AGP Executive Report

Religious Freedom in Health Care: Muslim doctors join a lawsuit against Illinois’ medically assisted suicide law, arguing it would force them to discuss life-ending options against their faith. Church-State Rules in the UK: A bill would end the long-standing ban on Catholic and Jewish prime ministers advising on Church of England appointments. Sikh Safety and Diplomacy: A Punjab Congress leader urges India’s foreign minister to summon US and UK diplomats over alleged racial attacks on Sikhs, linking one case to a withdrawn Homeland Security ad. Jewish Observance Amid Violence: In Ontario, a Yom Kippur gathering at Sons of Jacob Synagogue was met with gunfire; an officer was shot outside and the community is calling for answers. Religious Community Under Pressure: Ghana Catholic bishops demand stronger action against drug trafficking after a major cocaine seizure allegedly tied to Ghana’s ports. Local Faith and Public Life: A century-old Methodist church in Gary, Indiana, faces demolition despite years of efforts to save it. Faith, Identity, and Art: A student production “Hail Mary” explores transgender identity, bodily autonomy, friendship, and religion. Community Support: A US church’s weekly free dinner continues to feed neighbors, even as attendance shifts since COVID.

Church Safeguarding Crisis: The Church of England bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, resigned after being suspended over a safeguarding complaint tied to a sexual assault arrest. Persecuted Faith Remembered: Open Doors UK & Ireland mourns former CEO Eddie Lyle, 73, praised for decades championing persecuted Christians. Middle East Holy Sites: The Muslim World League condemned Israeli forces’ storming of Al-Aqsa courtyards, calling for an immediate halt to violations. Religion vs. Law in Europe: An evangelical father’s case heads to the European Court of Human Rights after Spain barred him from teaching his child faith or taking him to church. Faith, Identity, and Courts in India: Madras High Court says reconversion to Hinduism can restore Scheduled Caste status if genuine and accepted by the original community. Homecoming to Hinduism: Kerala’s Ghar Wapsi reports 102 former Christians embracing Sanatana Dharma. Jewish Community Growth: Chabad of St. Petersburg announces a grand opening for a new Center for Jewish Life. Church in Mourning (US): Ukrainian Catholic parishioners in Los Angeles held memorial Masses after NBC4 helicopter pilot George Marciniw was killed in a crash. Migration & Catholic Response: US Catholic bishops set National Migration Week to focus on migrant and refugee children, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s theme. Local Church Life: Wheaton’s College Church advances a parking rezoning recommendation after a 5-1 vote. Burqa Ban in Italy: Italy plans to ban burqas and niqabs in schools as part of integration rules.

Catholic Church Construction: Holy Family Catholic Parish in Arnold, Missouri broke ground for a new church after tornado damage forced it to move worship to the parish center, with a goal of holding Christmas Mass inside by December 2027. Faith & Community Resilience: Downingtown’s Messiah Lutheran Church marked the grand reopening of a building devastated by Hurricane Ida five years ago, returning to a renovated sanctuary after months of services elsewhere. Interfaith & Public Life: Bahrain’s justice minister met an Evangelical Church leader, praising tolerance and coexistence across the kingdom. Buddhist Milestone: San Diego’s Buddhist Temple celebrated 100 years with prayers, a procession, and a centennial ritual marking its next century. Religious Outreach & Health: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a Child Nutrition Program in Tacloban, screening more than 100 children under age five. Local Worship Listings: Dozens of Catholic and other congregations across U.S. regions posted weekly schedules for adoration, confession, and community events (Sept. 20–26).

Humanitarian Appeal: Ukraine’s All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations urged Pope Leo XIV and international leaders to stop mass starvation in Russian-occupied Oleshky, warning a military blockade has cut off food, water, and medicine for thousands. Church Leadership: Tanzania’s Anglican Church consecrated Rt Rev Lameck Ndomba as Bishop of Zanzibar, with President Mwinyi calling for peace and cooperation between government and faith groups. Mission Expansion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hit a record 90,000 full-time missionaries, driven by a surge in women serving after eligibility was lowered to age 18. Religious Freedom vs Health Policy: Florida’s vaccine fight escalated as Catholic bishops resisted state pressure to broaden religious exemptions for school choice. Judaism’s High Holy Day: Yom Kippur began at sundown, with coverage ranging from traditional observance to how communities prepare and fast. Community & Safety: A German man was arrested for an alleged synagogue arson attempt days before Yom Kippur, while police investigated a church attack in Lviv. Faith in Action: LDS launched a Child Nutrition Program in Tacloban, screening young children for malnutrition and risk. Local Church Life: Zanzibar, Malawi, and UK congregations also saw major milestones, refurbishments, and community events.

Middle East Security: The Muslim World League condemned the Houthis’ missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying air defenses thwarted strikes and urging solidarity with Riyadh. Religious Freedom Diplomacy: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom asked the Trump administration to raise China’s repression of faith communities directly with Xi during the Sept. 24 summit. Church-State Tensions in India: A Delhi court ordered Delhi Police to register a case against Karishma Aziz over alleged insults to Hindu beliefs and historical figures. Interfaith Friction in India: In Karnataka, Muslims reportedly opposed a Shri Ganesh idol immersion route, leading to a change after police and a BJP MLA intervened. Anti-Muslim/Anti-Jewish Climate: Manchester United’s Muslim supporters group renewed calls for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to leave the club after his immigration remarks. Hate and Violence: A British Sikh driver was assaulted and his bus stolen in Telford; police arrested a suspect. Faith Community Resilience: Grand Blanc’s LDS church will rebuild after last year’s deadly attack, marking the anniversary with a limited, streamed ceremony. Local Church Life: A Greek Fest wrapped at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, celebrating centuries-old traditions.

Religious Freedom Diplomacy: The White House nominated Cissie Graham Lynch as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, putting a high-profile faith leader at the center of global monitoring and advocacy. Catholic-Jewish Relations: Ahead of Yom Kippur, U.S. bishops urged Catholics to deepen “deep spiritual bonds” with Jews, calling for genuine friendship and a firm rejection of antisemitism. Religious Liberty in Schools: A Washington father says a school ignored his request to be notified and to opt out of LGBT-related lessons, with the dispute headed to court. Hate and Violence Against Sikhs: A Sikh truck driver in Wyoming was stabbed 17 times in an unprovoked attack, while a Sikh bus driver in the UK was assaulted and had his bus stolen—both incidents fueling fears of anti–South Asian backlash. Church and Community Growth: Word on Fire is set to expand its Rochester property with a major addition, reflecting continued growth of its Catholic media ministry. Interfaith and Faith in Public Life: A lawsuit alleges Dearborn, Michigan, funded Ramadan displays while allegedly failing to treat Easter and Passover requests equally. Church Leadership Moves: Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson was named Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Geneva, beginning Sept. 27.

Religious Freedom & Politics: Idaho’s LDS Church urged members to oppose the November abortion ballot measure, sending a letter to be read in congregations and calling for respectful civic action. Interfaith & Antisemitism: A Catholic bishop marked Yom Kippur with a message about repentance and “deep spiritual bonds” between Jews and Catholics, urging Catholics to reject antisemitism. Hate, Safety, and Community: A Sikh truck driver survived a stabbing at a Wyoming rest stop, with officials still probing motive as community leaders warn inflammatory rhetoric is fueling fear. LGBTQ Catholic Leadership: DignityUSA’s longtime executive director Marianne Duddy-Burke announced she will retire, citing generational change in LGBTQ Catholic leadership. Faith in Action: A sheriff’s office and Sopchoppy Baptist Church built an accessibility ramp for a 91-year-old woman, highlighting local service. Church Growth After Violence: One year after an LDS church attack in Grand Blanc Township, the congregation will begin rebuilding with a public groundbreaking. Jewish Life & Learning: Rabbi Michael Beyo promoted a new book arguing Judaism’s “choose life” message counters civilizations’ obsession with death and the afterlife. Catholic Community & Worship: A new chapel for an LDS congregation in Cape Girardeau County will open after five years following an arson fire. Community Ties: An Idaho Religious Freedom Summit brought together faith and legal leaders to discuss how to live out beliefs while protecting others’ rights.

Catholic Church & Mindanao Peace: The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines urged BARMM leaders to make the new parliamentary chapter a “home for everyone,” stressing governance that protects dignity, rights, and religious freedom as Mindanao moves beyond decades of conflict. Religious Freedom & Violence in Ethiopia: The Amhara Association of America says Ethiopian government forces killed an Ethiopian Orthodox student in Merawi during fighting that spans multiple Amhara zones, highlighting ongoing harm to religious students. Jewish Community & Antisemitism Policy: Deborah Lipstadt launched an Emory institute focused on the “multi-tiered” threat of antisemitism, framing it as a long-term challenge to both Jews and democratic trust. Interfaith Award Reversal (UK): Lambeth Palace withdrew an interfaith award from a Pakistani cleric after scrutiny of past remarks tied to Osama bin Laden. Legal Rights Under Muslim Personal Law (India): A Punjab and Haryana High Court observation says puberty-age Muslims are presumed competent to marry by personal law, raising questions about how it interacts with child-protection statutes. Local Faith Life (US): Catholic Charities in Lubbock invited the public to its People of Hope Museum; Lawrence Catholic Academy opened a long-awaited recreation center; and Boston’s archbishop ordained six permanent deacons. Religious Minority Autonomy (Greece/UN): Western Thrace Turks’ federation urged UN action over state control of muftis, arguing it violates autonomy and freedom of religion. Christian Persecution Report (Nigeria): Equipping the Persecuted released a new report alleging thousands of Christian deaths in Nigeria and calls on Washington to treat the crisis as faith-targeted violence.

Catholic Church Leadership: Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops’ conference named David Earleywine as its new executive director after Barbara Sella’s retirement, with a focus on education and religious liberty. Jewish Community & Security: A new analysis says U.S. Jewish centers spent over $1B on security in 2025 as antisemitism surged, driving a 33% jump in costs. Israel-Related Jewish Politics: In Michigan, more than 600 Jewish voters signed an open letter backing Abdul El-Sayed for Senate, mixing support with reservations about Israel-related messaging. LDS & Abortion Politics: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged Idaho congregations to oppose the Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act (Prop. 1). Interfaith Tensions: Lambeth Palace withdrew an interfaith award after comments by a Muslim cleric praising Osama bin Laden came to light. Religious Freedom & Law: Texas Supreme Court is set to consider an appeal in the Gateway Church defamation case tied to Robert Morris. Violence Against Faith Communities: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed in Wyoming; officials and lawmakers are linking the attack to rising hostility toward Sikh and South Asian Americans. Religious Courts in Pakistan: Pakistan’s top court upheld a ban on Ahmadiyya religious literature, keeping forfeiture orders in place. Church & Community Life: Franklinton Baptist Church marked 225 years, tracing its roots to the post–Civil War era and a long tradition of local service. Mental Health & Faith: A report argues religious patients often quit therapy when counselors can’t engage faith issues respectfully or competently.

Religious Freedom & Dialogue: A Vatican document released for the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate calls interreligious dialogue a “journey of hope,” urging a mindset shift toward peaceful coexistence amid conflict and polarization. Religious Violence & Security: Germany arrested an Iraqi man suspected of planning Islamist attacks, including on a church, prosecutors said. Education & Identity Politics: Texas approved social studies standards that would teach Christianity’s influence and define Israel’s founding as “the ancestral homeland of the Jews,” while critics warn the state’s “Bible-only” reading list sidelines other faiths. Minority Rights in India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra wrote to a UN minority rights rapporteur alleging Muslim IAS and IPS officers were excluded from official events during Amit Shah visits. Churches & Community Life: In the U.S., a Barna report finds male teens now outnumber females in church youth groups; elsewhere, a Killeen church held a prayer gathering after a historic blaze. Jewish Life & Continuity: Jewish students in Germany report higher anxiety and stress than non-Jewish peers, and a new Israel Home Expo targets diaspora visitors considering aliyah. Local Faith & Service: A church youth clean-air program and a food-packing drive show faith communities turning outreach into action.

Religious freedom & law: In Indianapolis, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson temporarily dispensed Catholics from Sunday Mass obligations for people fearing immigration enforcement, urging livestream viewing and prayer at home. Court battles over faith: Oregon’s Jessica Bates won a settlement letting her pursue foster-care adoption without being forced to affirm gender-identity requirements tied to her Christian beliefs. Antisemitism & hate: Hawaii’s AG statistics show religion-based hate crimes in 2025 hit Jews disproportionately, with 3 of 4 religion-based cases targeting Jewish people. Community protection: Australia’s Jewish Centre for Law and Justice marked its first year, expanding a pro bono legal “front door” and a strategy arm to fight antisemitism. Catholicism in public life: A Catholic University of America theology professor was named to a Homeland Security cultural outreach role, drawing attention amid immigration-enforcement controversy. Local church life: A church in Owermoigne unveiled new hospitality and display space telling the village’s smuggling story and Thomas Hardy links, while a Co Wexford organic farm auction will fund a church roof. Religious tensions & access: Southlake, Texas denied a permit for a Pride festival at a local church, despite last year’s approval. Muslim world: Türkiye and other Muslim-majority countries condemned a drone attack near Mecca, calling for protection of Islam’s holiest site.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue: Pope Leo says Middle East conflicts have strained Jewish-Christian relations, but dialogue “pillars” remain firm, while reiterating Vatican condemnations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Religious Freedom in Court: India’s Allahabad High Court freed Ayush Malik, ruling his Islam conversion and marriage were by choice and ordering police not to interfere. Muslim Community Access: Israel again closed the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers in the occupied West Bank, citing security around Jewish holidays. Church & Community Life: Baton Rouge welcomed a St. John Paul II blood relic for public veneration, while Alabama’s 16th Street Baptist Church marked the 63rd anniversary with a new visitor center and renewed calls for justice. Faith Under Pressure: London police charged a man with racially and religiously aggravated damage against Muslim venues over graffiti attacks. Religion, War, and Policy: Iran’s IRGC condemned the assassination of a Sunni cleric and vowed retaliation, blaming US and Israel. Local Church Events: Treasure Lake Church announced a free Fall Festival; Savannah’s Beulah Baptist and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist set revival and anniversary dates.

Islamophobia & Hate Crimes: A mosque in Schelle, Belgium (Tawfieq) was spray-painted with “Fck Islam” for the second time in 10 days, with police investigating whether the same person is behind both attacks. Anti-Muslim Abuse in Australia: In Sydney, a 50-year-old man faces court after allegedly verbally abusing a 13-year-old Muslim schoolgirl on a bus, calling her a “fing terrorist” and “immigrant dog”; charges include stalking and intimidation. **Civil Rights Memory: Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church marked the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 bombing with a new Education and Visitor Center aimed at teaching the Civil Rights legacy. Religious Freedom in the U.S.: Lincoln Memorial University reached a federal settlement after allegations it discriminated against Jewish students by denying religious holiday accommodations. Church & Community Life: A historic Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert held a fall market to fund upkeep, while Stratford’s “Bijou at the Church” prepares a formal grand opening after major renovations. Catholic Church Governance: Pope Leo XIV appointed a synodality bishop in Bolivia whose views include “open questions” on Communion for active homosexuals and women’s diaconate.

AI & Religious Freedom: The National Black Church Initiative urged the U.S. Congress to pause large AI model rollouts until regulatory safeguards are in place, warning “man must not try to play GOD unless GOD will step in.” Anti-Semitism & Safety: Germany’s foreign minister pledged solidarity with Munich’s Jewish community after a death threat against Charlotte Knobloch, with police investigating suspected incitement and threats. Church Accountability: All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena unveiled a plaque apologizing for its pre-1923 segregation, acknowledging African Americans were barred from worship and highlighting the founding of a separate parish. Middle East Religious Tensions: UN experts demanded Iran explain the confiscation of Tehran’s St Peter’s Evangelical Church and the eviction of Christian residents. Legal Battles Over Religion in Schools: The Supreme Court issued contempt notice proceedings tied to regulating religious education for children under 14, while a Connecticut judge upheld bans on religious vaccine exemptions. Faith & Politics in the Philippines: A Muslim region in southern Philippines held its first regional parliamentary elections, with high turnout but violence and ballot-cheating concerns. Catholic Life: Ireland saw Catholic baptisms drop nearly 30% over a decade as births fall and more families identify as having no religion.

Buddhism in South Korea: Jogye Order novice Deokhyo, a 22-year-old Tanzanian, received preliminary precepts in Gimcheon—an historic first for the country’s Buddhist monastic community. Religious freedom and conflict: In Texas, the FBI charged a third suspect in the 2023 firebombing of a New Caney Buddhist meditation center, adding Gertrude “Trudy” Thompson to cases against her daughter and Austin Tanton. Catholic community life: A Utah Catholic Conference drew Catholics statewide for prayer and formation in Draper, while Holy Trinity Catholic School in Louisville opened an all-inclusive playground for public use. Churches repurposed: In Georgia, Eagles Nest Church opened a permanent home after moving into a redeveloped Kohl’s site in Roswell. Faith, safety, and justice: A San Diego-area Syriac Catholic bishop faces a civil suit accusing him of taking $200,000 meant for a church remodel. Antisemitism backlash: Miami Beach schools launched an investigation after an antisemitic slur was carved into a bathroom stall at Miami Beach Senior High. Islam and education under pressure: India’s BJP government ordered 252 Muslim madrasas to shut in West Bengal, with another 100 at risk. Religious diplomacy: Argentina’s bishops sent Pope Leo XIV a birthday letter ahead of a planned November visit.

Azerbaijan’s OTS Muslim leaders push interfaith and anti-radicalism: Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and Muslim Council of Elders chief Mohamed Abdelsalam praised President Ilham Aliyev’s role in dialogue and solidarity as OTS religious leaders met in Baku, adopting a declaration targeting terrorism, extremism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. Armenia-Azerbaijan heritage dispute: An Armenian opposition MP urged Yerevan to raise concerns about Azerbaijan “erasing” Armenian religious and historical heritage. Philippines autonomy vote: In the Bangsamoro region, voters began casting ballots for the first parliamentary elections after the 2014 peace deal, amid deadly violence just before polling. Religious freedom clash in the US: On Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, a Christian pastor faces a tribal demand to leave after condemning Arapaho ceremonial practices as “idol worship,” testing the line between faith and tribal governance. UK evangelical snapshot: New research says the evangelical church in the UK is younger, more diverse and larger than expected. Local church life, with community focus: A St. Cloud Catholic parish consolidation is renamed Mother Teresa Parish, while a Saginaw Lutheran church hosts a free carnival and a Zion Lutheran church offers outdoor worship with pet blessings and remembrance. Faith and politics tensions: In Sydney, a church pastor couple says they received threats tied to their stance on LGBTQ and Islam; in Nigeria, Muslim women leaders endorse President Tinubu for 2027, citing education and security gains.