RELIGION HEADLINES SUN 9-7-25

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(SRN NEWS)  In the wake of last month’s deadly shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, dioceses around the country are looking to their security arrangements.  Catholic leaders in the archdiocese of Los Angeles and Chicago have ordered all schools to go over their safety plans and ensure that churches and chapels are included.  Protestant churches and other houses of worship have also been put on notice by the Minnesota shooting and are making changes.  The Trump administration is making money available for congregations to upgrade their security in a number of ways, including with the installation of cameras and bullet-proof glass. 

(  )  Since 2015, more than 1,300 residents at homeless shelters around the country have trained to run half-marathons through Up and Running Again, a nonprofit that uses faith and running to promote personal transformation.  Pastor Bruce McEvoy, who serves as a volunteer coach for the program, says the idea is to use running and friendship as tools for transformation.  The program is simple but intense.  For 12 weeks, participants run three days a week — two shorter runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, followed by a long run on Saturday.  Participants are paired with volunteer coaches who give tips and motivation. 

(  )  Police in Canada are investigating an apparent anti-Semitic attack on a Jewish woman at a grocery store.  Ottawa lawmen say a 71-year-old man has been arrested for stabbing the victim — who is also in her 70s — leaving her hospitalized for a time.  The suspect had been posting anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements on his Facebook page.  Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and many other government officials have condemned the incident and vowed to protect the Jewish community.  Anti-Semitism is on the rise all around the world and it has accelerated in the wake of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that has sparked a war in Gaza.   

(  )  Will Graham, the son of Billy Graham, is planning a trip to Europe next month to preach the gospel.  The popular evangelist is scheduled to hold a weekend festival in the city of Tallinn, Estonia on October 18th and 19th.  Contemporary Christian artists will perform, and Graham will preach both days.  Local churches across the small country have come together to sponsor the festival and to provide logistics.  After the Estonia trip, Will Graham is scheduled to take the gospel message to several Florida cities in the final days of October.  The list includes Tallahassee, Gainesville and Sarasota.