A federal appeals court has struck down Louisiana’s controversial mandate requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state.
According to the Daily Caller, the ruling reinforces a previous decision by a lower court and marks a significant win for civil liberties groups who argued that the law violated constitutional protections by promoting religion in public schools.
The case centers around a 2024 state law, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, requiring public schools in Louisiana to place the Ten Commandments in front of students. Louisiana was the first state in the nation to adopt such a measure through legislation.
On Friday, a panel of three judges from a federal appeals court ruled that the classroom display law is unconstitutional. Their decision upheld U.S. District Judge John deGravelles’ earlier finding that the law breached the First Amendment’s requirement to maintain a separation between church and state.
The court’s opinion effectively blocks the Louisiana Department of Education from continuing to enforce the display requirement in the state’s public school system. Judge deGravelles had previously issued an order to that effect in response to a lawsuit filed by concerned parents.
That legal challenge had been initiated by a diverse group of parents with children enrolled in public schools across Louisiana. Coming from a range of religious backgrounds, they claimed the law subjected their children to mandatory religious messaging, thereby infringing on their rights.
The lawsuit emphasized that the requirement imposed a specific religious viewpoint inside a government-run educational setting. According to the parents, this undermined the principle of religious neutrality that is central to public education in the United States.
In response to the appellate court’s ruling, Heather L. Weaver, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, praised the decision. Speaking to the Associated Press, she called it “a resounding victory for the separation of church and state and public education.”
Weaver added that the decision affirms a key constitutional value, explaining that “public schools are not Sunday schools, and they must welcome all students, regardless of faith.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed strong disagreement with the court’s position. She noted that the order legally bars enforcement of the mandate only within the five school districts involved in the lawsuit thus far.
Murrill also confirmed that the state intends to appeal the decision, potentially setting the stage for a broader legal battle that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. No timeline for the appeal has been publicly disclosed.
The Louisiana law is part of a growing trend among some states seeking to introduce religious language and symbols into public institutions. In April 2025, Arkansas enacted a similar requirement, mandating Ten Commandments displays in all public schools, government-funded buildings, and universities.
Legislation mirroring Louisiana’s was signed into law by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with implementation set for August. That initiative is now being contested in federal court by families citing similar religious freedom issues.
Texas also joined the legislative trend earlier this year. In May, its state legislature approved a bill to require classroom displays of the Ten Commandments, although legal challenges are now anticipated there as well.
Legal experts note that this issue echoes previous church-state separation cases. In one notable example, a federal court ruled that a Ten Commandments monument in Alabama’s State Judicial Building was an impermissible religious display and must be removed.
Not all public religious symbols have been successfully challenged. In Grand Junction, Colorado, a 42-year-old Ten Commandments sculpture remains in front of city hall as of June 27, 2001, though its permanence has not been legally contested recently.
These differing outcomes underscore how context and application of religious symbols in public spaces heavily influence court decisions. In the case of Louisiana's classroom law, judges appear to have been swayed by the compulsory nature of the display and the public school setting.
As similar laws arise in other states, legal observers expect more lawsuits to test the constitutional boundaries. While legal precedent generally supports the idea that religious texts cannot be mandated in public schools, variations in how laws are written can influence each case’s outcome.
Louisiana’s appeal may bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court, depending on how the next rounds in lower courts proceed. Until then, enforcement of the Ten Commandments law remains halted in the five affected school districts.
Opponents of the law say the ruling sends a clear message that public schools should serve students of all faiths—or none—without embedding specific religious doctrines into the curriculum or environment.
Supporters argue that the Ten Commandments offer valuable moral guidance and have historical significance, though the courts have routinely identified such rationales as insufficient to override constitutional protections.
Brandon Lake’s powerful new collaboration with Jelly Roll became more than just a musical partnership—it became the catalyst for a complete personal transformation.
After releasing his latest album, "King of Hearts," in June 2025, Christian artist Brandon Lake revealed he was inspired by Jelly Roll’s stripped-down lifestyle to create boundaries that brought emotional, spiritual, and physical healing, Fox News reported.
The momentum started when Jelly Roll heard Lake’s song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on TikTok and immediately expressed interest in being part of it. Lake was surprised but thrilled when Jelly Roll responded positively before even being officially invited. The resulting collaboration became a deeply influential turning point for Lake.
Jelly Roll confided in Lake that after performing at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, he was so overwhelmed that he threw his phone into the river. That moment, which went viral in December 2024, made a lasting impression on Lake.
"He's like, 'I'm calling you from a flip phone right now,'" Lake recalled. Motivated by the story, Lake took action too, changing his phone number and overhauling his electronic habits to protect his mental health as his fame expanded.
Lake had been struggling with the pressure of increasing public demand after his initial tour. His mental health deteriorated when, instead of taking time off after the tour, he took his family to Disney World, where he experienced his first panic attack.
“To me, it was hell on earth at that moment in my life,” Lake said. This marked the beginning of a dark period that included stress-related health issues such as adrenaline fatigue and emotional isolation. He began distancing himself, even from those closest to him.
After hitting a breaking point initiated by a friend's prayer voice memo, Lake sought help through counseling. “When he prayed over me and I listened to it, I broke. I broke. In a great way,” he said, describing the beginning of his recovery journey.
Realizing he was chasing excitement instead of fulfillment, Lake took his counselor’s advice seriously and began to re-center his life around his faith. His wife, Brittany Ann Schneider, voiced that she could not fill the emotional void he was experiencing, prompting him to reassess his sources of support.
Lake started working with a health and performance coach. He changed his diet, began wearing an aura ring to monitor physical markers, and focused on regaining balance. His music, he insisted, would continue to reflect his faith and purpose, avoiding topics like drugs or the glorification of unhealthy behaviors.
To reinforce his spiritual commitments, Lake got a tattoo of a "King of Hearts" on his finger. He said the tattoo serves as a reminder that his mission is to shepherd people well, prioritizing ministry over production and fame.
In a dramatic lifestyle shift, Lake moved to a rural property near Charleston, South Carolina. He described the farm as a healing space, where he can engage in physical, grounding labor far removed from the demands of touring.
Lake shared details of his new life tending cows, mowing grass, operating a tractor, and clearing fallen trees after storms. He said this "dirty work" often helps his mental health more than traditional treatments.
"Tomorrow, I’ll go from New York City back home... and I will be chainsawing some trees," he said. Nature, he added, has become a prescription for well-being, echoing a wider movement among medical professionals recommending time outdoors.
Throughout the changes, Lake credited Jelly Roll with being a consistent supporter and encourager. “He's like a brother to me now,” he said. Their bond has extended beyond music to shared life experiences as husbands and fathers.
Lake emphasized that limiting access to his time and energy was necessary as his career grew. “While I would love to be friends with everyone,” he said, “the bigger things have gotten, the smaller I've had to go.”
“Hard Fought Hallelujah,” their song together, has since been performed live, including on national television. Lake said, “We knew it was special,” reflecting on how the song’s message and collaboration helped shape his current phase of life.
Lake said that “King of Hearts” is more than an album title—it’s a mission statement. “I wanna be a king of hearts, and shepherd people well, no matter what I’m doing,” he said. For him, success is now measured in spiritual wellness rather than chart rankings.
He attended the 11th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards in 2024 with his wife, signaling his continued commitment to the Christian music world while maintaining his newly established boundaries. The album's June 2025 release represents both an artistic achievement and a personal milestone.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” Lake said of the album launch. It's not just music—it’s a reflection of recovery, faith, and a life reclaimed through intentional change.
In a dramatic show of loyalty, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has pledged to remain in the country despite escalating attacks from Iran, sparking renewed debate over America's role in the intensifying Middle East conflict.
According to the Daily Mail, Huckabee’s message to Donald Trump came just days after a missile struck Tel Aviv, as military preparations and geopolitical tensions continue to grow in the region.
The situation unfolded on June 16, when an Iranian missile hit Tel Aviv, raising alarm about the possibility of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran. Amid the tensions, Huckabee sent a private text to former President Donald Trump, declaring that he would not abandon his post and likening the current moment to some of the most consequential decisions in American wartime history.
“My job is to be the last one to leave,” Huckabee wrote in the message shared by Trump on his Truth Social page on June 19. “I will not abandon this post. Our flag will NOT come down... it is my honor to serve you.”
The ambassador also referred to the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, suggesting the former president had been divinely spared, in Huckabee’s words, to become “the most consequential president in a century – maybe ever.”
Comparing the mounting crisis to President Truman’s nuclear decision during World War II, Huckabee offered a tone of historical gravity in his communication. He reminded Trump of the immense weight of leadership during a time of war and urged him to listen, not to advisers or media, but to what he described as “HIS voice.”
The ambassador emphasized that while others may offer opinions, only one voice truly matters, writing, “I believe you will hear from heaven and that voice is far more important than mine or ANYONE else’s.”
Huckabee’s message has been perceived by some observers as a symbolic commitment to Israel during its time of peril, while others interpret it as an ominous hint that a larger war may be on the horizon involving the United States.
In recent days, U.S. military assets, including bomber aircraft and naval ships, have been deployed near Israel as a precautionary measure. The move reflects growing concern that the conflict between Israel and Iran could expand, placing U.S. forces in direct conflict with Tehran.
At the same time, President Trump has faced calls from both sides—some pressing him to take stronger action, others warning that military involvement could have politically disastrous consequences during an election season.
Longtime allies like Huckabee appear to be encouraging Trump to lean into a historical role, while critics within his base, including prominent isolationists, have advised caution against another extended engagement in the Middle East.
The current debate intensified after conservative commentator Tucker Carlson aired an interview on June 18 with Senator Ted Cruz. During the interview, Cruz implied that the U.S. is actively aiding Israel’s operations against Iran, stating, “Israel is leading them, but we’re supporting them.”
Carlson pressed Cruz on this apparent admission, arguing that it conflicted with the administration’s public denial of any offensive action taken on Israel’s behalf. “You’re breaking news here,” Carlson told Cruz during the clip.
These revelations have fueled speculation that the U.S. may already be participating in the conflict in ways not publicly acknowledged, leading to fresh scrutiny of the administration’s transparency and long-term strategy.
Earlier in the week, both Carlson and Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, issued stark warnings on their podcasts. They argued that escalating military action in Iran could lead the U.S. into another protracted war, one that they believe could seriously damage Trump’s reelection prospects.
Their concerns center on the risk of repeating past entanglements in the region, with Bannon accusing members of the intelligence community and pro-intervention Republicans of pushing the president into a military corner.
Despite these warnings, Trump has shrugged off the criticism. At the G7 summit, he dismissed Carlson by name, saying, “I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying, let him go get a television network and say it so the people listen.”
Trump also struck a defiant tone online, doubling down on his strong posture toward Tehran. On social media, he wrote, “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”
The message suggests Trump's national security focus remains centered on preventing Iran’s nuclear proliferation, even as domestic political tensions rise over the best approach to doing so.
With Huckabee stationed in Tel Aviv and openly invoking parallels to historical wartime decisions, the stakes continue to rise for a president caught between global conflict and political calculation.
Jimmy Swaggart, a longtime figure in American televangelism, is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack at his Baton Rouge home.
According to the Christian Post, the 90-year-old preacher is in critical condition in intensive care following cardiac arrest as his family puts their hope in faith and prayer for divine intervention.
Swaggart, who began his ministry in 1955 and launched his television outreach in 1971, experienced a medical emergency early Sunday morning, June 15, 2025. He collapsed at home, where his son Donnie and grandson Gabe were present when the cardiac arrest occurred.
According to Donnie Swaggart, he and Gabe attempted chest compressions while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Emergency responders managed to restore a heartbeat before transporting Swaggart to a local hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care.
Speaking to the congregation at Family Worship Center Church in Baton Rouge, Donnie described the frightening scene and shared how the family sprang into action in what he called an unprecedented crisis. “This is beyond that,” he said, referring to how the family usually keeps private matters close.
Donnie told church members that Swaggart has remained unconscious since the incident. He added the family had advised the medical staff not to give any prognosis as they awaited what they described as an opportunity for divine intervention.
“Right now, he is in the ICU and without a miracle… his time will be short,” Donnie said. However, he emphasized their trust in faith, stating, “We’re not giving up... we’re going to allow the Lord to work.”
A statement posted on the ministry’s official Facebook page on Monday, June 16, confirmed that there was no change in Swaggart’s medical condition. The post asked supporters to continue praying and noted the family’s commitment to trusting what they called “the Lord’s perfect will.”
Jimmy Swaggart remains a prominent voice in the Christian media world. He is the founder and senior pastor of Family Worship Center and launched the Sonlife Broadcasting Network in 2007. The network claims a global viewership reaching up to 2 billion people.
Swaggart has authored more than 60 religious texts, including commentaries and study guides, and is well known for The Expositor’s Study Bible. He also founded the Jimmy Swaggart Bible College to train ministers and Christian workers.
A musician as well, Swaggart released nearly 60 gospel albums throughout his career and sold close to 17 million recordings, establishing himself as an influence in both spiritual and musical communities.
Despite his achievements, Swaggart’s ministry has also weathered significant controversy. In 1988, he was involved in a scandal involving a New Orleans prostitute, which led to his being removed from his position by the Assemblies of God.
Another incident followed in 1991 when he was stopped by police in California and found with Rosemary Garcia, a known sex worker. That traffic stop resulted in citations for driving violations, including operating an unregistered vehicle and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Garcia later told KNBC-TV that Swaggart had requested her services, an admission that reignited public scrutiny and brought further challenges to the preacher’s public image and ministry credibility.
Now at age 90, Swaggart represents a generation of televangelists who reached millions through television and later digital platforms. His longevity in ministry, spanning nearly 70 years, has made him one of the most familiar faces in American evangelicalism.
Although marred by personal failings, Swaggart’s influence continues through the institutions he founded and the broadcasts still reaching audiences worldwide. His sermons, publications, and gospel recordings remain staples in Pentecostal and evangelical circles.
As his family waits for further updates, their public plea for prayer reflects both their enduring hope and the grave nature of Swaggart’s condition. “We will make decisions at our own time,” Donnie said, underscoring their reliance on faith rather than prognosis.
In a deeply personal and emotional revelation, former NEEDTOBREATHE member Bo Rinehart has publicly accused his brother, Bear Rinehart, of years of serious abuse during their childhood.
Bo Rinehart says he was sexually abused by multiple individuals, including Bear, while Bear has denied abusing his brother but acknowledged they both were sexually assaulted by a camp counselor as children, The Christian Post reported.
Bo Rinehart, 43, came forward on social media to share that he is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In his posts, he named a camp counselor, a youth pastor, and also claimed to have been “sexually, physically, and emotionally” abused by his older brother, Bear Rinehart. The brothers were raised in a faith-centered household as sons of a pastor.
Bo’s accusations included a photograph of Bear posted to Instagram Stories, with the words “Sexual Abuser” written over his torso, according to Church Leaders. These public posts came just days after Bo had identified himself as both a follower of faith and someone recovering from alcohol addiction. He described his experiences of suffering from abuse that was “so hard for anyone to tell.”
Bear Rinehart, 44, issued a public statement in response, denying Bo’s claims of abuse. He expressed that the accusations were “deeply hurtful and misleading” and said he felt obligated to speak out to safeguard the well-being and understanding of his family, particularly his children. Bear stated that he has three young sons and had hoped to share his past with them when the time was right.
Despite rejecting the accusation that he had harmed Bo, Bear confirmed that both brothers were sexually abused as children. He said they were targeted at ages 8 and 6, respectively, by a teenage counselor while attending a Christian camp. Bear emphasized that they received no help for those traumatic events for many years.
“Neither of us received support for these events until well into adulthood,” Bear said in his statement, noting they grew up navigating their pain and confusion on their own. He acknowledged the long-lasting emotional damage from the abuse they endured in secrecy. The two spent years dealing with these unresolved wounds without formal support systems in place.
Five years ago, the brothers reportedly participated in a two-day counseling session. During this session, Bo confronted Bear with emotional baggage tied to incidents that had occurred in their adolescence. According to Bear, he accepted responsibility for anything he had done that might have caused his younger brother distress.
Bear believed that the session had led to a resolution or at least a shared understanding between the two. He did not expect the matter to resurface in a forum as public as social media years later. In his statement, Bear conveyed his pain from being “labeled an abuser in such a heartless way.”
He explained that because of Bo’s public accusations, maintaining any form of privacy had become “impossible.” Bear suggested that the choice to bring their personal history into the public eye left him with few options but to respond. He expressed sorrow over how this has affected not just him but his family, saying the charges were not only damaging but also inaccurate.
Despite everything, Bear ended his statement with an expression of hope. “Even after all of this, I am still hopeful for a reconciliation someday with my brother that I know only God can provide,” he wrote, leaning on the faith that has guided both brothers throughout their lives. The depth of unresolved conflict between them remains unknown, but Bear's words suggested he still harbors a desire for eventual healing.
Bo and Bear co-founded NEEDTOBREATHE in 1998, building the band into a well-known act incorporating both rock influences and spiritual overtones. The group gained national attention in 2011 while touring with Taylor Swift during her Speak Now World Tour. Their music, though not branded explicitly as Christian, often reflected their faith backgrounds and convictions.
The band has seen considerable success over the years, releasing ten full-length albums and earning a Grammy nomination in 2015. Additionally, the group has won 15 Dove Awards, further establishing their presence in the spiritual music landscape. Their ability to blend faith with alternative rock earned them a devoted following across multiple genres.
Bo departed from the band in 2020. At the time, the group issued a statement of appreciation for his artistic contributions, highlighting his brave and respected approach to visual and musical expression. Following his departure, he began producing music under the name Coy Roy.
In the wake of Bo's exit, Tyler Burkum, formerly a member of the Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline, joined NEEDTOBREATHE as Bo’s replacement. The band has continued to perform and record without public conflicts until now. The current revelations are the first time Bo and Bear’s relationship struggles have been aired so openly.
As the story continues to unfold, fans and observers are sorting through decades of musical collaboration overshadowed by painful personal history. The Rinehart brothers' story invites examination of the long-term impact of childhood trauma, even among those in the public eye. Questions about truth, accountability, and potential reconciliation remain unresolved.
For now, both brothers have shared their accounts, and while their truths diverge on critical points, both agree on the shared tragedy of their early abuse. Whether those shared experiences can lead to healing or further division is yet to be seen. Their journey continues, now under a public spotlight neither likely wished for.
A former Texas megachurch pastor is at the center of a new civil lawsuit accusing him and others of concealing years of child sexual abuse for personal gain.
Robert Morris, who stepped down from Gateway Church in 2024, is being sued in Texas by Cindy Clemishire, who alleges he abused her as a child in the 1980s and that his family and affiliates helped cover it up to protect their financial interests, Fox News reported.
The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County District Court in June 2025, names the former pastor, his immediate family, and several people connected to his church. The filing accuses them of knowingly hiding a long-term pattern of sexual abuse that began when the plaintiff was just 12 years old.
Cindy Clemishire, now 53, claims the abuse began in 1982 and continued for more than four years. She says she first met Morris in 1981 when he was preaching at the Oklahoma-based church she attended with her family. The two families reportedly grew close around that time.
Though the alleged abuse occurred in Oklahoma, the lawsuit was filed in Texas, where Morris later gained prominence as founder and pastor of Gateway Church. Clemishire’s suit asserts multiple legal claims, including defamation, slander, libel, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy.
Cindy and her father, Jerry Lee Clemishire, brought the civil case together. They also made their claims public less than a year ago through The Wartburg Watch, a blog known for monitoring religious organizations and misconduct within them.
In addition to claims against Robert Morris, the lawsuit names his wife, sons, and various Gateway Church members, alleging they cooperated in a “fraudulent” effort to conceal the abuse. The court filing argues that this group acted together to protect their reputations and secure financial benefits from the church’s influence and reach.
The civil lawsuit follows a related criminal indictment issued in March 2024 by an Oklahoma grand jury. That indictment charged Morris with five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. He is currently out on bond while awaiting court proceedings on those criminal charges.
The new lawsuit requests more than $1 million in damages, arguing that the consequences of the abuse and the subsequent secrecy imposed lifelong trauma on the plaintiff. The complaint also emphasizes the collective role of those within Morris’s circle in helping him avoid accountability for decades.
According to the complaint, Morris’s family and associates allegedly acted together “to maximize their profits” and intentionally misled others about what took place. This, the suit claims, constitutes both an ethical and legal violation benefiting the accused at the victim’s expense.
Morris resigned from Gateway Church in June 2024, months after the criminal indictment became public. His departure raised questions about the church’s internal handling of abuse claims and triggered additional scrutiny of its financial dealings with Morris.
In a separate legal development, Morris has filed a lawsuit of his own. He is suing Gateway Church for breach of contract, claiming that although he had a “highly inappropriate” relationship with a minor, it did not violate the financial terms of his agreement with the church.
Morris’s counter-lawsuit argues that Gateway still owes him deferred compensation, severance, and additional retirement funds. Reports suggest these payments could amount to several million dollars, sparking outrage from some former congregants and observers of the case.
The civil suit against Morris and his affiliates expands the scope of legal action beyond his conduct. By including multiple defendants and financial allegations, the lawsuit suggests a broader structure was involved in the concealment efforts.
By targeting both personal and organizational figures, the Clemishires appear to be pressing the courts not only for financial compensation but for institutional accountability. This strategy may mirror other recent lawsuits involving abuse charges within religious organizations.
The case highlights ongoing debate over how churches and their leaders address internal allegations of abuse, particularly when financial interests are intertwined with reputational damage control. Legal experts expect the case to draw national attention as it proceeds.
Christian activist Sean Feucht called a recent wave of allegations against him a coordinated spiritual attack, responding publicly for the first time since former members of his ministries accused him of financial and moral misconduct.
In a video statement released Tuesday, Feucht rejected claims made by ex-volunteers and staff about the management and operations of his religious organizations, framing the controversy as a spiritual test accompanied by legal consequences, the Christian Post reported.
The accusations were posted on a website titled "Truth and Freedom Stories," created by individuals who formerly worked within Feucht's various ministries. These include Burn 24/7, Let Us Worship, and Light a Candle—all founded and directed by Feucht. The site describes a pattern of alleged misconduct over an extended period through personal accounts.
Among those speaking out are Christy Gafford, who previously served as a national and global director in Burn 24/7, and Peter and Amanda Hartzell, also formerly affiliated with the ministry. Several others with leadership or administrative roles have shared similar criticism, citing organizational dysfunction and financial mismanagement.
The former workers claim that Feucht's ministries experienced a major revenue boost in 2020, totaling over $5 million. Two years later, the organizations changed their IRS classification to that of a church, which allows less public financial transparency than typical nonprofit entities. Those behind the website argue that this shift has further obscured financial accountability within the ministries.
The group also raised concerns about a network of ten properties owned across California, Pennsylvania, is, and Montana. They suggest these purchases might not align with the declared charitable mission of the organizations.
Accusers outline a range of specific financial claims, including misuse of donations, fraudulent restriction of donor funds, improper use of credit cards, and undisclosed overseas bank accounts tied to child sponsorship initiatives in India. They also allege tax reporting irregularities, such as the failure to list volunteers on required IRS forms.
Beyond financial concerns, the website hosts a section labeled “Abuse,” which recounts spiritual coercion, retaliatory behavior against dissenters, and broken leadership promises. The accusers demand an external investigation into the practices of Feucht’s ministries, citing a deeply entangled organizational structure that resists accountability.
Feucht addressed these allegations in a YouTube video released Tuesday, identifying the situation as a battle occurring on both legal and spiritual fronts. He explained that although his instincts urge him to respond immediately, he is choosing restraint on the advice of legal representatives and spiritual leaders.
Describing the process as emotionally taxing, Feucht said, “It takes a great deal of discernment and patience for me... because it’s not my nature.” He added that he believes the situation carries “legal implications” and insisted the ministries are managed responsibly and are in good standing with the IRS.
In the video, Feucht cast doubt on the credibility of the accusers, initially calling them “angry former volunteers” before referring to them as “former employees.” He claimed most were let go due to personal moral issues and suggested some had minimal or distant involvement in his organizations.
“A lot of them are from 15 years ago, 12 years ago, 10 years ago,” he said. “A few of them I’ve only met one time. And a lot of them were in the Burn Movement.” He argued that the critics do not have access to current operations or finances and dismissed their claims as recycled content from past media reports.
Feucht rose to national visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing in-person worship rallies across the United States under the “Let Us Worship” banner. Many of those events sparked political and public health debates, placing him at the intersection of religion and activism.
In his defense, Feucht emphasized the structural oversight of his ministries, saying, “We have incredible accountants. We have an incredible board. We have incredible oversight.” He assured supporters that every donation has been used for its intended spiritual purpose.
He also repeated themes of perseverance and faith under duress, linking the experience to a book he’s currently writing about spiritual battles. “I had no clue that I would be writing it in real time as I’m living in the middle of this,” he said.
Feucht concluded the video by suggesting that the accusations are intended to create division. Unfortunately, some former employees want to mount this smear campaign to attack me,” he said. Despite the controversy, he expressed confidence that the ministries would continue forward with “hope” and “joy.”
To followers and critics alike, Feucht encouraged a calm approach: “I find myself so much more in the spirit when I resist the urge to fight and resist the urge to get into defamatory conversations.”
“We've got to stay on mission, especially right now,” he added. No independent investigations have been publicly announced to date in response to the accusations.
A former federal inmate is now the central figure in a shocking Arizona murder that authorities say may have been guided by religious extremism.
Adam Christopher Sheafe, 49, was arrested on multiple charges following the disturbing death of 76-year-old Pastor William Schonemann, whose body was discovered in his New River home on April 28 under circumstances investigators describe as religiously driven and deliberately staged, the Christian Post reported.
Pastor Schonemann, a longtime leader at New River Bible Chapel, was last seen alive the day before his body was found. Police say he was discovered in bed, with his arms spread and hands pinned to the wall, raising immediate concerns of symbolic or ritualistic elements. No valuables were taken from the scene, furthering suspicions that robbery was not a motive.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office soon identified Sheafe as the primary suspect. Described as an ex-convict with a lengthy criminal record, Sheafe had only recently been released from federal custody in February 2023, nearly three years ahead of schedule. He had been convicted on charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in 2018 and was originally slated for release in September 2026.
After his early release, Sheafe relocated to Oceanside, California. In 2023, he attempted to change his name legally in a San Diego court, but the request was denied. According to police, Sheafe abandoned his job and traveled to Arizona in early April 2025, reportedly following what officials now suspect was a religiously motivated personal mission.
By late April, Sheafe had drawn local attention when he was seen behaving unusually near the New River Bible Chapel and was later implicated in a nearby burglary. Law enforcement arrived during the incident, but Sheafe fled the scene and was not caught at that time.
Investigators say that shortly after this first burglary, Sheafe stole a car and returned to the area before Pastor Schonemann was found dead. The events quickly escalated, leading to a series of crimes in nearby Sedona, where police responded to another burglary call on April 29. Security footage confirmed Sheafe at the scene, dressed in a recognizable outfit and driving a red four-door truck.
Later that day, Sedona officers attempted to apprehend him during a vehicle pursuit. However, a minor crash ended the chase, and Sheafe escaped on foot into the Coconino National Forest. He continued to evade police until April 30, when security cameras spotted him again near a Sedona residence.
Police released a public alert that evening, describing Sheafe’s attire and a Hebrew tattoo on his neck reading “YHWH.” Later that night, authorities caught up with him in a rugged residential area. A foot chase ended with Sheafe's arrest. By then, police had connected him to the murder of Pastor Schonemann based on physical evidence and criminal activity in the area.
Captain David Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the lack of any known relationship between the suspect and the victim. According to Lee, law enforcement believes Sheafe targeted Pastor Schonemann at random. He added that there are no indications the pastor had engaged in any criminal activity.
“At this time, we have information that suggests Sheafe acted alone, and there is no further danger to the community,” Lee said during a news conference. He also confirmed ongoing investigations involving other potential victims in Arizona, suggesting that additional crimes were being planned by Sheafe.
Authorities have charged Sheafe with a wide range of offenses, including burglary, fleeing from police, aggravated assault with a weapon, hit-and-run, property damage, and resisting arrest. Additional charges related to the pastor’s death are pending as prosecutors continue building the case.
While details surrounding the pastor’s murder remain tightly controlled out of respect for the family, police described the scene as both unusual and disturbing. Sheriff Jerry Sheridan called it “probably one of the most bizarre cases” in his four decades at the agency.
Captain Lee confirmed that the residence and New River Bible Church were examined extensively for over two days. He explained that the investigation uncovered signs indicating a crime motivated by religious belief, not theft.
“Based on what we found, it did not appear that robbery or theft was a motive in this case,” Lee said. “William Schonemann is a true victim in every sense of the word.”
Chris Sheafe, father of the accused, stated that his son has battled substance abuse issues since a motorcycle crash years ago. He also said Adam developed what he termed an “obsession” with the Old Testament, which he believes played a part in recent behaviors.
Following the arrest, Chris revealed that his son seemed genuinely remorseful and ready to face the consequences. “He was very open and explained to me that he was very sorry about things that had occurred,” he said. “He said, ‘Just tell police to come and talk to me. And I'll sit them down and tell them everything that I've done.”
Chris added that his son had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with law enforcement and that he intended to plead guilty to the charges brought against him, letting the justice system take its course.
In a move that has sparked a wave of local debate, a church bell that has tolled every quarter-hour for the last 177 years in an English village has been silenced following community noise complaints.
According to the Christian Post, St. Michael’s Church in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, ceased ringing its historic bells after a local council ruling prompted by three residents’ concerns over nighttime noise, leaving many villagers frustrated and divided.
Since 1848, the bells of St. Michael’s have been part of daily life in this small northern England community of about 4,000 people. The town, located roughly 25 miles west of Leeds, has embraced the chimes as a symbol of tradition for nearly two centuries.
However, that continuity came to a halt in April 2025 when the local borough council received formal noise complaints from three residents. The council responded by ordering that the bells stop ringing between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
To enforce the directive during those hours, church leaders were told they must install a specialized mechanism to mute the bells, a measure that would cost several thousand pounds. Due to the financial and logistical burden, the church decided to halt the chimes entirely for the time being.
The decision to silence the bells has stirred strong reactions in Mytholmroyd. More than 1,500 residents have signed an online petition calling for the bells to resume their regular schedule.
In the petition, a resident identified only as "EJ" reflected on growing up with the sound of the bells. EJ described the chimes as a comforting and defining feature of the village’s character and daily rhythm.
“These bells have chimed since 1848, long before any of us were here — a symbol of continuity and community for over a century,” EJ wrote. “My family's roots run deep in this village, and for us, as for numerous other residents, the chimes are more than bells; they are the soundtrack of our community’s daily life.”
Others who signed the petition voiced more blunt frustration at the council’s decision. One commenter suggested that the three complainants should consider alternative solutions rather than disrupt the long-standing tradition.
“Three objectors should not be allowed to influence whether the bells ring or not,” the commenter wrote. “It’s part of our history. Find somewhere else to live or buy earplugs!”
The backlash underscores how deeply intertwined the chimes are with local identity, even as a small minority maintains they are a disturbance, particularly during the night.
Roy Wrathall, church warden at St. Michael’s, acknowledged the complexity of the dilemma. He said opinions on the issue are sharply divided among villagers.
“There’s very much two sides to it,” Wrathall said. “There’s ‘I’m awake in the night, there goes the clock that reassures me’ and ‘I can’t get to sleep because I keep hearing that clock every 15 minutes.’ It’s not an easy one to resolve.”
While the debate continues, church leaders remain uncertain about the next steps and whether they will pursue funding to install the silencing device or keep the bells quiet indefinitely.
The controversy in West Yorkshire mirrors other instances across the English-speaking world where centuries-old bell traditions have clashed with modern noise sensitivity.
In 2023, Beith Parish Church in Ayrshire, Scotland, was required to silence its bell overnight after a single complaint, ending a 200-year tradition of hourly chimes.
Just weeks before the Mytholmroyd decision, St. Augustine’s Church in Sydney, Australia, faced objections while seeking to expand its bell schedule. The church is located next to a pub known for late-night noise.
As of the latest update, St. Michael’s bells remain silent. The church has yet to announce a timeline or plan for reactivating the chimes within the constraints of the council’s mandate.
In the meantime, villagers like EJ and hundreds of others continue to rally for what they see as a piece of their cultural heritage — a heritage now caught between the past and the needs of the present.
Whether the bell rings again may depend on the will of the community, the flexibility of local regulation, and the church’s ability to raise funds for compliance in a way that honors both history and modern living conditions.
A former Catholic school teacher from Cincinnati broke down in court Tuesday as she learned she would serve three years in prison for an inappropriate relationship with a student nearly half her age.
Emily Nutley, 43, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of sexual battery after investigators found she had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student at St. Xavier High School during late 2023, Daily Mail reported.
The relationship began after the student joined an academic support program led by Nutley for struggling students. Over the next two months, Nutley and the teen began meeting privately for sexual encounters, including at least one that occurred in her campus office.
Prosecutors said that Nutley sent the student at least nine sexually explicit text messages and nude images. One message proposed a sexual encounter during a school Mass, calling it “wild.”
Along with the messages, Nutley provided the student with a $100 monthly allowance, food, and, at least once, the answers to a classroom exam. Prosecutors argued that these actions further demonstrated the exploitative nature of the relationship.
Nutley, a married mother of three, especially raised concerns due to the power imbalance and the student's age. The victim was just one year younger than her oldest child, a junior in high school.
The teen’s academic performance declined after the encounters ended, resulting in three failing grades. By March 2024, he asked to leave the program run by Nutley, and rumors of an inappropriate relationship began to circulate among staff and students.
On Oct. 8, 2024, the teen officially reported being abused by Nutley, alleging at least four sexual encounters. He also informed administrators that Nutley had threatened suicide if he tried to distance himself from the relationship.
After his report, Nutley was quickly dismissed from St. Xavier and arrested later that month following her indictment by a Hamilton County grand jury. She had worked at the school since the 2021-22 academic year in a role supporting student behavior and academics.
The victim did not attend the sentencing but expressed his feelings in a statement read by Assistant Prosecutor Elyse Deters. He described the relationship as damaging and stated that the abuse left him confused and mistrusting of authority.
The teen said he didn't recognize the manipulative situation he was in, recalling Nutley's threat to harm herself as a method of control. He said the ordeal stripped him of his self-worth and left lasting emotional impacts.
His father also addressed the court, saying that Nutley’s conduct destroyed his son's potential chances at securing an athletic college scholarship.
Judge Jennifer Branch sentenced Nutley to three years in prison and five years of probation. She must also register as a Tier III sex offender for the rest of her life, reporting her status every 90 days.
Branch voiced disappointment at what she saw as a lack of full accountability from Nutley, telling her she had “ruined the rest of his high school career.” Prosecutors had requested a sentence of at least five years.
Nutley, speaking during her sentencing, acknowledged the damage she caused and spoke about the personal toll the events had taken on her own family. She said she lost her husband, home, and personal relationships because of her choices.
Nutley told the court she was not asking for forgiveness, stating she had “not earned it.” She added that she thinks about her actions every day and acknowledges the embarrassment caused to her children.
Her defense attorneys described the threats she received while in custody and pointed to her efforts in rehabilitation. A professional mental health evaluation described her as a woman struggling with emotional and substance-related issues.
In response to her husband, Jonathan Nutley, filing for divorce in the weeks following her indictment, Nutley accused him of neglect and emotional cruelty. This information came to light through a public court filing obtained by TMZ.
Before joining St. Xavier, Nutley had worked at Madeira Elementary School. She was hired by St. Xavier ahead of the 2021 school year and placed in charge of a program supporting students academically at risk.
Her professional interactions with the victim began within that role, raising further concern about her use of authority to target a student described by prosecutors as vulnerable.
In addition to prison time and sex offender registration, Nutley will be under state supervision for five years following her release. She will continue working with mental health professionals as part of her probation terms.
