Faith Facts

• Vice President J.D. Vance challenged Jen Psaki for criticizing Americans offering prayers after a church school shooting in Minneapolis.
• The attack at Annunciation Catholic School claimed two children’s lives and injured seventeen, including fourteen children.
• Public debate continues regarding the role and value of prayer in responding to tragedy.

After a devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, people of faith turned to prayer for comfort and healing. Vice President J.D. Vance spoke out to defend the power and purpose of prayer when former Biden spokesperson Jen Psaki dismissed prayer as an inadequate response.

Psaki posted online, expressing that “prayer is not freaking enough” and urging for action beyond prayer following the tragedy.

Vance responded, “We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?”

He later questioned, “Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. ‘How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?!’ What are you even talking about?”

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added that Psaki’s remarks were “incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey commented that the children killed were already engaged in prayer during the attack. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz echoed the need for compassion while also discussing the search for solutions to prevent similar tragedies.

Christian leaders remind us that prayer brings comfort, encourages community, and reflects our trust in God during trials. In times of loss, our faith guides us to seek both hope and solutions, trusting that God honors those who call on Him.

Stay informed and steadfast in your faith as we continue to pray for the victims and all impacted by this tragedy.

Read the full story at Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Weekly attendance at English cathedrals reached nearly 32,000 in 2024, rising 11% from the previous year.
• Easter participation soared, with 50,200 attending services and Holy Week drawing 90,200 faithful.
• Cathedral music flourished, with 207 choirs and over 4,000 singers and volunteers involved.

England’s great cathedrals are witnessing a resurgence, as faithful believers gather once again for worship, music, and community life inspired by biblical traditions.

This revival is welcomed by Christian leaders and is seen as a testimony to the enduring power of spiritual heritage.

“This year’s statistics reflect a Church that is alive with possibility. We continue to see a significant revival in cathedral worship since the depths of the pandemic, with renewed energy in midweek services, music, and community engagement.”

“Cathedrals continue to be places of welcome, joy, and reflection – where ancient rhythms meet contemporary needs. Whether through worship, education, or civic life, our cathedrals are helping people reconnect with faith, with one another, and with hope.”

Christian communities are showing strength through growth in baptisms and strong participation among youth, while volunteers and digital outreach maintain momentum for sharing the Gospel.

Let us celebrate this faithful revival, giving thanks for those who serve and for the hope these sacred spaces bring to the nation.

Read the full report at Christian Today

Faith Facts

• The Church of England’s interim leader emphasizes compassion for asylum seekers.
• Reform UK’s Nigel Farage calls for mass deportations and exiting the ECHR.
• Polls reveal immigration as a top issue for British voters.

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell called for the UK to approach asylum seekers with compassion and understanding, echoing the historical Christian call to protect those fleeing violence and conflict.

He stated, “It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad.”

He encouraged the nation to maintain this tradition in the face of proposals for stricter immigration actions.

Nigel Farage responded by labeling church leaders “out of touch,” and defended his party’s stance as being rooted in family, community, and country values.

Recent polling shows that concern about immigration now outranks issues like the economy and health care, indicating a shift in public priorities.

The English Channel has seen over 170,000 arrivals since 2018, sparking national concern and leading to contentious protests after incidents at housing facilities for asylum seekers.

Let us remember to seek solutions to the immigration challenge rooted in Biblical compassion and uphold our commitment to both national security and the dignity of every life. Defending our borders and caring for the vulnerable can walk hand in hand with Christian values and the heritage of freedom.

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