AGP Executive Report

Islamophobia After 9/11: As the U.S. marks 25 years since Sept. 11, CAIR Arizona warns of a renewed wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric that feels even harsher than before. 9/11 Remembrance & Faith: A 9/11 victim’s son urged mourners to stop exploiting the tragedy to spread hate, while ABC highlighted the rebuilding of New York’s Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church as a symbol of endurance. Jewish High Holidays Security: South Florida Jewish leaders say they’re boosting security for Rosh Hashanah amid ongoing antisemitism fears. Catholic Life & Ethics: Catholic leaders pushed “faithful citizenship” ahead of elections, and a Catholic bishop accused “synodality” of undermining doctrine. Church Community Resilience: Lahaina’s historic church plans to begin rebuilding in 2027, and a Sun City West church reopened a weekly soup ministry through May 2027. Local Safety Training: A Texas-area church safety class will train congregations on preparedness and emergency response. Global Religion Under Pressure: Anthropic says Chinese state actors used Claude to surveil religious targets, including Falun Gong and NTD.

Counterterror & Security: Germany filed charges against seven Hamas suspects accused of procuring weapons for a planned attack on Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany/Austria, with arrests tied to the Oct. 7 anniversary. Jewish High Holidays Safety: LAPD and LA County Sheriff increased patrols around Jewish houses of worship and schools as Rosh Hashanah began; Hertfordshire police also stepped up security for Jewish communities. Rosh Hashanah Explained: Coverage marked the Jewish New Year’s meaning, foods, and dates (sunset Sept. 11–sunset Sept. 13). Interfaith & Community Support: A project in England mapped church-based “essential services,” estimating hundreds of thousands of welfare actions delivered locally. Church in the Community: A free webinar will help West Virginia churches explore child care programs to ease the state’s shortage. Buddhist Recognition Fight: Belgium’s Buddhist Union gave the government until Sept. 30 to respond to a long-delayed recognition request, threatening legal action. Controversy in Kerala Islam: A Sunni cleric’s remarks on women in public sparked political backlash and renewed debate within Muslim organizations. Religious Freedom/Conversion Case: India’s Allahabad High Court ordered Uttar Pradesh police to produce a man detained after a conversion and marriage to a Muslim woman. Church Safety Incidents: Fires and roof collapses hit churches in the UK and India, prompting evacuations and injuries. Antisemitism on Campus: A report highlights how university responses to antisemitism and anti-Israel activism shape Jewish students’ experiences.

Church & Public Safety: Firefighters responded to a church blaze in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, after flames broke out on Beaty’s Chapel Road; Local Emergency Response: In Kilburn, UK, a “large fire” at a church on Chapel Street led to evacuations of nearby homes as police cleared the area; Legal & Church Accountability: Catholic bishop David Oakley of Northampton faced a next-step hearing after being charged with rape of a minor, with a dismissal hearing set for January; Faith, Policy & Rights: California’s Education Department said a district erred when it treated a teacher’s Holocaust/Gaza materials as non-discriminatory toward Jewish students; Interfaith & Anti-Prejudice Push: Wales faith leaders urged the Senedd to reject religious and ethnic prejudice, naming antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Hindu prejudice; Jewish High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Sept. 11, with communities across the U.S. preparing amid heightened security concerns; Hate Crime Alerts: Ventura, California police are investigating antisemitic vandalism at a Jewish temple, a church, and a park; Religious Freedom Abroad: Ukraine’s state service flagged the Boryspil Diocese of the UOC as structurally tied to a banned foreign religious organization; Religion & IVF: A Catholic publication profiles a physician’s shift in fertility care decisions amid Church teaching on IVF.

Catholic Church–State Talks: Sri Lanka’s President met Catholic leaders to discuss protecting communities from environmental damage, strengthening coexistence, and reviewing progress on the Easter Sunday attacks. Religious Liberty at the Supreme Court: A Becket Fund brief backs an Orthodox Jewish man challenging a city rule that forces him to get a permit to host prayer in his home. High Holy Days Security: UK police are ramping up protection for Jewish communities ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur amid rising antisemitism. Assisted Suicide Debate: UK pro-life group CARE urges prayer ahead of a Commons vote on a new assisted-suicide bill, arguing safeguards remain unclear. Middle East Trade Sanctions: Eight Muslim-majority nations welcomed the UK plan to restrict trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements, urging wider international action. Faith Under Pressure in Ukraine: Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Chabad Ukraine prepares holiday kits despite war disruptions and repeated attacks. Religious Freedom in Practice: A court challenge in Assam questioned 24-hour notice after 73 Muslim homes were demolished, citing natural justice concerns. Church Abuse Spotlight: Skillet frontman John Cooper described church abuse and ostracism after questioning leadership. Inclusion Push in Nigeria: A Catholic sister in Nigeria calls for women and people with disabilities to be included in decision-making and public life.

Religious Freedom in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a New York Catholic mother’s bid for a religious vaccine exemption for her child, keeping state school vaccine rules in place. Jewish Community Security: As Pittsburgh heads into High Holy Days, Jewish leaders say threats and violence concerns are driving months of coordination with police and the FBI. Israel-Settlement Trade Pressure: Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries welcomed the UK’s ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, urging wider action under international law. Catholic Church vs. Politics: Idaho’s attorney general says a church opposing Prop. 1 may avoid donor disclosure under a religious exemption, raising alarms about dark-money influence. Armenian Apostolic Church Diplomacy: The Catholicos of All Armenians met a Middle East peace group, discussing humanitarian crises, displaced Artsakh Armenians, and church heritage. Local Church Safety: Crews searched debris after a lightning-linked fire at a Catholic gym in St. Petersburg, while other reports track security and incidents around churches and Jewish schools. Interfaith & Community Events: North Idaho College will host free Buddhist nun talks, and St. Luke’s Episcopal in Dixon is offering a multi-religion class series open to the public.

Anti-Jewish Hate in NYC: The NYPD is asking the public to identify two suspects in separate suspected Jew-hatred incidents in Queens and Lower Manhattan, including one who allegedly slapped a yarmulke and another who allegedly made anti-Jewish remarks and drew a Nazi swastika near synagogues. Religious Freedom at School: The Philippines Mobile Da’wah and Charity Association urged DepEd in Zamboanga del Sur to stop scheduling school activities on weekends, saying Muslim learners need Saturdays and Sundays for Arabic classes and family life. Islamic Governance in Malaysia: Perak’s legislature passed an Islamic Religious Administration amendment bill to streamline religious institutions, strengthen the Syariah legal framework, and set rules for registering mosques and surau. Catholic Church Under Pressure in Belarus: Belarusian Catholic dissident Andrzej Poczobut returned home after meeting Pope Leo XIV, urging prayers for imprisoned Catholics despite uncertainty about his own fate. Synodality Debate: Cardinal Walter Brandmüller warned that the Church’s synod-on-synodality push risks being shaped by Protestant-style ideas and growing secularization. Church Property Theft in Ohio: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in West Park says statues and donated items have been stolen since October and may be resold online. Staged Miracles Questioned: Nigerian actor Yemi Solade said he was paid to pretend to be physically disabled during a staged church miracle service. Islamic Affairs Funding in Bangladesh: Bangladesh’s PM office scheme will provide honorariums and training-based welfare for imams, muezzins, khadems, and other worship-site workers in Fulgazi.

Church Property & Housing: A Louisiana church is considering buying land next to a mobile home park with 40+ homes, raising fears among long-time residents about parking, expansion, and possible displacement. Electoral Roll Scrutiny: In Maharashtra, an analysis of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) draft rolls says nearly 30% of voters in Muslim-heavy assembly constituencies were marked “uncollectable,” with the report sparking political concern. Religious Freedom in Court: In the U.S., Republicans urge the Supreme Court to revive a case by an Orthodox Jewish man blocked from hosting prayer gatherings at home without a permit. Catholic Healthcare Clash: Cardinal Cupich, religious sisters, and a pharmacist sue Illinois over the assisted-suicide law, arguing it would force them to violate Catholic beliefs. Interfaith Community Support: In Hisar, Sikhs helped repair a 200-year-old mosque amid monsoon damage, with Muslims and other faiths joining restoration and fundraising. Sikh Prison Release Push: In Punjab, political momentum grows for releasing “Bandi Singhs,” tied to decades of advocacy and a push for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara. Churches, Fires & Safety: Toledo investigators search for two people believed to have stayed at St. Agnes Church before a fire led to demolition; meanwhile, St. Petersburg Catholic High School faced a major three-alarm blaze with 80+ responders. Faith, Politics & Identity: Germany’s AfD surged in Saxony-Anhalt, intensifying debate over migration, Islam, and the future of German political coalitions.

Orthodox Feast & Local Faith Life: Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church marked the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with festive liturgies, while communities elsewhere kept faith at the center of daily life, from a Louisville church holding services in its dining room after an air-conditioning theft to a Joliet Catholic Academy running Shadow Days that let students “walk in the shoes” of current pupils. Religious Freedom Under Pressure: France launched an investigation after Eiffel Tower workers said women were pushed out of their roles during a Hindu group visit, and in Hebron, restrictions on the adhan at the Ibrahimi Mosque reportedly continued for a 75th day amid religious-rights concerns. Church, State, and Politics: In North Carolina, lawmakers added a budget provision allowing students to leave school for religious instruction during the day, and in Idaho, a church’s opposition to an abortion ballot measure was argued to qualify for donor-disclosure exemptions. Community Support & Safety: Altadena’s fire-displaced Lift International Church is convening funders to help households clear rebuilding barriers, while New York reported a sharp rise in hate crimes over the past year, with anti-Jewish incidents still a major share.

Religious freedom and public life collide in France: Eiffel Tower staff staged a strike after women were sidelined for a Hindu group visit, sparking political backlash and an investigation. Faith, law, and safety: A Denver lawsuit accuses St. John’s Lutheran Church and School of failing to protect a teen from a music director’s alleged sexual assault. Interfaith and identity under pressure: German Jews warn after AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt election surge, with fears of a far-right shift. Religion and science messaging: Muslim World League launched a digital encyclopedia compiling “scientific miracles” claims from Qur’an and Sunnah. Community care at the local level: A Jacksonville church expanded a “Blessing Box” to include hygiene products for women and students. Religion and politics in the spotlight: Oklahoma’s executive order seeks to assess whether Muslim Brotherhood/CAIR pose threats, echoing similar moves in other states. Violence and religious targeting: UN experts urged Pakistan to protect Ahmadiyya Muslims amid ongoing persecution reports. Jewish life and remembrance: Rosh Hashanah 5787 coverage highlights major observances and the lead-up to Yom Kippur.

EU Court Clash Over Baptism Records: The European Court of Justice is set to consider whether a Catholic diocese must erase baptismal register entries under GDPR, with bishops warning it would violate church autonomy. Church Staffing Crisis: Britain’s Church of England campaign group Save the Parish says stipendiary clergy numbers are in “existential” decline, urging reforms to training, funding, and retention. Religious Freedom vs. Data and Policy: The same EU case spotlights how secular rules collide with religious record-keeping, while U.S. campus training debates “religious exemption” as a “license to discriminate.” Faith, Public Life, and Noise: A Polish parish in Poznań launched a “holy parking meter” where drivers “pay” with prayers, and elsewhere communities argue over noise limits during religious festivals. Religion and Violence: A fireworks explosion at a Mexican church festival killed at least 10 and injured dozens, while Nigeria’s Intersociety reports thousands of Christians killed or abducted in attacks tied to extremist groups. Global Church Developments: The Global Methodist Church held its first Africa General Conference in Johannesburg, adopting Articles of Faith and electing eight bishops. Islam in Public Opinion: A Pew poll finds many Americans view Islam negatively, including beliefs it encourages violence. Local Faith and Community: Pakistan’s Punjab assembly backs equal religious education access for minority prisoners, and a Polish woman’s case report describes singing religious songs after brain surgery symptoms.

Legal Fight Over Religious Accommodation: A coalition opposing governmental secrecy and Metric Media LLC sued Alsip, Hazelgreen, and Oak Lawn School District 126 under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, seeking records on religion-specific accommodations including Ramadan, arguing the lack of response blocks public oversight and raises First Amendment concerns. Sikh Community in Canada: Thousands gathered in downtown Winnipeg for the 422nd Nagar Kirtan, with organizers saying the event drew over 20,000 despite recent hateful graffiti and police investigation. Gaza Displacement Push Rejected by Muslim States: Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries condemned proposals to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, warning the rhetoric would violate international law and threaten regional stability as funerals followed the recovery of bodies from rubble. Local Catholic Sports Spotlight: Holtville Vikings lost 28-17 to Yuma Catholic in a close Friday night matchup, while Stanley-Boyd’s girls volleyball team won the Marshfield Columbus tournament title. Faith Calendar (Sept. 6–12): Dozens of Catholic and interfaith adoration and confession schedules were posted across U.S. regions including Illinois Valley, West Central Iowa, Springfield Metro, and Southwest Florida.

Religious Freedom & Law: Zurich’s parliament narrowly backed a ban on hijabs and other religious head coverings for Muslim students and teachers in public schools, sparking fresh debate over secular neutrality versus religious rights. Middle East Politics: Eight Arab and Muslim countries condemned Israeli ministers’ Gaza displacement plans as a direct threat to peace efforts, warning that forced expulsion would violate international law. Israel-Palestine Security: Israel’s NSC says terror plots against Jews abroad have been thwarted while vigilance rises ahead of the High Holy Days. Church Life & Community: A historic Cumbria church (St James’ in Great Ormside) is set to get running water for the first time in nearly 1,000 years, aiming to make the site more welcoming for worship and community events. Faith & Society: Malaysia’s federal territories mufti urged the term “religious exploitation” over “riding on religion,” arguing it more accurately describes misusing faith for wealth and influence. Christianity & Family: The SDA Church in Zimbabwe focused on strengthening marriages amid technology distractions, urging prayer, shared Bible study, and screen boundaries. Public Safety: A church steeple collapsed after a major fire in Toledo, Ohio, with firefighters fighting defensively as the structure became unstable.

Religious Freedom & Military: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to protect service members delivering religious greetings at Kirtland Air Force Base after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation intervened. Ultra-Orthodox Politics: Israel’s Degel HaTorah is refreshing its lineup as Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev prepare to leave the Knesset, with party leadership shifting. Catholic Healthcare Rights: Cardinal Cupich and Catholic nuns sued Illinois to block an assisted-suicide law, arguing it would force Catholic ministries to violate core teaching on the dignity of life. Faith in Action: Fox River Christian Church in Wisconsin packed 267,000 meals for children through Kids Around the World, while Catholic Charities in Tampa held a back-to-school clothing and essentials drive for people exiting homelessness. Community & Worship Life: St. Paul’s Cathedral in London agreed to host DJ events with Fabric, drawing criticism over the use of a historic Christian site. Regulation of Preaching: Bahrain updated licensing rules for preaching and religious guidance, aiming to strengthen oversight of religious activities. Israel-Palestine Christian Focus: Palestinian Foreign Minister Shahin met Churches for Middle East Peace to discuss Israeli attacks on Christians and worsening humanitarian conditions. Local Religious News: Anglican leaders in Barbados proposed a major healthcare development tied to the church’s community role.

Jewish community security: A California man, Paul Dean Andrews, was ordered to stand trial over alleged antisemitic threats to shoot up a Jewish community center in Redondo Beach, with prosecutors citing multiple calls and a specific plan. Counterterror crackdown: France detained three men accused of preparing to join ISIS in Africa and potentially target the Jewish community in France, after investigations tied to a WhatsApp group. Religious freedom under pressure: In Saharanpur, India, a mosque inside the collectorate was demolished at about 5am after a court dismissal, sparking outrage and claims it violates the Constitution and religious freedom. Democracy and faith in Nigeria: Human rights lawyer Femi Falana urged churches and mosques to actively monitor budgets and project delivery ahead of 2027 elections, warning religious bodies must not “sit on the fence.” Interfaith life in practice: Hyderabad’s Ganesh festival preparations highlight Muslim-Hindu partnerships across mandapams, from decorators and suppliers to drivers and sweet makers. Church milestones & community: Bethany Baptist Church in Moline marks 150 years, while St John the Evangelist Church in the UK celebrates its 200th anniversary with historic displays and memories. Faith and everyday debate: A UK V&A exhibition, “I Was Born Here,” uses tapestries to connect British Muslim life with Islamic history and challenges xenophobia. Local faith disruptions: A church steeple collapsed after a blaze in Toledo, and a Lonavala jewellery theft used a distraction tactic to steal silver ornaments.

Religious Freedom & Law: Cardinal Cupich and Catholic nuns sue Illinois to block the state’s assisted-suicide law ahead of its Sept. 12 start, arguing it violates religious freedom and free speech. Church-State Tensions: Ukraine demands the Moscow-connected Ukrainian Orthodox Church leave Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by March 29, escalating a long-running fight over control of the ancient monastery. Anti-Hate & Community Resilience: A Queens synagogue hosted “Digital Defender 102,” training older Jewish participants to confront antisemitism and build Jewish pride using AI and social media. Local Faith Under Pressure: Federalsburg’s Church of the Nazarene fire has been ruled arson, with the ATF offering up to a $5,000 reward. Faith, Health & Aid: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF launch a two-year initiative to support maternal and newborn care for 3 million mothers and babies across South Asia. Interfaith Neighbors: A Muslim doctor in Mooresville urges officials to apply the same municipal standards to an Islamic center as they would to a church. Faith in Action: A Spokane congregation sold its building after insurance costs spiked; elsewhere, a church in Idaho delivered hay to ranchers hit by wildfire.

Jewish communal security: Jewish Federations of North America says Jewish communal spending on security has hit a record $1.015B a year ahead of the High Holidays, urging Congress to fully fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Religious liberty in court: Maine’s Supreme Court upheld a custody order blocking a mother from taking her 13-year-old to a church labeled a “cult,” with an appeal promised to the U.S. Supreme Court. Religious freedom and conflict: A Leuven mayor banned an Israeli Europa League match over safety concerns, sparking debate over security and antisemitism. Violence and allegations in India: Two Muslim women journalists allege Delhi Police assault after detention; police deny wrongdoing. Religious persecution claims: BJP seeks an NHRC probe into alleged custodial torture of a Sikh youth by Punjab Police. Community faith life: St. Luke’s in Widnes applies to add solar panels to a Grade II*-listed church; Waterloo Methodist hosts a Sept. 11 spaghetti dinner; Fox River Christian Church packs 267,000 meals for children. Politics and faith blocs: Michigan’s U.S. Senate race highlights Arab-Jewish voter tensions as Abdul El-Sayed apologizes to Jewish Democrats.