An Ecumenism of the Trenches

Christians are called to unity, but not at the expense of truth. In a divided age, what does faithful unity actually require?

03/25/26
John Stonestreet and Timothy D Padgett



John Stonestreet

Timothy D Padgett

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According to an article in Religion Unplugged, Roman Catholic officials are considering the Augsburg Confession as a basis for Christian unity. For those not up on their Church history, this was written in 1530 by Philip Melanchthon as a joint statement for Protestant leaders in Germany. The confession was rejected by the Emperor Charles V and the Vatican hierarchy, but it remains the fundamental doctrinal statement for Lutherans around the world and serves as a template for other Protestant confessions in the last five centuries.

The Vatican praising Augsburg is kind of like Pepsi telling customers to go try a Coke. A Jesuit scholar quoted in the article even said this,

“Acknowledging the Reformation’s contributions and recognizing the Augsburg Confession as a paradigm for Christian unity would further the cause of mission and a unified Christian witness to a broken world that needs to hear the Gospel.”

Whether this move by the Vatican becomes more than just compliments, ecumenism has a complicated history. While most Christians recognize the need for greater unity, the devil is in the details. Bridge-building should never devolve into moral compromise or a denial of the Gospel.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WASH) calls for taxpayer-funded reparations for illegals

 

Reps. Pramila Jayapal, et al Introduce Resolution Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility

Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Sara Jacobs, Mark Takano, and Sen. Schatz Introduce Resolution Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility

03.31.2026 | News

Washington, D.C. — Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Mark Takano (CA-39), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, recognize the many achievements and progress made by people in the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and affirm their human rights.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “On Trans Day of Visibility, first and foremost, I stand with our trans loved ones. As Trump and Republicans continue their cruel and baseless attacks on the trans community, we must support our trans neighbors and work to protect their right to safety, respect, visibility, and equality under the law. Trans rights are human rights, and we must continue working to ensure that every person can live authentically as themselves. To trans people across this country: I see you, I hear you, and I will never stop fighting for you.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “Under an administration that constantly tries to make transgender and gender non-conforming people feel invisible, I am proud to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility. We cannot and will not let their hateful attacks steal our joy. To my trans friends and family, today is a day to celebrate being out, loud, and proud. And I will not stop until everyone can live freely and without fear of expressing their true selves.”

“As the transgender community continues to face attempts by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to erase their voices, their contributions, and their existence, I am proud to work with Congresswomen Sara Jacobs and Pramila Jayapal and Senator Brian Schatz in showing the trans community that we stand with them in the fight against erasure and censorship by anti-equality extremists,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates visibility and is also an opportunity to inspire others as we work towards a United States where people of all gender identities are free to live openly and authentically. The full weight of the Congressional Equality Caucus stands behind the trans community, today and every day.”

“Trans people should be able to live freely, safely, and openly – just like everyone else. Instead, they continue to face discrimination and violence, both here at home and around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “International Transgender Day of Visibility is a chance to celebrate the trans community’s achievements and courage and renew our commitment to fighting for acceptance and equality.”

“Recognizing Trans Day of Visibility is about more than visibility—it’s about affirming that trans people belong,” said Caius Willingham, Senior Policy Analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality. “Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Jacobs, Senator Schatz, and Representatives Jayapal and Takano, this resolution makes clear that even in the face of growing attacks, our communities will continue to be seen, heard, and protected.”

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Pope Leo Pushes Back Against Trump

The pontiff takes a quiet but firm stance against the former president's policies.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:54am


In a surprising move, Pope Leo has been quietly but firmly pushing back against the policies and rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The pontiff has used his moral authority and global platform to criticize Trump's divisive approach to immigration, his skepticism of climate change, and his antagonistic relationship with traditional U.S. allies.

Why it matters

As a highly influential global leader, Pope Leo's stance against Trump's policies carries significant weight, especially among Catholics and other religious communities. This clash between the spiritual and political realms highlights the Pope's willingness to take a principled stand on issues he deems morally important, even when it means challenging a former U.S. president.

The details

Pope Leo has used various channels to voice his disagreement with Trump, including speeches, interviews, and direct communications with the White House. While avoiding direct personal attacks, the Pope has criticized Trump's hardline immigration policies, his dismissal of climate change, and his antagonistic approach to long-standing U.S. alliances. This quiet but firm pushback has created tension between the Vatican and the former administration.

• Pope Leo was elected as the 267th Pope in 2020.
• Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.

Airport bottlenecks ease as TSA workers get paid, but shutdown continues

 

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” - March 31 – Maranatha

This was Planned: A coming Bondage & Liberty

Cuba Reportedly Pleads With Vatican To Get The US Off Its Back As Energy Crisis Grows

(Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP via Getty Images)

Derek VanBuskirk

Reporter

March 30, 20266:23 PM ET

Cuban officials have reportedly petitioned the Vatican to advocate for the island nation in an effort to maintain power and secure aid as the communist country struggles amid an energy crisis.

The crisis, which has resulted in rolling blackouts, arose following a late January executive order characterizing Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” and imposing a tariff on any country that provides or sells oil to Cuba.

In the two months since the de facto oil blockade was put into place, the Cuban government has conducted senior-level meetings with Holy See officials — including the pope — in the hopes that they would function as an interlocutor between Cuba and the U.S., according to The Washington Post (Post). 

On Feb. 20, the senior diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Mike Hammer, and the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, held meetings with Latin American ambassadors to the Vatican, according to the Post.

They spoke of “how to work with the Church to support the Cuban people’s desire for economic opportunity and freedom,” the outlet reported. The U.S. diplomats reportedly also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

Hammer told the Latin American Church diplomats that Cuba’s regime would fall “in a matter of days,” a person familiar told the outlet.

Hammer and Burch also held a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. A source familiar with the conversation said the Vatican hopes for a resolution that is “not as traumatic” as Trump’s arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

I Asked AI to Simulate an EMP Attack on America

Russian Oil Tanker Arrives In Cuba As Trump OK With U.S. Blockade Loosening | TRENDING

Major Earthquake 7.3 Vanuatu Area following a major X Class Solar Flare Monday update.

 

Red sky seen in Western Australia ahead of Cyclone Narelle makes global headlines

 

Red sky seen in WA ahead of Cyclone Narelle makes global headlines

By weather reporter Tyne Logan

Topic:Weather Phenomena




WA's north turned dark red as Tropical Cyclone Narelle approached the coast. (Facebook: Shark Bay News & Views/Jayson Campbell)


Scenes of an eerie, blood-red sky cast over the Western Australian landscape ahead of Tropical Cyclone Narelle have made worldwide news.

As the cyclone made its way to the West Australian coast on Friday, residents of Shark Bay — about 500 kilometres south of Exmouth, where the cyclone made landfall — saw an apocalyptic-like scene, as the thick dust coated the air.

Kerrie Shepherd, from the Shark Bay Caravan Park, said she had never seen anything like it.

"The skies just kept getting more and more orange as the afternoon went on and then, at about 3:30pm, we went outside and it was that colour," she said.

"It was red all the way along, everywhere we looked.

"It got into your throat and into your mouth. It was crunchy and gritty in your teeth, even in your eyes."

Religious Liberty and the Division Principle (Tim Rumsey)

 

God’s children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers

The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. 

We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme.

Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.

What are we to do, then?—Let political questions alone.

There is a large vineyard to be cultivated; but while Christians are to work among unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings. They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting politics; for by so doing they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord.

God’s children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. 

Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention and disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish.

Counsels for the Church, p. 316.

Welcome to the age of Catholic America… Anyone concerned?

 

Fellow Dems call for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign or be expelled

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick attends her House Ethics Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol complex on March 26. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Mar 27, 2026 -

Andrew Solender


A growing number of House Democrats are calling on Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) to resign after the House Ethics Committee found her guilty of dozens of charges, including serious financial misconduct.

Why it matters: Some of those lawmakers said they are at least open to voting to expel the Florida Democrat, creating substantial new pressure for her to be ousted from Congress by one means or another.

• Cherfilus-McCormick, who is also under federal indictment, said in a statement Friday: "I look forward to proving my innocence. Until then, my focus remains where it belongs: showing up for the great people of Florida's 20th District who sent me to Washington to fight for them."
• The Ethics Committee is set to meet when the House returns in mid-April to vote on recommending punitive action, which could include fines, censure, or expulsion.

By the numbers: More than half a dozen House Democrats said they think Cherfilus-McCormick should resign after the panel said Friday morning they found 25 of the 27 charges against her were "proven by clear and convincing evidence.

Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

 

Pray for ‘freedom in Christ, freedom of religion’ in Iran

March 11, 2026 By Benjamin Hawkins

Benjamin Hawkins, editor of The Pathway

Missouri Baptist and Southern Baptist leaders alike have called for prayer amid rising conflicts in the Middle East. God has been moving in Iran for many years, and He is continuing to work for the salvation of men and women in the region.

Last year, as tensions with Iran began to rise, I spoke with my friend Ayman Ibrahim, who serves as a professor of Islamic Studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Christianity is expanding in the region, he told me.

“I know that Christians are growing in number in Iran, but we have no real significant statistics,” he said. “We don’t know if it is 5 million,”—a high estimate according to some—”or more, or less. I don’t know. However, we know that Muslims in Iran are abandoning Islam in droves. Some of those … are running to Christ. There is no doubt about that. And I know that the church in Iran, even if it’s persecuted and it’s marginalized, they are doing a very good job.”

Screenshot of IMB map

In 2022, Ibrahim wrote an article for The Gospel Coalition that may help us get a picture of the spiritual state in Iran—and, potentially, of the opportunity for gospel impact in the region:

“Consider Iran’s Muslims: In September 2020, findings from an academic study of Iran’s secular shift appeared in The Conversation. Droves of Iranians are abandoning Islam. While Iran’s official census claims 99.5 percent of the population is Muslim, the survey found only 40 percent of Iranians identified as Muslim. If true, this suggests Iran may no longer be a Muslim-majority country.”

Consecration of the United States for the 250th Anniversary of the Country

 

Consecration of the United States for the 250th Anniversary of the Country

Catholics for Catholics

Mar 27, 2026

Full Benediction and Consecration of the United States for it's 250th anniversary at the 3rd annual Catholic Prayer For America Gala on Thursday March 19, 2026, feast of St. Joseph. Celebrating 250 years of the United States! Watch the full event: https://www.youtube.com/live/Qa79PD7TreM

Six dozen people arrested after ‘No Kings' protest in downtown LA

 

Sleeper Cells in the USA - Chris Pinto

 

LISTEN ▶️◀️ HERE

NOISE OF THUNDER RADIO - 03.26.2026
Today's Show: SLEEPER CELLS IN THE USA

Chris discusses the reports of sleeper cells in the USA and how they may choose to launch attacks on citizens in retaliation for the war in Iran. The sleeper agents are said to be the result of illegal immigration during the Biden administration, and even before. This warning happens in conjunction with an identical alert given by Nigel Farage in the United Kingdom, where several terror attacks have already taken place. The agents are said to be special operators from Iran and could, in theory, be anywhere. They could also be from other Islamic countries, working as part of the International Jihad against the West. In the Bible, God charges the watchman over a city to keep watch and to sound the alarm if an enemy is seen approaching. But what happens when government officials choose to ignore the warnings?

'Dr. Doom' Nouriel Roubini Warns Trump May Escalate Iran War: 'If HeChickens Out Right Now...'

March 28, 2026 1:43 AM


by Ananya Gairola Benzinga Staff Writer


On Friday, Nouriel Roubini, the economist who called the 2008 financial crisis, cautioned that President Donald Trump is more likely to intensify the U.S. conflict with Iran rather than seek a quick resolution.

Trump May Choose Escalation Over Ceasefire

Roubini dismissed the notion that Trump is searching for an "off-ramp" to end the war, despite market optimism around a potential peace deal, he told CNBC at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy.

"If he chickens out right now, he loses credibility. He lost the war," Roubini said, adding that such a move could hurt Trump's chances in upcoming elections.

People also ask Is Monaco a Catholic country?

Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Monaco, with over 80% of its population identifying as Catholic. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco is directly subject to the Holy See. The country holds a deeply entrenched Catholic identity, where church, state, and community are closely linked, often featuring Catholic rituals in national ceremonies.

Wikipedia +4

Key Catholic Aspects of Monaco:

• Official Religion: The Constitution of Monaco (Art. 9) affirms Roman Catholicism as the state religion, while also guaranteeing freedom of worship.
• Archdiocese: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco is an archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church, not part of any ecclesiastical province, and falls directly under the Holy See.
• Cathedral: The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is the principal cathedral, where members of the Grimaldi family are buried.
• Key Parishes & Churches: Besides the Cathedral, main churches include Saint Charles Church, Church St. Devote, and Saint Martin Church.
• Demographics: As of 2020, about 32,000 residents out of a 38,000-person population identified as Catholic, with roughly 24 priests and 11 nuns serving.
• 2026 Papal Visit: On March 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, marking the first papal visit since 1538, celebrating Mass at the Louis II Stadium and meeting with the local community.

Key Sites:

• Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate: Located on the Rock of Monaco, it houses the tombs of former princes, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
• Chapel of Mercy: A 17th-century chapel belonging to the Pénitents noirs.
• Church St. Devote: Dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco, situated in the La Condamine ward.

Wikipedia +4

Source: Google AI Overview

“No Kings” Protesters Form “Human Banner” at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California

 

Migrant Justice leader pleads not guilty to human smuggling charges

By Ike Bendavid

Published: Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:06 PM EDT|Updated: Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:15 PM EDT

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A prominent leader for advocacy group Migrant Justice has pleaded not guilty to federal human smuggling charges after his arrest early Thursday.

A large crowd of supporters gathered outside the courthouse during Thursday afternoon’s hearing for Jose Ignacio De La Cruz De La Rosa, 30, also known as Nacho, who was arrested on Thursday morning on his way to work at a construction site.

It comes after he was detained last summer near the border in Richford with his stepdaughter. Federal authorities said De La Rosa allegedly helped people cross the border and helped settle them in the United States.

Court records show De La Rosa allegedly participated in a multiyear conspiracy to bring illegal immigrants into the U.S. He’s also accused of producing fraudulent identity documents, including driver’s privilege cards, a form of state ID available to migrants. Court records indicate he got $500 for every card he provided. He’s also accused of taking learner’s privilege driver tests for other people.