Monday, May 18, 2026
Seeking unity within the worldwide Christian community
17 January 2026
Seeking unity within the worldwide Christian community
Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations Commissioner Jane Paone shares how Christian traditions across the world share and learn from each other.
What does ecumenism look like at an international level?
I represent the General in different international groups.
The Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions brings together all the general secretaries of the different traditions. We share once a year about challenges and joys for the Church. Then we pray for one another. It’s a very precious moment.
I’m also on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. The Salvation Army used to be a member of the council. We chose not to be in the 1970s, but we’re always represented with adviser status, so we’re in contact with what’s happening globally. Everybody is very respectful, and there’s a lovely atmosphere.
There’s also the Global Christian Forum. This is a lovely meeting for people to share faith experiences or how the Lord has been working through our traditions. There are no theological documents to be studied; it’s just your testimony.
We’re also part of the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
I also have strong links with European Ecumenical Officer Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (IHQ), the General’s representative to the Vatican Lieut-Colonel Andrew Morgan (Italy and Greece Territory) and Territorial Ecumenical Officer Major Paul Robinson (UK and Ireland Territory).
Pastor Convicted for Preaching Bible Verse Near Hospital in Northern Ireland
us news
Published 3 days ago
on May 15, 2026
By theendtimenews
Clive Johnston, a 78-year-old retired pastor in Northern Ireland, has been convicted and fined for preaching a Gospel-centered message nearby a hospital.
District Judge Peter King at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court convicted Johnston on May 7 of breaching a so-called “safe access zone” outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine on July 7, 2024.
Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act bans “influencing,” “preventing or impeding access,” or “causing harassment, alarm, or distress” to a protected person within 100 meters — or about 328 feet — of any facility where abortions are performed. A woman in the U.K. was targeted by police for praying silently under similar pretenses.
Johnston, for his part, was found guilty of “influencing” within the perimeters of the protected zone and, as such, was fined 450 pounds, or about $614.
The septuagenarian may very well be the first person prosecuted under the law for preaching a sermon that did not mention abortion, according to the Christian Institute, which advocated for Johnston.
Not only was the former pastor not speaking about abortion — he was preaching about one of the most fundamental passages to the Gospel message, John 3:16, which states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (ESV).
“It effectively redefines peaceful Christian witness as a form of unlawful ‘influence,’” Johnston told Fox News. “If simply reading the Bible, praying, and preaching on God’s love can now be considered harmful because someone might overhear it within a certain area, then we have crossed a very serious line.”
The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)
The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus) Paperback –
April 27, 2023
by James G. Battell (Author), G. Patrick Battell (Author)
"The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" is a groundbreaking exposé that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the scandalous and often shocking history of the Jesuit order. Authored by G. Patrick and James G. Battell, this gripping narrative pulls back the curtain on the enigmatic society, revealing a side of the Jesuits that has long been buried in the annals of history. From clandestine plots to controversies that have rocked the Church and wider society, this book unveils the untold stories that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Prepare to be astonished as "The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" delves into the controversial actions and covert activities of the Jesuits, challenging conventional perceptions and shedding light on their involvement in political intrigues, espionage, and even alleged conspiracies. The authors fearlessly confront long-standing taboos, providing a no-holds-barred account that explores the dark corners of the Jesuit order's history. This is not merely a book; it's a riveting journey into the heart of a hidden world, where shocking revelations and unexpected twists await those brave enough to dive into its pages.
With meticulous research and a compelling narrative, G. Patrick and James G. Battell weave together a narrative that reads like a thrilling mystery novel while remaining firmly rooted in historical facts. "The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" is not for the faint of heart. Still, this book is an absolute must-read for those seeking an unfiltered and electrifying exploration of the Jesuits' shocking history. Brace yourself for a wild ride through the underbelly of one of the most intriguing orders in the history of the Catholic Church.Former Catholics G. Patrick and James G. Battell are father-son Christian ministries with priests in the family. Their prayer is that God will bless this must-read book and use it to draw Catholics out of Catholicism and into the true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Source
"The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" is a groundbreaking exposé that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the scandalous and often shocking history of the Jesuit order. Authored by G. Patrick and James G. Battell, this gripping narrative pulls back the curtain on the enigmatic society, revealing a side of the Jesuits that has long been buried in the annals of history. From clandestine plots to controversies that have rocked the Church and wider society, this book unveils the untold stories that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Prepare to be astonished as "The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" delves into the controversial actions and covert activities of the Jesuits, challenging conventional perceptions and shedding light on their involvement in political intrigues, espionage, and even alleged conspiracies. The authors fearlessly confront long-standing taboos, providing a no-holds-barred account that explores the dark corners of the Jesuit order's history. This is not merely a book; it's a riveting journey into the heart of a hidden world, where shocking revelations and unexpected twists await those brave enough to dive into its pages.
With meticulous research and a compelling narrative, G. Patrick and James G. Battell weave together a narrative that reads like a thrilling mystery novel while remaining firmly rooted in historical facts. "The Shocking History of the Jesuits (The Society of Jesus)" is not for the faint of heart. Still, this book is an absolute must-read for those seeking an unfiltered and electrifying exploration of the Jesuits' shocking history. Brace yourself for a wild ride through the underbelly of one of the most intriguing orders in the history of the Catholic Church.Former Catholics G. Patrick and James G. Battell are father-son Christian ministries with priests in the family. Their prayer is that God will bless this must-read book and use it to draw Catholics out of Catholicism and into the true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pope: Christians and Muslims must work together to ‘revive humanity'
Pope Leo greets participants in the colloquium (@Vatican Media)
In a meeting with participants in an interfaith colloquium, Pope Leo calls on Christians and Muslims to “revive humanity where it has grown cold” and "transform indifference into solidarity”.
By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo met on Monday morning with members of Jordan’s Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The members of the Royal Institute, which was founded under the patronage of Jordan’s Prince Hasan bin Talal, were in Rome for a colloquium on “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times”.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE POPE'S ADDRESS HERE
In a meeting with participants in an interfaith colloquium, Pope Leo calls on Christians and Muslims to “revive humanity where it has grown cold” and "transform indifference into solidarity”.
By Joseph Tulloch
Pope Leo met on Monday morning with members of Jordan’s Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The members of the Royal Institute, which was founded under the patronage of Jordan’s Prince Hasan bin Talal, were in Rome for a colloquium on “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times”.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE POPE'S ADDRESS HERE
Pope Leo with Cardinal Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (@Vatican Media)
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Religious Liberty -- Who should wield power and control?
May 15, 2026 Jewell
Kingly Power
The question “Who should wield power and control?” has divided mankind throughout earth’s history.
On July 4, 2026, Americans will be celebrating 250 years since the signing of the declaration of Independence. All 56 signers committed a treasonous act against Britain—risking their lives and fortunes for the sake of freedom. These brave men believed that religion was a duty we owe our Creator, to Him we owe our very existence.
These founders of The United States understood that governments derive, “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” And furthermore, man’s relation to God cannot be delegated by man, but by God. We celebrate freedom today because men and women who went before us refused the dictates of priests, kings and magistrates, and choose instead the leadings of the providence of God.
Kingly Power
The question “Who should wield power and control?” has divided mankind throughout earth’s history.
On July 4, 2026, Americans will be celebrating 250 years since the signing of the declaration of Independence. All 56 signers committed a treasonous act against Britain—risking their lives and fortunes for the sake of freedom. These brave men believed that religion was a duty we owe our Creator, to Him we owe our very existence.
These founders of The United States understood that governments derive, “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” And furthermore, man’s relation to God cannot be delegated by man, but by God. We celebrate freedom today because men and women who went before us refused the dictates of priests, kings and magistrates, and choose instead the leadings of the providence of God.
Operation Gladio - The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA, and the Mafia - Paul L Williams
alltheworldsastage
Operation Gladio - The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA, and the Mafia Paul L Williams
Google Play Books
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgcE1yAU58&t
Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between… by Paul L. Williams · Audiobook preview
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Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA, and the Mafia
Authored by Paul L. Williams
Narrated by Michael Prichard
BOOK DESCRIPTION
In this disturbing expose, journalist Paul L. Williams describes a secret alliance forged at the close of World War II by the CIA, the Sicilian and U.S. mafias, and the Vatican to thwart the possibility of a Communist invasion of Europe. Williams presents evidence suggesting the existence, in many European countries, of "stay-behind" units consisting of five thousand to fifteen thousand military operatives. The initial funding for these guerrilla armies came from bogus British bank notes and the sale of large stocks of SS morphine that had been smuggled out of Germany and Italy. As the Cold War intensified, the units were used not only to ward off possible invaders but also to thwart the rise of left-wing movements in South America and NATO-based countries by terror attacks. Williams argues that Operation Gladio soon gave rise to the toppling of governments, wholesale genocide, the formation of death squads, financial scandals on a grand scale, the creation of the mujahideen, an international narcotics network, and, most recently, the ascendancy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit cleric with strong ties to Operation Condor (an outgrowth of Gladio in Argentina) as Pope Francis I.
The Trump administration is planning a prayer event on the National Mall...
The Trump administration is planning a prayer event on the National Mall. All but one of the speakers is Christian
Work continues on the stage for the Rededicate 250 celebration on the National Mall in Washington.Alex Brandon/AP
(RNS) —Cabinet members, Catholic bishops, evangelical influencers, and an actor who plays Jesus are a few of the speakers and performers scheduled to participate in "Rededicate 250," the Trump administration's daylong prayer celebration happening on the National Mall this weekend.
Advertised as a "rededication of our country as One Nation Under God" and a "once in a lifetime national moment," the Sunday event is intended to reflect on the faith of America's founders and to appeal to God to bless and guide the nation.
It's an initiative of Freedom 250, a White House-backed, public-private campaign staging patriotic events to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. Supporters welcome the event as a tribute to America's roots, while critics say the Christian-saturated, MAGA-heavy festival casts an exclusionary vision of America's past and present. Americans United for Separation of Church and State suggested the event advances Christian nationalism rather than religious freedom. (Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a financial supporter of NPR.)
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Reflecting on meeting with Leo,...
Reflecting on meeting with Leo, Rubio emphasizes distinction between role of Church and nation state
“There are conflicts and issues in the world that cannot be solved diplomatically, no matter how hard you try,” Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press at the U.S. Embassy in Rome on May 8, 2026. | Credit: Stefano RELLANDINI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
By Amira Abuzeid, Ken Oliver-Méndez
May 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM ET
In a May 13 interview on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected on his May 7 meeting with Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the different vantage points and distinct roles of the Church and a nation-state.
In the interview, Rubio acknowledged the Catholic Church’s longstanding position advocating for peace and the avoidance of war while drawing a clear distinction between the Church’s role and the duties and responsibilities of nation states.
While saying the U.S. also seeks peace, Rubio affirmed that the countryʼs position on war is “different,” because it is “a nation state.”
“For a nation state, which is different from a religious office, for a nation state there are threats to your security and to the well-being of your people that have to be addressed, ideally through diplomatic means, but there are conflicts and issues in the world that cannot be solved diplomatically, no matter how hard you try,” Rubio said, pointing to years of failed diplomacy with Iran and other past examples.
He said there have not been “any results” despite “over a decade of work done to try to diplomatically solve Iran’s desire and ambition to have a nuclear weapons program."
“There are conflicts and issues in the world that cannot be solved diplomatically, no matter how hard you try,” Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press at the U.S. Embassy in Rome on May 8, 2026. | Credit: Stefano RELLANDINI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
By Amira Abuzeid, Ken Oliver-Méndez
May 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM ET
In a May 13 interview on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected on his May 7 meeting with Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the different vantage points and distinct roles of the Church and a nation-state.
In the interview, Rubio acknowledged the Catholic Church’s longstanding position advocating for peace and the avoidance of war while drawing a clear distinction between the Church’s role and the duties and responsibilities of nation states.
While saying the U.S. also seeks peace, Rubio affirmed that the countryʼs position on war is “different,” because it is “a nation state.”
“For a nation state, which is different from a religious office, for a nation state there are threats to your security and to the well-being of your people that have to be addressed, ideally through diplomatic means, but there are conflicts and issues in the world that cannot be solved diplomatically, no matter how hard you try,” Rubio said, pointing to years of failed diplomacy with Iran and other past examples.
He said there have not been “any results” despite “over a decade of work done to try to diplomatically solve Iran’s desire and ambition to have a nuclear weapons program."
From Rerum Novarum to Today: Pope Leo XIV Prepares to Add His Voice to the Church’s Social Teaching
Hannah Brockhaus
via EWTN
15.05.26
Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11, 2026. (photo: Simone Risoluti / Vatican Media)
During his recent apostolic trip to Cameroon, the Pope called on Catholic university students from central Africa to be ‘pioneers of a new humanism in the context of the digital revolution.’
With the publication of his first encyclical just around the corner, Pope Leo XIV is poised to add his voice to the Church’s tradition of social teaching, reflecting on what it means to be human in the midst of a digital revolution.
According to reports, the encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — will be called Magnifica Humanitas, Latin for “Magnificent Humanity.” It is expected to present the Pope’s moral guidance on how to approach artificial intelligence.
As Leo himself indicated in the first days of his pontificate, he will follow in the steps of his predecessor and namesake, Pope Leo XIII, whose encyclical Rerum Novarum, “Of New Things,” is widely considered the first in a long line of social encyclicals produced in the modern era of the papacy.
Catholic social teaching from the late 19th century to today is the Church’s attempt “to articulate itself in constantly new and evolving conditions,” said Anna Rowlands, a theologian and professor of Catholic social thought at Durham University in the United Kingdom.
During his recent apostolic trip to Cameroon, the Pope called on Catholic university students from central Africa to be ‘pioneers of a new humanism in the context of the digital revolution.’
With the publication of his first encyclical just around the corner, Pope Leo XIV is poised to add his voice to the Church’s tradition of social teaching, reflecting on what it means to be human in the midst of a digital revolution.
According to reports, the encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — will be called Magnifica Humanitas, Latin for “Magnificent Humanity.” It is expected to present the Pope’s moral guidance on how to approach artificial intelligence.
As Leo himself indicated in the first days of his pontificate, he will follow in the steps of his predecessor and namesake, Pope Leo XIII, whose encyclical Rerum Novarum, “Of New Things,” is widely considered the first in a long line of social encyclicals produced in the modern era of the papacy.
Catholic social teaching from the late 19th century to today is the Church’s attempt “to articulate itself in constantly new and evolving conditions,” said Anna Rowlands, a theologian and professor of Catholic social thought at Durham University in the United Kingdom.
Friday, May 15, 2026
CIA Chief Spotted In Cuba As Specter Of Regime Change Looms Large
May 15, 20269:23 AM ET
As the specter of the U.S.-led regime change grows, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released photos of agency chief John Ratcliffe meeting with Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday.
Ratcliffe and several U.S. officials—some of whose faces were blurred by the CIA in images posted to X—held talks Thursday with Cuba’s Interior Minister, the head of Cuban intelligence and Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raulito Rodríguez Castro. A CIA official told The Associated Press that the director was there “to personally deliver President Donald Trump’s message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes.”
As the specter of the U.S.-led regime change grows, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released photos of agency chief John Ratcliffe meeting with Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday.
Ratcliffe and several U.S. officials—some of whose faces were blurred by the CIA in images posted to X—held talks Thursday with Cuba’s Interior Minister, the head of Cuban intelligence and Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raulito Rodríguez Castro. A CIA official told The Associated Press that the director was there “to personally deliver President Donald Trump’s message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes.”
The threat of regime change in Cuba has grown in recent weeks. President Donald Trump has repeatedly mused about taking over Cuba and suggested May 8 that a U.S. aircraft might leave the Iran War theater and position itself off the country’s coast. The administration has also intensified its economic war, blocking oil shipments since January. Amid energy blackouts, a collapsing economy and protests in the capital, Cuba’s oil and gas supplies have now run dry, according to Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy.
Rededicate 250: Pastor Gary Hamrick to call for national repentance, rebuke 'lies of gender confusion, marriage redefinition'
By Ian M. Giatti, Christian Post Reporter
Thursday, May 14, 2026
An undated photo of Pastor Gary Hamrick teaching at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia. | Courtesy Cornerstone Chapel
As thousands prepare to gather at the National Mall on Sunday to pray for the nation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Cornerstone Chapel Senior Pastor Gary Hamrick is calling for national repentance and a return to the God of the Bible.
Hamrick, who is one of over a dozen pastors set to speak at “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving” on May 17, says his message to the nation is the same as that of the Apostle Peter at the dawn of the Christian era.
“Rededication begins with repentance,” Hamrick told The Christian Post. “Acts 3:19 says, ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.’ We must turn from our sin and turn to God and stand upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ, because He is the only hope for the soul of our nation. Jesus is always the answer.”
While the “Rededicate 250” event is expected to mark the nation’s largest religious gathering in more than 50 years, Hamrick expressed concern that despite a rich heritage of religious freedom, the country has drifted from its founding principles when it comes to issues like abortion, marriage and gender identity.
As thousands prepare to gather at the National Mall on Sunday to pray for the nation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Cornerstone Chapel Senior Pastor Gary Hamrick is calling for national repentance and a return to the God of the Bible.
Hamrick, who is one of over a dozen pastors set to speak at “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving” on May 17, says his message to the nation is the same as that of the Apostle Peter at the dawn of the Christian era.
“Rededication begins with repentance,” Hamrick told The Christian Post. “Acts 3:19 says, ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.’ We must turn from our sin and turn to God and stand upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ, because He is the only hope for the soul of our nation. Jesus is always the answer.”
While the “Rededicate 250” event is expected to mark the nation’s largest religious gathering in more than 50 years, Hamrick expressed concern that despite a rich heritage of religious freedom, the country has drifted from its founding principles when it comes to issues like abortion, marriage and gender identity.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
BRICS foreign ministers meet in India as Iran war, fuel crisis dominate agenda
Deep divisions within BRICS over the Middle East war and criticism of Western powers have raised uncertainty over whether the meeting will produce a joint statement.
BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers. / AFP
Foreign ministers from the BRICS group of nations, including Iran and Russia, started their meetings in India on Thursday, with the Middle East conflict and related fuel crisis set to dominate discussions.
India, which holds the BRICS chair this year, is hosting the two-day gathering of foreign ministers from the expanded bloc, which now includes Iran and the United Arab Emirates, countries at odds over the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
India's foreign ministry said talks will focus on "global and regional issues of mutual interest", spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
With India serving as the bloc’s chair, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is not attending the meeting as Beijing is currently hosting US President Donald Trump for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi late on Wednesday, Iran's embassy in India said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also attending. He met his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar after arriving in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
Jaishankar said in a statement that their discussions included "trade and investment, energy and connectivity" as well as "global and multilateral issues".
"Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment," Jaishankar added.
Foreign ministers from the BRICS group of nations, including Iran and Russia, started their meetings in India on Thursday, with the Middle East conflict and related fuel crisis set to dominate discussions.
India, which holds the BRICS chair this year, is hosting the two-day gathering of foreign ministers from the expanded bloc, which now includes Iran and the United Arab Emirates, countries at odds over the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
India's foreign ministry said talks will focus on "global and regional issues of mutual interest", spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
With India serving as the bloc’s chair, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is not attending the meeting as Beijing is currently hosting US President Donald Trump for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi late on Wednesday, Iran's embassy in India said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also attending. He met his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar after arriving in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
Jaishankar said in a statement that their discussions included "trade and investment, energy and connectivity" as well as "global and multilateral issues".
"Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment," Jaishankar added.
Trump administration will join a prayer gathering criticized for promoting Christian nationalism
Some critics call the Rededicate 250 event an effort to “hijack” U.S. history with a false, Christian nationalist narrative — one they say fuses American and Christian identities and threatens a constitutional separation of church and state.
FILE – President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
By Associated Press
By Associated Press
PUBLISHED: May 14, 2026 at 11:16 AM EDT | UPDATED: May 14, 2026 at 11:23 AM EDT
By PETER SMITH
President Donald Trump and several top administration officials are joining with a cast of mostly conservative Christian clergy this Sunday on the National Mall in Washington for a prayer gathering billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God” upon America’s 250th birthday.
But some critics call the Rededicate 250 event an effort to “hijack” U.S. history with a false, Christian nationalist narrative — one they say fuses American and Christian identities and threatens a constitutional separation of church and state.
The daylong program is being organized by a nonprofit called Freedom 250. Its website describes it as a public-private partnership “leading the presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary,” which culminates with the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Congressional Democrats have questioned the organization’s structure and finances, which they see as a Trump-controlled end run around a separate commission charted by Congress a decade ago to prepare semiquincentennial events.
Top Republican officials promote event
Organizers expect thousands of people to attend Rededicate 250, which will include worship music, prayers and speeches from Cabinet heads and other Republican officials, along with religious leaders and others. Trump and several other speakers are addressing the crowd by video, while others will speak in person. The scheduled participants include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
“Our founders knew two simple truths,” Hegseth said in a promotional video for the event featuring a montage of Cabinet secretaries.
“Our rights don’t come from government, they come from God. And a nation is only as strong as its faith,” added Hegseth, whose use of Christian rhetoric to justify the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran and in other official settings has drawn scrutiny.
Mystery Babylon by Jonathan Malone
Mystery Babylon is a 574-page eschatological and religious non-fiction book written by author and pastor Jonathan Malone, published on August 1, 2021. The book reexamines biblical prophecy from the Book of Revelation, specifically exploring historical Protestant interpretations regarding the identity of the symbolic, monolithic figure known as "Mystery, Babylon the Great."
Amazon.com
Core Themes and ContentThe Identity of Mystery Babylon: Malone investigates what global system, nation, institution, or religion best fits the prophetic descriptions in Revelation 17 and 18.
Core Themes and ContentThe Identity of Mystery Babylon: Malone investigates what global system, nation, institution, or religion best fits the prophetic descriptions in Revelation 17 and 18.
Focus on Jesuitism: The book heavily analyzes modern Roman Catholicism through the lens of Jesuit history, philosophy, and influence on Western civilization, arguing that modern Catholicism has largely transformed into "Jesuitism."
Eschatological Framework: Malone traces the historical actions and tenacious philosophy of the Jesuits to determine if their past, present, and projected future character aligns with the biblical description of Mystery Babylon.
Geopolitical and Legal Context: The text explores the prophetic relationship between the Roman Empire and the Antichrist, international natural law, and the political actions surrounding the Vatican.
Amazon.com +2
About the Author
Jonathan Malone is a pastor who leads a small Baptist church in southern Arkansas. He holds an undergraduate degree in Art Education and writes on biblical prophecy, eschatology, and religious history. He is also the author of related works, including The Third Temple: Merging Agendas and The Scarlet Beast: Key of the Seven Kings.
About the Author
Jonathan Malone is a pastor who leads a small Baptist church in southern Arkansas. He holds an undergraduate degree in Art Education and writes on biblical prophecy, eschatology, and religious history. He is also the author of related works, including The Third Temple: Merging Agendas and The Scarlet Beast: Key of the Seven Kings.
Amazon.com +2
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Greatest Move of God, Part 3
May 12
Week19
The Greatest Move of God, Part 3
Rick Joyner
If a child has not been disciplined, or held accountable for their behavior, they will likely view any exercise of authority as cruel, extreme, and dictatorial. On the other extreme, those who have been wounded by abusive authority will tend to see even the wisest, most gentle, and caring authority as brutal and threatening.
Like wounded animals, wounded people tend to fear anyone that would try to get close to them, even those seeking to help them. These two scenarios capture a large part of the human population. This makes how we relate to and exercise authority one of the most important issues in our time. This also makes it understandable why the ultimate battle between light and darkness at the end of this age is a battle over authority.
The coming kingdom of God is about God’s authority being brought to the earth. Satan’s ultimate resistance to the kingdom of God is to expand his authority over the earth, and to poison people against God’s authority. He seeks to bind the entire world with his counterfeit authority. To resist this, we must first be able to recognize the difference between God’s authority and Satan’s, resolve to only obey God’s, and exercise His authority and not the devil’s.
The most basic distinction between God’s authority and Satan’s is that God’s authority is exercised in love for those it is serving, and Satan’s authority is exercised with fear to bind and control those by whom it wants to be served.
James Arrabito: A Life Cut Short A Compelling Legacy of Faith, Research, and Controversy
Falken
Oct 29, 2025
Evangelist, Historian, and Photographer of Faith
A Compelling Legacy of Faith, Research, and Controversy
The Man Behind the Lens
James “Jim” Arrabito (1950-1990) was a multifaceted figure whose life straddled the worlds of art, evangelism, and historical research. A Seventh-day Adventist artist, photographer, lecturer, and evangelist, Arrabito dedicated his life to documenting what he believed to be suppressed truths about church history and biblical prophecy.
Unlike many religious speakers of his era, Arrabito brought an artist’s eye and a photographer’s precision to his work. His exhibitions were not mere lectures but visual journeys through time, tracing the footsteps of Sabbath-keeping communities throughout history—what he called the “Church in the Wilderness.”
The Photographer’s Quest
Arrabito’s photographic work was nothing short of extraordinary. His most celebrated exhibition, displayed at the 1990 General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists in Indianapolis, featured stunning images documenting traces of Sabbath-keeping churches through the ages from around the world. These weren’t just photographs; they were visual arguments—evidence of a continuous thread of believers who maintained Saturday worship despite centuries of opposition.
His photography took him to remote mountain refuges, ancient Waldensian communities in the Alps, and historical sites across Europe and beyond. Each image told a story of faith under persecution, of communities who chose isolation over compromise. The exhibition, titled “The Israel of the Alps” among other presentations, left viewers profoundly moved by the visual testimony of forgotten believers.
Oct 29, 2025
Evangelist, Historian, and Photographer of Faith
A Compelling Legacy of Faith, Research, and Controversy
The Man Behind the Lens
James “Jim” Arrabito (1950-1990) was a multifaceted figure whose life straddled the worlds of art, evangelism, and historical research. A Seventh-day Adventist artist, photographer, lecturer, and evangelist, Arrabito dedicated his life to documenting what he believed to be suppressed truths about church history and biblical prophecy.
Unlike many religious speakers of his era, Arrabito brought an artist’s eye and a photographer’s precision to his work. His exhibitions were not mere lectures but visual journeys through time, tracing the footsteps of Sabbath-keeping communities throughout history—what he called the “Church in the Wilderness.”
The Photographer’s Quest
Arrabito’s photographic work was nothing short of extraordinary. His most celebrated exhibition, displayed at the 1990 General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists in Indianapolis, featured stunning images documenting traces of Sabbath-keeping churches through the ages from around the world. These weren’t just photographs; they were visual arguments—evidence of a continuous thread of believers who maintained Saturday worship despite centuries of opposition.
His photography took him to remote mountain refuges, ancient Waldensian communities in the Alps, and historical sites across Europe and beyond. Each image told a story of faith under persecution, of communities who chose isolation over compromise. The exhibition, titled “The Israel of the Alps” among other presentations, left viewers profoundly moved by the visual testimony of forgotten believers.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
WHO Conducts Global Pandemic Simulation Exercise Polaris II
WHO Conducts Global Pandemic Simulation Exercise Polaris II
Global Health Emergency Preparedness Exercise Completed
The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded Exercise Polaris II on April 23, 2026—a comprehensive 2-day simulation designed to test international pandemic response capabilities. The exercise brought together 26 countries and territories, 600 health emergency experts, and over 25 partner organizations to practice coordinated responses to a fictional emerging pathogen outbreak.
Exercise Scope and Participation
Participating nations spanned all WHO regions, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, and others. The simulation activated real emergency coordination structures across participating countries, allowing health officials to practice information sharing, policy alignment, and workforce surge deployment under realistic conditions.
Key Frameworks Tested
The exercise operationalized two WHO frameworks:
- Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) – Guides countries in strengthening emergency health workforce capacity based on sovereignty, equity, and solidarity
- National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework – Outlines essential coordination systems and response functions at local, sub-national, and national levels
The simulation also explored AI-enabled tools for workforce organization and planning.
WHO brings countries together to test collective pandemic response
4 April 2025 News release Geneva
Over the past two days, WHO convened more than 15 countries and over 20 regional health agencies, health emergency networks and other partners to test, for the first time, a new global coordination mechanism for health emergencies.
The two-day simulation, Exercise Polaris, tested WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC), a framework designed to strengthen countries’ emergency workforce, coordinate the deployment of surge teams and experts, and enhance collaboration between countries.
The exercise simulated an outbreak of a fictional virus spreading across the world.
Participating countries included Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia Uganda and Ukraine, with additional countries as observers. Each country participated through its national health emergency coordination structure and worked under real-life conditions to share information, align policies and activate their response.
Regional and global health agencies and organizations, including Africa CDC, European CDC, IFRC, IOM, UNICEF and established emergency networks such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, the Emergency Medical Teams initiative, Stand-by partners and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, worked together to support country-led responses. More than 350 health emergency experts connected globally through this exercise.
“This exercise proves that when countries lead and partners connect, the world is better prepared,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “No country can face the next pandemic alone. Exercise Polaris shows that global cooperation is not only possible – it is essential.”
Throughout the simulation, countries led their own response efforts while engaging with WHO for coordination, technical guidance and emergency support. The exercise provided a rare opportunity for governments to test preparedness in a realistic environment, one where trust and mutual accountability were as critical as speed and capacity.
I'm gonna bury you!
"I'm Gonna' Bury You!" is a fast moving, hard hitting, true life, story of a Miami Vice jet setter, fast lane, high roller organized crime lawyer, caught up in the exhilarating wealth and power of the international organized crime cartels. No names are changed to protect the innocent; there weren't any innocents in Neill's world. A former top professional race car driver, combat trained United States Marine, honor law school graduate, Gene Neill's only goal in life, his only god, was to claw his way right to the very top of organized crime, no matter what the cost along the way. And he made it. In spades. If you were involved in organized crime in America, and if you got caught big-time, Gene could get you off - for enough cash, machineguns, drugs, jewels or whatever.
Higher and higher his successes spiraled him, until in the dizzying heights of ultimate fortune and fame, some of his lifetime friends betrayed him, and he came crashing down. Crashing clear down under the ground.
"Maximum Maximum Security" is a term coined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to describe the closest existence where a man can still stay alive in prison just this side of death. Convicts across America only whispered the words "double max" with tears in their eyes. It is not something of which they speak openly. And Cellblock 10D in the federal penitentiary in Springfield, Missouri, was the tightest of all double max facilities. Neill's cell was underground in 10D. He had been convicted of 24 federal felonies, and was sentenced to 50 years on only one of them. Judge C. Clyde Adkins said he'd sentence Neill later on the other convictions. No exercise privileges, no visiting privileges, you were never allowed out of your cell - until your 50 years was over. No eating utensils, you tie with your fingers, the tasteless gruel the guards slid under your steel door. There were no bars on your door. Solid steel. No windows, you couldn't see out. You were not allowed! any reading materials, no watch, no toothbrush, no soap. There was a narrow steel shelf you slept on, a dirty little toilet, a greasy old pillow, a greasy old army blanket, a roll of toilet paper were your only possessions. You were not allowed any shoes, socks or belt; only a prison shirt and prison trousers.
Higher and higher his successes spiraled him, until in the dizzying heights of ultimate fortune and fame, some of his lifetime friends betrayed him, and he came crashing down. Crashing clear down under the ground.
"Maximum Maximum Security" is a term coined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to describe the closest existence where a man can still stay alive in prison just this side of death. Convicts across America only whispered the words "double max" with tears in their eyes. It is not something of which they speak openly. And Cellblock 10D in the federal penitentiary in Springfield, Missouri, was the tightest of all double max facilities. Neill's cell was underground in 10D. He had been convicted of 24 federal felonies, and was sentenced to 50 years on only one of them. Judge C. Clyde Adkins said he'd sentence Neill later on the other convictions. No exercise privileges, no visiting privileges, you were never allowed out of your cell - until your 50 years was over. No eating utensils, you tie with your fingers, the tasteless gruel the guards slid under your steel door. There were no bars on your door. Solid steel. No windows, you couldn't see out. You were not allowed! any reading materials, no watch, no toothbrush, no soap. There was a narrow steel shelf you slept on, a dirty little toilet, a greasy old pillow, a greasy old army blanket, a roll of toilet paper were your only possessions. You were not allowed any shoes, socks or belt; only a prison shirt and prison trousers.
Norovirus and Hantavirus outbreaks on cruise ships raise alarms. Here's what you need to know
By Denise Dador
Monday, May 11, 2026 8:13AM PT
As norovirus cases rise and hantavirus lingers on cruise ships, health officials advise passengers to take precautionary measures against sicknesses.
Cruise ships are drawing attention not only for a rare strain of hantavirus, but also for more common illnesses such as norovirus while health officials monitor outbreaks and remind travelers to take precautions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship bound for Florida. The report comes as many travelers prepare for upcoming trips, including families departing from the Port of Los Angeles.
Passengers said they are looking forward to their vacations despite the risks associated with close quarters at sea. Still, many travelers acknowledge illnesses can spread easily on cruise ships and say they are taking steps to protect themselves.
"We're washing our hands if we have something available. If not, we have hand sanitizer on us all the time," one traveler said.
Health experts emphasize basic precautions remain effective in preventing the spread of disease.
Monday, May 11, 2026 8:13AM PT
As norovirus cases rise and hantavirus lingers on cruise ships, health officials advise passengers to take precautionary measures against sicknesses.
Cruise ships are drawing attention not only for a rare strain of hantavirus, but also for more common illnesses such as norovirus while health officials monitor outbreaks and remind travelers to take precautions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship bound for Florida. The report comes as many travelers prepare for upcoming trips, including families departing from the Port of Los Angeles.
Passengers said they are looking forward to their vacations despite the risks associated with close quarters at sea. Still, many travelers acknowledge illnesses can spread easily on cruise ships and say they are taking steps to protect themselves.
"We're washing our hands if we have something available. If not, we have hand sanitizer on us all the time," one traveler said.
Health experts emphasize basic precautions remain effective in preventing the spread of disease.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Ex‑CDC director urges quarantine for Americans after hantavirus outbreak | NewsNation Prime
EEx‑CDC director urges quarantine for Americans after hantavirus outbreak | NewsNation Prime
NewsNation
May 11, 2026
The hantavirus has medical officials on high alert after an international evacuation commenced of the affected cruise ship M.V. Hondius as it docked off Tenerife, with officials from more than 20 countries coordinating the return of passengers. Former CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield joins "NewsNation Prime" to discuss.
NewsNation
May 11, 2026
The hantavirus has medical officials on high alert after an international evacuation commenced of the affected cruise ship M.V. Hondius as it docked off Tenerife, with officials from more than 20 countries coordinating the return of passengers. Former CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield joins "NewsNation Prime" to discuss.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Passengers disembark hantavirus-stricken cruise ship in Spain’s Canary Islands
LIVE: Passengers disembark hantavirus-stricken cruise ship in Spain’s Canary Islands
Associated Press
Live from the port of Granadilla on the island of Tenerife, Spain, where a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship with more than 140 passengers and crew on board has arrived. Health officials plan careful evacuations of passengers and some of the crew while the ship will remain at anchor without docking.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4eyK0SD
Norovirus outbreak reported on Princess cruise ship that departed Fort Lauderdale
By Matthew Ablon
Updated on: May 9, 2026 / 1:04 PM EDT / CBS Miami
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports it is monitoring a norovirus outbreak on board a Princess Cruises ship that departed Fort Lauderdale more than a week ago.
A report from the agency said the outbreak unfolded on the Caribbean Princess, which departed from Port Everglades on April 28. Data gathered by CruiseMapper shows the Caribbean Princess is currently on a 13-day voyage in the Caribbean, with stops in the Bahamas, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The ship is set to end its one-way cruise by docking at Port Canaveral in Orlando on May 11.
The CDC report indicates that 102 of the ship's 3,116 passengers reported ill, while 13 of the ship's 1,131 crew members reported ill. The main symptoms shared have included diarrhea and vomiting. The agency said Princess Cruises has responded to the norovirus outbreak by increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures; collecting specimens for testing, isolating ill passengers and crew; and consulting with the agency's Vessel Sanitation Program about cleaning procedures and reporting ill cases.
The CDC notes the VSP is conducting a field response for an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help control it. The outbreak was reported on Thursday, May 7.
The outbreak on the Caribbean Princess comes more than a month after another norovirus outbreak was reported on another Princess ship. In March, the Star Princess faced an outbreak that sickened more than 104 guests and 49 crew members. That ship also left Fort Lauderdale and made stops in the Caribbean, albeit in Honduras, Belize and the Mexican Riviera. The Star Princess returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale at the conclusion of that voyage. When the outbreak was reported, the Star Princess would have been sailing from Belize City to Cozumel, according to that itinerary.
In early January, the CDC reported that an outbreak on board a Holland America cruise ship had sickened more than 80 people after departing from Fort Lauderdale at the end of December.
In February, the agency said 27 people were sickened in an outbreak of an unknown gastrointestinal illness on board a luxury cruise ship, the Regent Seven Seas, which was sailing from Miami to Honolulu.
Source
Dark Truths Behind the Jesuit Order's Hidden Past
Dark Truths Behind the Jesuit Order's Hidden Past
Ex-Catholics For Christ May 10, 2023
The Jesuits have a long and controversial history that’s often shrouded in mystery. In this video, we explore a book that reveals the shocking truths about the Jesuit order—its origins, influence, and the controversies surrounding it throughout history. What role have the Jesuits played in shaping global politics, religion, and even the church itself? Watch as we break down the hidden history and the powerful impact of this influential group.
Saturday, May 09, 2026
Friday, May 08, 2026
The American Papacy | A. T. Jones
The American Papacy | A. T. Jones
May 8, 2026
The American Papacy is a stirring sermon by A. T. Jones in which he traces the character and history of the papal power and warns of the looming union of church and state in America. With clarity and biblical conviction, Jones calls believers to stand firm for religious liberty and the principles of the gospel in the closing days of earth's history.
Pentagon releases ‘never-before-seen’ UFO files
The release follows through with a directive from President Donald Trump earlier this year to make all UFO files public
Published: May 8, 2026, 10:02 a.m. MDT
The Pentagon is seen from Air Force One as it flies over Washington, March 2, 2022.
Patrick Semansky, Associated Press
Cami is the congressional correspondent for the Deseret News reporting from Washington. She covers national news with a special focus on policy issues affecting Utah and the West.
At first glance, there’s not much to see. A few blurry images, some with oddly shaped objects. Others have clumped dots too far away to tell what they are.
But for lawmakers and administration officials, it’s a major win for transparency — and a release of files that have been long sought-after by both political parties. It’s only the first batch of files from the Pentagon, which is expected to release more on a rolling basis.
“As for my promise to you, the Department of War has released the first tranche of the UFO/UAP files for the Public for their review and study,” President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “In an effort for Complete and Maximum Transparency, it was my Honor to direct my Administration to identify and provide Government files related to Alien and Extraterrestrial Life, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, and Unidentified Flying Objects.”
Trump made the directive for the Pentagon to release all its files related to unidentified flying objects earlier this year, responding to efforts from lawmakers to investigate the matter. Congress has been investigating the phenomenon for years, emerging as one of the few issues uniting Republicans and Democrats as they dig for answers about outer space.
Principle Never to be Sacrificed for Peace
The Love of God a Constraining Motive
There always have been, and always will be to the end of time, two classes on the earth,—the believers in Jesus and those who reject Him. The truth will be a savour of life unto life to those who believe. However wicked, abominable, and corrupt he may be, the sinner will be purified by faith in Him, made clean by the doing of His word. But the same truth will be to the unbeliever a savour of death unto death.
Argument will fail to convince the sinner of his responsibility to God. Learning and talent will fail to convince the soul. But the presentation of the love of God has a convincing power above that of argument, debate, or eloquence. The love of Christ, as expressed in self-denial, self-sacrifice, and death, as He bowed low under the sins of humanity, touches the sympathies and melts the stubborn heart. The fact that the Son of God, innocent and pure, suffered for sin; that the guiltless bore the punishment of the guilty, the just endured the penalty for the unjust, breaks the heart; and as Jesus is lifted up, conviction strikes to the soul, and the love that prompted the bestowal of the infinite gift of Christ, constrains the repenting one to surrender all to God. The seed of gospel truth has been dropped into his heart; and he beholds a love that is without a parallel, pledging a personal Saviour, and with Him every needed blessing. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Those who receive Christ are melted and subdued by the manifestation of His love in His humiliation, suffering, and death in their behalf. They behold Him as their substitute and surety, as pledging Himself to accomplish their full salvation through a plan that is consistent with the justice of God, and which vindicates the honour of His law. But there are some who are stirred with strong emotion as they view the humiliation of Jesus, who shrink from following in His footsteps when they understand that they must be sharers in His humiliation and suffering. When Jesus asks the surrender of self without reserve, when He asks compliance with His government, and that they shall walk in humble obedience and implicit trust, their nature rebels. “No,” says the proud heart; “we want to keep our independence.” But this is the very thing that Jesus wants you to have. It was that you might be freed from the slavery of sin that He died on Calvary’s cross. He died that through faith in Him, you might be free indeed, and stand fast in the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Adventists on Secretary Marco Rubio meeting with Pope Leo during Vatican Visit (An AI Response)
Adventists on Marco Rubio / Pope Leo Vatican meeting
On May 7, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in a high-profile visit aimed at stabilizing diplomatic relations following public friction between the Trump administration and the Holy See. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
While official Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) organizations have not released a formal collective statement on this specific May 2026 meeting, the event aligns with long-standing Adventist prophetic interpretations regarding the "union of church and state."
Key Details of the Rubio-Vatican Meeting
- Purpose: The meeting was framed as an effort to "cool the rhetoric" and return to traditional diplomatic channels after President Trump publicly criticized the Pope, particularly regarding the war with Iran.
- Discussion Topics: Rubio and Pope Leo discussed Middle East peace efforts, humanitarian aid in the Western Hemisphere (specifically Cuba), religious freedom, and the impact of AI.
- Diplomatic Gestures: Rubio presented the Pope with a crystal football paperweight bearing the State Department seal, while the Pope gifted Rubio an olive-wood pen symbolizing peace. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Typical Adventist Perspectives on Such Meetings
Adventists often view high-level political meetings with the Vatican through the lens of eschatology (end-time beliefs). Common themes in Adventist discourse regarding these interactions include:
- Church and State: Adventists strongly emphasize the separation of church and state. Diplomatic "fence-mending" between the U.S. government and the Papacy is frequently interpreted as a precursor to the "healing of the deadly wound" mentioned in Revelation 13, leading toward a global religious-political alliance.
- The "Sunday Law" Concern: A central Adventist belief involves a future "National Sunday Law" in the United States. Events that show the U.S. executive branch seeking counsel or reconciliation with the Vatican are often monitored by Adventist commentators (such as those at Liberty Magazine or Adventist Review) as potential steps toward this prophetic scenario.
- Role of Religious Freedom: While Rubio highlighted "shared concerns" over religious freedom during his visit, Adventist religious liberty advocates often remain cautious. They watch to see if such cooperation favors traditionalist religious agendas over the individual rights of minority faiths. [1, 2, 3]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
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P.S.
Marco Rubio spends two hours at the Vatican
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Trump and the Supreme Court are undermining democracy. Here's what voters can do now.
Trump and the Supreme Court are undermining democracy. Here's what voters can do now.
Opinion
Guest Voices
Voters depart a polling place at McDonald Elementary School, Nov. 5, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP/Charlie Neibergall)
Thomas Reese
View Author Profile
May 6, 2026
President Donald Trump and the U.S. Supreme Court have destroyed decades of progress in American democracy by gutting the Voting Rights Act last week and instituting a gerrymandering war to win more elections in red states.
The Democrats have responded by gerrymandering blue states. The result will be fewer Black candidates elected to office and fewer competitive elections where the voters have a real choice between the parties.
How did this happen?
Trump knows he and his supporters are going to be in trouble in the November midterm election. The party controlling the White House traditionally loses seats during midterm elections. These losses are greater if the president is unpopular, as is Trump currently. But the losses can only occur in districts that are competitive. It's very unlikely districts that are overwhelmingly Republican will go blue.
So now, Trump and other Republicans are trying to protect their majority in the House of Representatives by asking Republican officials in red states like Texas to redraw the House district lines to find him additional safe Republican seats.
The process of redrawing electoral district lines to favor one party is called gerrymandering, after Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry in 1812 backed a redistricting plan favoring his own party, the Democrat-Republicans. One of the districts looked like a salamander, so the press combined the governor's name with salamander to produce the name "gerrymander."
In response to Trump's request for five additional seats in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott pushed the redistricting plan through a special session of the state legislature. But then, voters in California and Virginia adopted redistricting plans that give Democrats additional House seats.
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is now trying to get additional House seats for Republicans even though the state constitution forbids partisan gerrymandering. Other Southern states are moving in the same direction.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Rucho v. Common Cause in 2019 that partisan gerrymandering is legal under the U.S. Constitution. Whether it is legal under state law depends on a particular state's constitution and laws.
Legal or not, gerrymandering is bad for democracy. It means that in the general election, the voters have no choice in most districts because one party has an overwhelming majority so that the other party does not have a chance.
In addition, even if a state is evenly split across parties, gerrymandering can give a large majority of the seats to the party that controls redistricting. As the League of Women Voters and others have noted, gerrymandering "allows officials to choose their voters rather than voters choosing who represents them."
Pope Leo XIV to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7
Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (@Vatican Media)
Pope Leo XIV will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. They had already met a year ago following the Mass marking the official beginning of the Pope’s pontificate.
Vatican News
At 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting after media reports had been published on Sunday. Rubio is expected to arrive at 11:15 a.m.
The U.S. Secretary of State had already met the Pope, who is originally from Chicago, on May 18, 2025, following the Mass for the beginning of his Petrine ministry. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also greeted the Pope during the same event.
On the day following that Mass, on May 19, 2025, a bilateral meeting took place between Pope Leo XIV and both Vance and Rubio.
Meeting with Polish PM
On Thursday 7, the same morning of his meeting with the U.S. delegation, the Pope will also meet the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the audience will take place at 9:00 a.m.
Pope Leo XIV will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. They had already met a year ago following the Mass marking the official beginning of the Pope’s pontificate.
Vatican News
At 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting after media reports had been published on Sunday. Rubio is expected to arrive at 11:15 a.m.
The U.S. Secretary of State had already met the Pope, who is originally from Chicago, on May 18, 2025, following the Mass for the beginning of his Petrine ministry. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also greeted the Pope during the same event.
On the day following that Mass, on May 19, 2025, a bilateral meeting took place between Pope Leo XIV and both Vance and Rubio.
Meeting with Polish PM
On Thursday 7, the same morning of his meeting with the U.S. delegation, the Pope will also meet the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the audience will take place at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 06, 2026
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2026
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2026
Proclamations
May 4, 2026
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
This Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the countless contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation’s 250 glorious years of independence, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to the values that make our country great — faith, family, and freedom.
In his letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790, President George Washington beautifully said, “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” Since the earliest days of our Republic, Jewish Americans have helped build the cause of liberty and sustain the greatness of our Nation. Among them was the iconic Haym Salomon, an early supporter of the war for independence. As stories tell us, Salomon was instrumental in the success of our Continental Congress and Founding Fathers, and rallied support for freedom. He was a zealous advocate against tyranny, and even after imprisonment by the British Crown, he continued his work in defense of freedom. In the end, he gave everything to the success of the American Revolution. Like so many Jewish Americans who follow in his footsteps, Salomon’s legacy stands as a testament to the unshakable belief in the American promise.
In the same letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport, President Washington proclaimed that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” Under my leadership, we are aggressively fighting the violence against Jewish Americans that increased under my predecessor, prosecuting hateful criminals to the fullest extent of the law, and working to end the scourge of anti-Semitism throughout our institutions, especially on college campuses. As President, I will never stop fighting to protect our birthright of religious freedom — a sacred right that continues to guide our Nation, drawing us closer to the Almighty each and every day.
Throughout this historic year, we rejoice in the triumph of the American spirit and rededicate ourselves to the cause of liberty and justice for all. In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath. From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.
This month, we celebrate the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our way of life, we honor their role in shaping the story of our Nation, and we remember that religious devotion, learning, and service to others are enduring pillars of a thriving culture. Through every trial and triumph, the contributions of Jewish Americans have shaped our past, have strengthened our communities, and will continue to inspire American greatness for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies. I further call on all Americans to celebrate their faith and freedom throughout this year, during this month, and especially on Shabbat to celebrate our 250th year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP