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DAVID CRARY National Writer.

FILE - The archbishop of Miami, Thomas Wenski, raises his hand while addressing a crowd during a panel on immigration at Georgetown University in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao,File)

White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement

December 22, 2025

Florida’s Catholic bishops have appealed to President Donald Trump to pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, along with other bishops, expressed concern about the impact on families and communities. They argue that many immigrants caught in enforcement actions are not criminals but are simply working. The White House, however, indicated in its response that it will continue its usual operations. Wenski is known for advocating humane treatment of migrants and highlights their contributions to the economy. He also participates in initiatives to support the spiritual needs of detainees in immigration centers.

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Rabbi Levi Shemtov speaks to the crowd before he lights the Menorah during the annual National Menorah Lighting in celebration of Hanukkah, on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

US Jewish groups urge heightened security at public events after Hanukkah attack in Australia

December 15, 2025

Leading Jewish groups in the United States are urging all Jewish organizations to ratchet up security at public events following the weekend’s mass shooting attack on a Hanukkah celebration on a beach in Australia. The groups say Jewish public events in coming days should be open only to people who had been screened after they have preregistered. In a counterpoint to calls for heightened security, including restrictions on access, some rabbis said their synagogues would proceed with large-scale celebrations. Australian authorities said a father and son are suspected in the attack that killed 15 people. The father was killed at the scene and the son was left in a coma.

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Scout Troop 228 participates in the U.S. flag retirement ceremony for Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church during the annual Patriots Day observance at the church in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Krysta Fauria)

Despite past challenges, Scouting America stabilizes with support from faith-based units

September 17, 2025

For the Boy Scouts of America — recently renamed Scouting America — the past 12 years have been challenging. Opening its programs to gay people and later to girls sparked dismay in some quarters. Its 2020 bankruptcy declaration led to prolonged wrangling over compensation for thousands of men claiming they were sexually abused as scouts. The 115-year-old organization is serving far fewer youths than at its peak decades ago. But it seems to be stabilizing, with a slight uptick in membership last year. A key factor is the abiding loyalty of major religious denominations that still view scouting’s mission as uniquely in tune with their own.

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