Immigration stories top our list this week, from the pope in Peru to Assembly of God pastors on the border. “Trump support” keeps people away from church according to a survey: Trump’s influence freed a Chinese captive. Welcome to a full week of news and views for Wisdom Wednesday.
Immigration Issues
Urging Christians to speak out. Two Assemblies of God pastors, backed by Latino Evangelicals, say immigration agents threatened family separation. Religion News Service reports on the pastors’ release from detention.
As a migrant bishop in Peru, Leo made immigration advocacy a priority in his diocese. Article by Justin McClellan, National Catholic Reporter. “As pope, Leo has repeatedly shown himself willing to stick his neck out in defense of migrants. But he spent years confronting his own migration crisis as bishop of the rural diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru.”
The Trump administration forced treatment on a hunger striker in ICE detention, new document reveals. The ICE report reviewed by the Guardian discloses a patient was ‘subject to force feeding, hydration or urinary catheterization’, which experts have described as torture. From the Guardian.
OPINION: ICE agents are least-trained law enforcement in America. Article from Baptist News Global.
A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups and federal legislators has launched “End the ICE Age,” a campaign urging Congress to defund and eliminate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Article from Baptist News Global.
Pastor freed from prison in China after Trump requested his release
Survey: Trump support keeps Gen Z-ers out of church
A new study found that, among Gen Z Christians, the strong alliance between Trump and Christianity has had a negative impact on churchgoing for many. From Religion News Service.
Religious liberty suit dismissed
The Trump-appointed judge sees no problem with Religious Liberty Commission, whose membership was challenged by an interfaith group. The report, from Baptist News Global.
TPS deadline nears
Miami archbishop calls for “compassionate” protections for Haitians ahead of the TPS deadline. Catholic Health Services, one of the Archdiocese of Miami’s largest ministries, faces losing an estimated 40 to 50 employees, Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski said. From EWTN.
Catholic convert on death row
He pleaded guilty to murder. As he awaits execution, Catholic supporters say he’s changed. From National Catholic Reporter.
Conservative archbishop appointed
San Francisco’s Archbishop is among new members of Vatican’s Highest Court. Pope Leo XIV also appointed Bishop Edward Lohse of Kalamazoo, Michigan, along with canon law experts from Spain, Germany, Poland, and Italy, to five-year terms on the Apostolic Signatura. From National Catholic Register.
Housing: ‘A moral crisis’
“America’s Housing Shortage Is Turning Into a Moral Crisis,” reports the National Catholic Register. The lack of affordable housing is impacting everything from family formation to participation in parish life.
Two Feet of Love in Action
“Catholic disciples are called to put Two Feet of Love in Action!” So says Barbara Molinari Quinby, quoting the U.S. bishops. Charity and Justice are required, she says in the Justice Bulletin Board this week, for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Leisure ‘more than free time’
The National Catholic Register reports. “Inspired by Pope Leo XIV and Josef Pieper, Catholic clergy share insights into the true meaning of leisure as more than just free time in a world often preoccupied with work.”
Books
The Peace Proposed by Pope Leo XIV Is Not a Naive Hippie Ideal, Expert Says. A new Vatican anthology presents the Pontiff’s teaching on peace as rooted in Christ’s cross, Augustinian spirituality, and missionary experience. An English-language edition is expected soon, according to the National Catholic Register.
New book explores the life of Sr. Sandra Smithson, SSSF, pioneering Black Catholic nun in Tennessee. From journalist Theresa Laurence, it covers a woman who battled racism and educational neglect in Nashville for more than four decades. From Black Catholic Messenger.
‘Maintenance to mission’
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus envisions the future at its 2026 convocation. The Black Catholic Messenger reports the gathering brought nearly 50 Black Catholic ministers and seminarians to Houston for several days of fellowship, encouragement, and celebration.
OPINION: How JD Vance and Bishop Barron reduce Catholicism to philosophy
Karen E. Park writes a ‘Guest Voice’ Opinion for National Catholic Reporter — and what they miss.
Not land, but identity
Juliana’s 190km walk symbolizes a much larger Asian struggle, says UCA News. Malaysia’s Indigenous land question reveals a deeper challenge about development, justice and belonging.
Pope Leo’s eucharistic answer to the age of AI
“The Eucharist opens us to justice and sharing, with a preferential concern for those who are burdened by poverty or marginalization,” the pope writes. Report by Thomas Reese.
Holy impatience
I’m tired of waiting for justice. But I am learning to face a world coming to an end with the gift of God who is World Without End. From the Christian Century.
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