FāVS Religion News Roundup: Dec. 6
News Story by FāVS Staff
New rector of Bishop White Seminary announced
Bishop Thomas A. Daly of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane has announced the appointment of the Rev. Lucas E. Tomson as the new rector of Bishop White Seminary, effective July 1, 2025. Tomson, who holds multiple advanced degrees including a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Lateran University, will succeed the Rev. Daniel J. Barnett, who is completing his 10th year of service and will receive a new diocesan assignment as he celebrates his 25th year of priesthood.
Tomson, a native of the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area and ordained in 2007, brings extensive pastoral and academic experience to the position, having served various parishes in the diocese and currently serving as pastor of St. Peter parish and professor of patristics at Bishop White Seminary, according to an announcement.
Religious attendance very low in Washington
Religious attendance continues to decline across the United States, with Washington State ranking as the sixth-lowest state for regular church attendance. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, only 16.7% of Washington residents attend religious services at least once per month. The state’s religious landscape shows that 43% of Washingtonians identify as unaffiliated with any religion, while Protestants make up 33% and Catholics comprise 13% of the population.
This trend reflects a broader national shift, as religious attendance nationwide has dropped by 20% between 2000 and 2020, falling below 50% for the first time in U.S. history. The Census Bureau reports that only about 24% of American adults now attend religious services at least monthly.
Episcopal Church in Idaho dairy farming grant to support Kenyan Anglican clergy in poverty
The Anglican Diocese of Butere in western Kenya has partnered with the Episcopal Church in Idaho to launch an innovative dairy cow program aimed at supporting local clergy living in poverty. Through a $5,000 grant from the Idaho diocese, five pregnant Ayrshire dairy cows were purchased and donated to selected priests who earn only about $154 monthly. The program, which began in July, provides both additional income for the priests and nutritional support for their communities.
The partnership emerged from a meeting between Butere Bishop Rose Okeno and Idaho Bishop Joseph Tharakan at the 2022 Lambeth Conference. It goes beyond mere financial assistance. The selected priests received comprehensive training in dairy farming, and the program is designed to expand as calves are distributed to additional clergy members. Both bishops emphasize that the initiative represents a genuine partnership focused on building lasting relationships between the dioceses. Future plans for parish-to-parish connections include potential visits between members of both communities.
New homelessness data dashboard launched
The City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Spokane County and the Spokane Regional Health District have launched a new data dashboard. All this to provide transparency and insights into homelessness in the region. The dashboard tracks homelessness data, including the number of people experiencing homelessness, shelter exits, program durations and more. Data is sourced from the City of Spokane’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which compiles information from various local service providers. The tool aims to help lawmakers, advocates and residents identify gaps, monitor progress and make informed decisions on homelessness. The initiative promotes transparency, accountability and collaboration in addressing homelessness. The hope is to foster effective, data-driven solutions in the community.
‘How Saint Nicholas Became Santa’
The jolly magical Christmas figure known as Santa Claus comes from a real saint named Nicholas. The Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., will celebrate him on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents and families of all ages and sizes are invited to this special day. There, guests can enjoy goodies, special cookies and activities. Talks with St. Nick, prayer time and, of course, take a photo with Santa also part of the schedule! No cost to attend. Any questions, call 509-448-1224.
‘The Sounds of Christmas’
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Spokane Washington West Stake will host “The Sounds of Christmas” Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. It will be a special community concert featuring a community choir, ukulele choir, Spokane Flute Choir, Lilac Community Handbell Choir, Clearwater Brass and more! The concert takes at the Stake Center at 10405 W. Melville Road in Cheney. This is a free community event, will all welcome. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
