after backlash tied to LDS classification. Faith and charity in action: AICFF’s Abuja finale called on African Christian filmmakers to reclaim storytelling through excellence. Jewish safety and politics: A Canada poll links antisemitism concerns to immigration attitudes, while debate continues over how media covers antizionist Jews.

Vatican Accountability: Pope Leo XIV met six Catholic clergy abuse survivors in Madrid, promising “additional efforts” and urging a response built on listening, truth, justice, reparations, prevention, and a “culture of care.” Military Faith Policy: After Mormon lawmakers objected, the Pentagon revised its religious affiliation list, removing the “Christian” label from LDS-related coding and cutting the system down to about 30 categories. Religious Freedom at Work: A Unitarian Universalist software engineer won a religious exemption from using AI at her job, highlighting growing friction between faith practice and workplace tech. Global Violence Watch: UN experts warned of rights violations against women and girls from Christian and other religious minority communities in Nigeria, citing Boko Haram and other armed groups. Church Under Pressure: In Ocean City, Maryland, an Episcopal church was cited for keeping an overnight shelter open past a deadline, with the church saying it will seek federal protection. Local Crime: Madison, Wisconsin police investigated a church burglary after staff found damage and missing items. Catholic in Crisis: Mozambique’s bishops demanded a thorough investigation after a Consolata bishop was shot dead. Faith & Pilgrimage: Pakistan issued visas for hundreds of Indian Sikh pilgrims to travel for Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom anniversary. Education & Care: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools expanded its education plan to include mental health and support for neurodivergent learners.

Pentagon & LDS Classification: Utah lawmakers and faith leaders pushed back after the U.S. Defense Department cut recognized religions and placed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside “Christian” categories. Religious Freedom & Integration: Ghana journalist Maltiti Sayida Sadick was selected for Germany’s government exchange on Muslim life and religious freedom. Sikh Justice Demands: Sikh groups renewed calls for a public inquiry into Henry Nowak’s murder, citing “catastrophic multi-agency failures.” Church-State Tensions: In Kyiv, authorities demanded the demolition of a UOC church, threatening forced removal if the community doesn’t dismantle it. Local Religious Rights in India: Malaysia’s Selangor proposal for non-Muslim houses of worship residency rules drew criticism as “impossible to meet,” while India’s Gauhati High Court clarified Muslim personal law on bigamy. Catholic Church in Spain: Pope Leo XIV began Madrid visits focused on renewing Catholic trust and meeting vulnerable groups. Community Faith in Action: A Wallace, Idaho priest (“Father Sipho”) keeps Catholic parishes running by traveling to fill gaps, and a Kansas church honored police and first responders at “You are Our Hero” Sunday.

Pentagon Faith List Shake-Up: The U.S. Defense Department cut recognized faith categories from 200+ to 31, sparking outrage from Mormons and Utah lawmakers after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was no longer labeled “Christian.” Religious Freedom & Courts: A North Yorkshire police officer says his career ended after asking about jihad and Hamas during “safe space” diversity training, raising fresh debate over what can be questioned at work. Catholic Life in Spain: Pope Leo XIV drew over a million to Mass in Madrid, urging Spain’s Catholic devotion not to become a “museum of the past.” Jewish Identity & Memory: Operation Benjamin continues correcting Jewish soldiers’ headstones—more than a century after WWI, new Stars of David markers replaced Latin crosses. Antisemitism Policy Debate: Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced a plan to fight antisemitism, but Canadian Jews are split over whether it goes far enough. Violence & Community Tensions (Nigeria): Atiku denies ignoring Southern Kaduna victims, saying he attended a church thanksgiving for Kagoro after killings. Local Church Impact: A West Side children’s church construction project was hit by a burglary—an $10,000 air-conditioning unit was stolen. Faith, Safety, and Public Life: In Jaipur, authorities suspended mobile internet for 24 hours ahead of an anti-encroachment drive that may include action at religious sites. Earth & Faith: A G3 solar storm is expected June 8, with possible communication disruptions—another reminder of how global events ripple into daily life.

Catholic Climate Advocacy: In the Philippines’ Cordillera, the Catholic Church is urging local governments to adopt “Rights of Nature” ordinances so forests and polluted waterways can sue for protection in court. Church Leadership Under Fire: Mozambique mourns Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso, shot dead at home, as the Vatican and local authorities call it an act of violence. Religious Freedom in Schools: CAIR sues Virginia’s Fairfax County Public Schools over alleged discrimination against Muslim students, while Kerala reports a headmistress accused of denying admission to Muslim children. Communal Tensions and Hate: A new report by APCR says anti-Muslim hate incidents spiked around Eid ul-Adha, including intimidation and violence. Orthodox Jewish Safety: A woman in Manhattan was hospitalized after an antisemitic subway attack. Faith, Law, and Society: In the US, Utah lawmakers push back after the Pentagon changed how it categorizes LDS chaplains; in India, a panel in Dharavi has identified hundreds of religious structures for redevelopment. Public Safety Tragedy: Four workers died after toxic gas exposure while cleaning a septic tank in Surat. Local Church Life: South Africa’s SANBS held a blood drive at Alberton Methodist Church, linking faith communities to lifesaving care.

Catholic Church in Spain: Pope Leo XIV began a seven-day visit saying abuse in the Church remains “an open wound,” adding he will keep pushing commissions and norms while meeting victims during the trip. Religious Freedom & Governance: In India’s Itanagar, a Muslim committee demanded “uniform” enforcement for all faith groups after mosques were sealed, arguing churches, temples and gurdwaras also operate without full documentation. Sikh Identity Under Pressure: On the Bluestar anniversary, Akal Takht’s acting jathedar urged Sikhs to stay united and rooted in Punjab as he warned of global targeting of Sikh symbols. Nigeria Violence Report: A US religious-freedom watchdog report says Fulani militants drive many of Nigeria’s worst religious freedom violations, with attacks mainly hitting Christians. US Military Religion Codes: The Pentagon cut recognized faith categories to 31, sparking backlash over how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is classified. Christianity Under Threat: In Somalia, a woman who converted to Christianity was reportedly beaten by Muslim relatives and needed surgery after attackers allegedly sought to punish her conversion. Israel-Christian Tensions: A report says 155 attacks on Christians were recorded in Israel in 2025, including violence, vandalism, and harassment, with heightened restrictions around Easter. Church Property Scrutiny (India): A Mumbai Christian group petitioned authorities seeking clarity over notices advertising sale of multiple Roman Catholic Church properties. Religious Violence & Extremism (Islamic law claims): Nigeria’s Muslim youth council condemned alleged kidnappers’ demand for Sharia, calling terrorism and murder grave sins and denying they speak for Islam.

U.S. Military Chaplaincy Overhaul: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s team cut the recognized faith list from 211 to 31, now covering 21 Christian denominations plus major non-Christian categories—sparking criticism that it may weaken religious freedom. Faith vs. Terror Misuse: In Nigeria’s Oyo State, a Muslim community condemned kidnappers’ demands for Sharia as a condition for releasing abducted teachers and pupils, stressing the criminals don’t represent Islam. Religion and Rights in Public Life: A Christian police officer in the UK reached a settlement after Islam-related questions during mandatory diversity training led to suspension and dismissal. Pope on Abuse Reckoning: Vatican confirmed Pope Leo will meet Catholic clergy abuse survivors during his Spain trip, with privacy protected. Jewish Community Safety: A Jewish student in Australia reported a Nazi salute at a sports event, highlighting ongoing antisemitism concerns in school athletics. Local Worship Under Pressure: Nigeria’s Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries suspended church night vigils nationwide over security worries. Community Faith Traditions: Ohio’s Sikh community in Richfield is passing gurdwara life and turban-tying traditions to the next generation.

Defense & Chaplaincy Policy: The U.S. Department of Defense cut its officially recognized religious affiliations from 200+ to 31, dropping options like atheists, Unitarian Universalists, pagans, and Wiccans. Catholic Accountability: Pope Leo XIV will meet sexual-abuse survivors during his Spain visit, with details withheld to protect privacy. Safeguarding Update: The U.S. bishops’ conference is set to vote next week on a revised “Dallas Charter” for child protection, with only limited changes. Jewish Community & Antisemitism: Canada’s Jewish leaders react to PM Mark Carney’s antisemitism measures, while Jewish communities in France, Spain, the UK, and Canada explore U.S. immigration options amid rising antisemitism. Interfaith & Human Dignity in Tech: Catholic social teaching on AI and human dignity gets fresh attention ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s “Magnifica Humanitas.” Religious Freedom & Law: A UK debate resurfaces after Henry Nowak’s murder over whether Sikhs should carry kirpans in public, as Sikh leaders press for justice and oppose hate-driven narratives. Church & Community Services: Catholic Charities of Omaha marks 100 years with major renovations to expand food and training services. Security & Faith: A Ghana Muslim group urges Parliament to prioritize national interest on an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, while Nigeria’s Muslim community condemns kidnappers’ “Sharia” claims.

Catholic Abuse Scandal in Spain: El País reports decades of alleged sexual abuse cover-ups, naming senior church figures and highlighting long-running institutional silence. Religious Freedom & Law: UK debate flares after Henry Nowak’s killing, with renewed calls to end exemptions that allow carrying religious knives; separate reporting also notes NHS antisemitism concerns driving some Jewish patients to delay care. Antisemitism in Public Life: A Canada poll finds 70% say antisemitism is rising, but many support is “somewhat” rather than firm; in London, Jewish guests say they were greeted with “Free Palestine” messages on hotel TVs. Faith, Violence, and Community Safety: Honduras bishops condemn the massacre of 21 laborers killed inside a church during work on a palm plantation. Military Religious Recognition: The Pentagon cuts military recognized faith codes from 200+ to 31, while a new program aims to correct Jewish service members’ headstones overseas. Church Life & Local Change: A Catholic school closes amid enrollment and mold costs; other communities report church reopenings, repairs, and volunteer-driven events. Workplace Religion Allegations: A chargesheet details alleged psychological manipulation and forced religious conversion claims tied to TCS employees in Nashik.

Pentagon Faith Policy: The U.S. military cut its recognized religions list from 200+ to 31, reshaping chaplain support and faith codes. Catholic Church Discipline: Washington’s archdiocese removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as an exorcist after he linked UFO sightings to demonic activity, and ended ties with his spiritual center. Violence and Hate Crimes: A New York City subway attack left a Jewish woman allegedly beaten, choked, and with hair torn out; the suspect faces hate-crime charges. Antisemitism in Public Spaces: Travelodge is investigating how “Free Palestine” messages appeared on TVs in rooms of visibly Jewish guests in London, after reports went viral. Nigeria Church Attack Verdict: A federal court sentenced four men to death by hanging for the 2022 Owo church attack that killed at least 50 worshippers. Religious Life and Community: St. Peter Armenian Church held its annual Armenian Festival, while St. John the Baptist’s mothers’ small group in New Brighton grew into a larger faith community. Faith, Identity, and Belonging: An Ottawa conversation highlighted how Jewish and Mohawk identity shape daily life for Magnolia Perron. Local Church News: An Episcopal church in Holyoke canceled services after a theft of items meant for children and veterans.

Methodist Church Split in the US: A letter from America highlights the United Methodist Church’s turmoil, with South Carolina’s annual conference seeing 113 churches vote to disaffiliate and broader losses reported across the denomination. Muslim Community in Crisis, Delhi Fire: Five Muslim youths are praised for helping rescue guests trapped in a Delhi hotel fire that killed 21, including 17 foreign nationals. Detained Leader’s Health Worsens: Family and attorneys say a detained Muslim leader in U.S. ICE custody is deteriorating due to inadequate medical care. Religious Freedom “On Paper” in Mexico: A new report warns protections for freedom of religion or belief often fail in practice, with discrimination and displacement affecting minorities. Antisemitism and Violence in New York: A Bronx man is arrested after an antisemitic subway attack on an Orthodox Jewish woman, including the shouted phrase “Jews eat children.” Ebola Threat in Eastern Congo: Religious sisters and church workers in eastern Congo describe how a growing Ebola outbreak is compounding fear and suffering in displacement camps. Vatican Shrine Upgrade: The Vatican elevates a St. Padre Pio site in Batangas, Philippines, to international shrine status, with a formal declaration planned for Sept. 23. Corpus Christi in Croatia: Croatia marks Corpus Christi as a national public holiday with Masses and processions.

Religious Freedom Under Pressure (India): A new report warns India’s anti-conversion laws and rising Hindu nationalism are fueling harassment of Muslims and Christians, with churches and NGOs increasingly targeted. Catholic Church Leadership (Iraq): The Chaldean Catholic Church installed Patriarch Paul III Nona, urging faith over fear after upheaval and exile tied to ISIS. Catholic-State Tensions (Andorra): Andorra’s co-prince system means abortion decriminalization hinges on delicate negotiations with the Holy See before next year’s election. Antisemitism and Community Safety (Canada): Toronto police charged four more suspects in two alleged hate-motivated gel-blaster attacks on Jewish residents, saying the incidents were organized and planned. Antisemitism and Public Life (Germany): A Bavarian hotel apologized after a “no Jews allowed” message appeared on Booking.com; authorities opened an investigation. Violence at Worship (Nigeria): Nigeria’s federal court sentenced four men to death by hanging over the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo. Local Faith Life (U.S.): Kansas announced $40.5M for 31 bridge projects, while multiple churches publicized upcoming VBS and community events.

Antisemitism in Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is “failing” Jewish Canadians as antisemitism surges, citing attacks on schools, synagogues, and community spaces and announcing a more targeted response. Sikh rights and backlash in the UK: The murder of Southampton student Henry Nowak has reignited debate over the Sikh kirpan and police response, with UK Sikhs defending ceremonial knife rights while politicians and activists argue over “two-tier” policing and sentencing. Court case details on the “Sikh dagger”: At Southampton Crown Court, jurors heard about the 21cm weapon carried by Vickrum Digwa and how prosecutors rejected any link between the killing and religious practice. Middle East religious flashpoint: Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, condemned Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa and the raising of Israeli flags inside the compound as violations of the status quo. Nigeria church kidnapping: In Ekiti State, protesters demand action after 16 church members remain captive 36 days after a ransom payment. Faith in daily life: A UBC Sikh Students’ Association langar feeds students and the public, while a West Virginia church camp leader highlights building authentic relationships through faith.

Utah Supreme Court: Gov. Spencer Cox appointed two attorneys to newly created seats, reshaping the state’s top bench as the court expands. Religious Freedom & Hate: Canada’s PM Mark Carney said antisemitism is surging and announced a new federal advisory council to fight hate and improve data. Holy Land Tensions: Muslim-majority states condemned Israeli settler incursions and flag-raising at Al-Aqsa, calling it a violation of international law. Sikh Rights Debate (UK): UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended Sikhs’ legal right to carry kirpans after the Henry Nowak murder case, while politicians spar over sentencing and policing. Church Leadership & Inclusion: An Anglican diocese ordained 16 women priests after decades of change; Pope Leo XIV issued an AI encyclical that also challenges “just war” thinking. Local Faith Life: A Winnipeg pastor returned to Peru to see a church planted 25 years ago grow under local leadership; Eastern Sierra United Methodist Church launched Pride Month events. Orthodox Youth: Ukraine’s Rivne Eparchy held the “Unity Cup” congress for Orthodox youth with prayer, sports, and spiritual talks. Catholic Church & Slavery: A Black Catholic leader praised Pope Leo’s slavery apology as “proper and just,” urging concrete action to heal the legacy.

Antisemitism Response: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says the country is “failing” Jewish Canadians as antisemitic hate crimes surge, announcing a new ministerial council with a first focus on tackling antisemitism. Religious Freedom & Policing: In the UK, Hampshire’s police commissioner calls for a review of religious knife exemptions after the Henry Nowak case, where officers handcuffed a dying stabbing victim following a false claim of racist abuse. Courtroom Accountability: A British Sikh man, Vickrum Digwa, was jailed for life for killing Nowak, after the court heard police treated the victim as the aggressor. Jewish Community Landmarks: A fire-damaged Old Hammond house in Baton Rouge is being transformed into a Jewish Cultural Center, aiming to anchor education and community programs. Faith, Science & Philosophy: Taiwan’s Woodenfish Forum brings Buddhist scholars and scientists together to debate how biotechnology could reshape ideas about life, death, and rebirth. Catholic Life & Sports: Pope Leo XIV is highlighted for keeping a weekly tennis routine as part of an Augustinian devotion to habit and spirituality. Religious Violence Monitoring: The U.S. announced $3.5 million to track religious freedom violations and religious violence in Nigeria. Local Crime & Trust: In India, Raveena Tandon’s family theft case alleges a trusted caregiver stole jewelry and luxury watches worth about Rs 25 lakh.

Religious Freedom & Violence in Nigeria: The U.S. and Nigeria-linked security efforts spotlight a crackdown after the mass abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, with arrests tied to the kidnapping network. Israel & Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protests: Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked roads and trains across Israel to protest mandatory enlistment and enforcement against draft dodgers, escalating tensions inside the political system. Catholic Church & Public Safety: A Boca Raton Catholic school teacher faces federal child porn charges, raising fresh concerns about safeguarding in faith-linked education. Faith in Daily Life (Gen Z): A Pew-backed report says religion’s influence is waning overall in the U.S., but churches are seeing a “spiritual awakening” among Gen Z seeking community. Jewish Identity & Community: A new Diaspora Index finds more Israelis identify first as Jews, while a British Museum decision to postpone a Jewish lecture sparks debate over protest disruption. Local Faith & Community Events: Memorial Day Sikh parades in Illinois honored World War service, while a Pride art exhibition opened at a historic Coral Gables church. Crime & Religion-Adjacent Targets: Jewelry thefts and distraction robberies hit communities, including a Central Texas smash-and-grab at a jeweler.