AGP Executive Report

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.

Education & Family Rights: A Catholic argument urges abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, saying education belongs to fathers under natural-law teaching. Housing & Faith-Inspired Living: South Cambridgeshire approved a £51m Northstowe plan that includes a Buddhist-values co-housing community. Religious Freedom & Hate: Canada’s PM Mark Carney is set to outline plans to combat antisemitism and Jewish hate after a Toronto shooting incident and record-high reported antisemitic incidents. Community Solidarity: Hundreds gathered for Shabbat in Bondi Beach to honor victims of a December attack and celebrate unity. Religion & Public Life: Niger’s education commissioner says schools have adequate Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic teachers, responding to complaints. Faith, Law, and Governance: Sri Lanka faces a constitutional clash over a proposed “Dharma Court” to handle Buddhist clergy discipline. Religion, Identity, and Tension: A Jewish lesbian couple was reportedly expelled from a Barcelona LGBTQ+ sauna after staff questioned a Star of David pendant. Church Life: A Perth Anglican church, St Mary the Virgin, suffered fire damage but no injuries were reported. Faith & Ethics in Tech: Ivory Coast Catholic bishops warned about AI’s ethical risks while urging solidarity for flood victims. Religious Violence Monitoring: The U.S. State Department announced $3.5m to improve documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. Sikh Community Service: Pune Sikh Sangat marked Shaheedi Diwas with Chhabil Seva, distributing rose milk to thousands on MG Road. Sports & Faith Identity: Islam Makhachev said he plans to return in August, with UFC fight camp starting immediately.

Coptic Church in Kuwait: Father Bigoul Anba Bishoy congratulated Kuwait’s Crown Prince on his second anniversary, passing on greetings from Pope Tawadros II and local bishops. Church closures: Elgin Missionary Church in Ontario will hold its final service after more than 100 years, citing shrinking attendance and limited ability to fund outreach. Catholic leadership & slavery apology: Pope Leo XIV apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery, while Catholic bishops met him and highlighted challenges for Christians in Pakistan. Middle East politics & sanctions: The EU sanctioned Hamas political leaders including Khaled Mashaal, alongside several West Bank Jewish groups, as Hamas condemned the move. Faith and identity under pressure: A report says many Norwegian Jews feel forced to hide their identity after Oct. 7, citing isolation and classroom exclusion. Community outreach: A Sikh youth group in Indiana organized donations to local shelters and nonprofits, rooted in Sikhism’s sharing tradition. Safety during Eid: Malaysia reported two buffalo attacks during Eid al-Adha preparations, leaving one man dead and another injured. Religious freedom debate: AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi criticized restrictions on Muslim prayers and processions, calling out double standards. Historic preservation: Chicago’s Second Presbyterian Church is reinstalling a 133-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window after 14 months of restoration.

Catholic Church & AI: Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical urges the Church to “disarm” AI, warning that tech mimicking human intelligence can erode human solidarity. Religious Freedom & Law: The Netherlands’ Supreme Court tightening on schooling exemptions could restart criminal prosecutions of parents who keep kids home for religious or ideological reasons. Christian Violence in Nigeria: Armed men abduct 39 pupils and seven teachers from a Baptist school in Oyo State; Nigerian Christians call it a “national disgrace.” Antisemitism & Public Life: A Muslim interfaith activist says she will lead the first Muslim delegation in NYC’s Israel Day Parade despite threats. Catholic Scandal in the US: A Texas jury convicts Nigerian-born priest Anthony Odiong of sexually assaulting women under his spiritual care. Islam & Public Identity: An Islamist scholar tells Kerala Muslim MLAs and ministers not to light ceremonial lamps to avoid appearing “secular.” Community & Aid: Ghana’s Hudai Foundation distributes 1,500 cows for Eid-ul-Adha, reaching tens of thousands. Church & Safety: Washington Nationals officials apologize after firing a director accused of religious discrimination against a Catholic pitcher. Hate Crime in the UK: Police treat a Sikh pensioner assault as “racially aggravated,” arresting six teens. Religious Sites Under Threat: Mexico’s CSW warns gangs and local customs are blocking religious freedom, with priests targeted and killed. Global Faith Diplomacy: India sends sacred Buddhist relics to Mongolia for a 10-day public exposition. Local Church Life: A Winchester church fundraiser concert aims to repair damp-damaged medieval wall paintings.

Clergy Abuse Verdict: A Texas court convicted Nigerian Catholic priest Father Anthony Odiong of sexual assault against women under his spiritual care, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of abuse in religious institutions. Xenophobia Condemned: South Africa’s Catholic bishops denounced escalating violence and displacement targeting migrants and refugees after political pressure from vigilante groups. Hajj at Arafat: Muslim pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat for intense prayers as Saudi Arabia reported more than 1.5 million arrivals for the climax of Hajj. Religious Rights in Kashmir: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir warned against “normalisation” of restrictions on Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid in Srinagar. Church Leadership & Community: Youngstown’s Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church set a pastor-elect installation service for June 7, marking a new leadership season. Local Church Life: Sun City’s First United Methodist Church announced a “Faith at the Movies II” sermon-and-screening series starting in June. Catholic AI Ethics: Cardinal Cupich discussed Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on AI, stressing human-centered safeguards grounded in Catholic social teaching. Jewish Safety in London: An opinion piece reflects on why visibly Jewish tourists feel less safe in London amid heightened security concerns. Islam & Public Space Debate: In India, BJP officials argued a mosque relocation near Kolkata airport runway is needed for development and safety. Orthodoxy Spotlight: A book review highlights “An Orthodox Journey” as a personal entry into Eastern Orthodoxy through liturgy, icons, and community.

Lebanon-Hezbollah Conflict: The IDF says Hezbollah rockets hit Saint George’s Orthodox Church in Marjaayoun, with footage showing at least one strike on the church area and nearby hits, reigniting calls to disarm Hezbollah after a poll found many Lebanese Christians back disarmament. Catholic Church & AI: Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclicals on AI are already triggering talk of workplace “religious accommodation” requests, as Catholic leaders push for limits on how fast technology spreads into daily life. Religious Freedom & Hate Speech: Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith faces backlash after saying he “hates Islam” and calling it a “demonic death cult,” while Catholic bishops urge people not to react emotionally amid broader South Africa tensions. Catholic Social Teaching in Action: Catholic University of America and the Faithful Citizenship Institute are teaming up to train Catholics for public service grounded in Catholic social teaching. Local Faith Community News: Catholic Charities opened a new intergenerational center in West Baltimore, while a Portuguese Church area in Mumbai saw a gas pipeline rupture after excavation damage near the church. Faith, Violence, and Justice: A Texas jury began deliberations in the trial of a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexual assault tied to his clerical role. Jewish Community Life: Cape Ann Chabad announced a free Jewish Cultural Festival for June 14, aiming to welcome the wider community through music, food, and hands-on activities.

Catholic Life in Motion: The 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage kicked off in St. Augustine for America’s 250th birthday, with Mass, adoration, rosary, and prayer drawing Catholics to “sacred grounds.” Religious Freedom & Heritage: The UK’s National Churches Trust warns a shift from the Listed Places of Worship VAT grant to a new renewal fund could make historic church repairs unaffordable, putting priceless art at risk. Faith, Violence, and Protection: U.S. officials say efforts to protect Nigerian Christians from ISIS included killing the group’s alleged No. 2 commander in Nigeria. Interfaith & Community Ties: In Wrexham, Hope Street Church hosted a live BBC Pentecost broadcast, sharing worship and local faith stories. Judaism & Tradition: Shavuot coverage highlights Torah acceptance and the Ruth tradition of choosing Judaism. Church-State Tensions: A Sunderland church faces backlash after posting signs welcoming “all women” to use its toilets, sparking safety and sex-definition disputes. Religion Meets the Law: A Brisbane teen is accused after a “Scientology speedrun” stunt using a police car as a BMX ramp went viral. Middle East Diplomacy: Iran’s president says Tehran will expand cooperation with Muslim and neighboring countries, including Eid al-Adha calls with Malaysia and Pakistan. Jewish Culture Under Pressure: The British Museum postponed a Jewish Culture Month lecture after concerns about planned disruption.

Catholic Accountability: The Diocese of Arlington placed a priest, identified as Very Rev. Patrick L. Posey of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, on administrative leave after an allegation of sexual misconduct involving minors; he denies it and the diocese says it reported the claim to law enforcement and is cooperating. Pride Politics & Antisemitism Claims: Rome Pride banned a Jewish LGBTQ group from the June 20 parade after they refused to condemn Israel’s Gaza actions as genocide; the Jewish group’s organizers say it’s about identity and rights, while Roma Pride says it’s about political values. Religious Freedom Clash in Education: The Becket Fund urged fairness in a St. Louis case after a school board denied all 198 religious COVID vaccine exemptions while approving medical ones, arguing teachers were pushed out for living their faith. Church Discipline & Public Trust: A Church of England disciplinary panel rebuked a priest for drink-driving after he crashed a bishop’s car while three times over the limit, stepping away from his role. Jewish Culture Under Pressure: London’s British Museum postponed a Jewish Culture Month talk on “Ancient Israel and Judah” after learning some attendees planned to disrupt it, drawing criticism from politicians. Muslim Community Response: CAIR condemned Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s “I hate Islam” remarks and his wish that Muslims become Christians, warning the comments could fuel violence. Faith, Community, and Youth Support: Sk8 Church in Steamboat Springs faces financial strain, threatening a free, sober youth space with meals and mentorship. Catholic Life & Service: Catholic Charities events and local church programming continue, including a Texas “Run to Remember” fundraiser supporting people facing poverty and homelessness.

Catholic leadership and public apology: Pope Leo XIV has formally apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery, calling it “a deep wound in Christian memory” and urging atonement and action against modern exploitation. Faith and mental health: A pastor’s reflection argues churches have made it “safe to be sick in the body” but not in the mind, after a congregant’s suicide following depression and hospitalization. Religion and local rights: In Murcia, a Muslim community says it was forced back to a car park for Eid al-Adha after a sports-centre ban, sparking wider political controversy. Interfaith music as bridge-building: An Arab-Jewish youth orchestra project in Israel highlights an “East-West” sound, pairing shared training with cultural reinvention. Church-state tensions in India: A Maharashtra court hearing is set for 28 May over whether a dargah trust can hold the Urus festival and animal sacrifice at Vishalgad Fort, after archaeology rules banned it. Religion meets technology: BYU-led research finds major AI language models often ignore religion when answering faith-related questions. Eid and public life: Nigeria’s Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject banditry and violence, saying no religion teaches killing, as Eid prayers were held in Lagos.

Religious Freedom & Safety: New York lawmakers put a 50-foot “buffer zone” around Jewish day schools and community centers into the state budget, aiming to protect worshippers after recent attacks. Community Resilience: In Lebanon, Christians are opening church doors to Muslim neighbors displaced by fighting, with church leaders urging UN-backed dialogue over violence. Faith & Public Life: DepEd adjusted Palarong Pambansa schedules for Muslim student-athletes to allow Eid al-Adha morning prayers, highlighting inclusion at major youth events. Church Leadership: Charles Zech, who founded a papal-endorsed church management program at Villanova, has died at 79. Legal & Clergy Accountability: A Texas court heard testimony in a case alleging a Catholic priest abused his spiritual role, with the priest reportedly saying “we are but men” when confronted. Eid al-Adha Coverage: Eid prayers and sacrifices were reported across Kashmir and Mumbai, with leaders urging responsible observance within legal limits. Antisemitism & Culture: A new Pew survey examines what U.S. clergy discuss on social and political issues, amid rising debate over religion’s role in public life. Local News: A major fire hit the Kosher Kingdom supermarket in Golders Green; officials say it’s not being treated as suspicious.