FāVS Religion News Roundup: July 10
By FāVS News Staff
Western Washington
Madison Temple Church of God in Christ marks 100 years of faith and community service in Seattle
Madison Temple Church of God in Christ will celebrate its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of faith, resilience and community impact in Seattle’s Central District. Founded in 1926 as Washington State’s first COGIC congregation, the church has served generations through worship, fellowship, outreach, and spiritual leadership. Under the guidance of Superintendent Robert L. Berks and First Lady Cheryl Berks, the Centennial Celebration on July 26 at 3:30 p.m. will recognize the church’s historic legacy while looking toward continued growth and community empowerment. The event will feature keynote speaker Bishop Alvin C. Moore Sr., Washington State Jurisdictional Prelate. Members, faith leaders and community supporters are invited to join the celebration.
Eastern Washington
Gonzaga President joins Jesuit university leaders in meeting Pope Leo XIV at Vatican
Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini joined 18 other U.S. collegiate presidents in a historic visit to Vatican City, meeting with Pope Leo XIV during a three-day gathering in Rome. Coordinated by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), the June 25 visit brought together leaders from 19 Jesuit institutions across North America to discuss the mission and future of Jesuit higher education. During the meetings, Pope Leo encouraged universities to advance social justice, support marginalized communities and promote change rooted in solidarity and the common good. The delegation also visited key Jesuit historical sites, including the rooms of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Mavalwalla moves to overturn conviction in Spokane 3 case
Lawyers for Bajun Mavalwalla II, one of three anti-ICE protesters convicted last month on federal charges, filed a motion Tuesday seeking to overturn his conviction. The motion for judgment of acquittal, filed under Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 29 and 33, argues the government presented insufficient evidence and asks for a new trial if acquittal is denied. Mavalwalla, Jac Archer and Justice Forral — dubbed the “Spokane 3” — were convicted May 28 on charges stemming from a June 2025 demonstration that sought to block federal officials from transporting two Venezuelan asylum-seekers to a Tacoma detention facility. Archer and Forral were convicted of felony conspiracy to impede a federal officer; Mavalwalla was convicted of aiding and abetting that conspiracy, though the charge was not in the original indictment.
Mavalwalla’s attorneys argue the aiding-and-abetting theory used to convict him is so broad it could sweep in nearly any protester. Each defendant faces up to six years in prison. No hearing date has been set; Archer and Forral are expected to file similar motions later this month.
Idaho
Idaho reports three classroom display complaints during first year of new flag and banner law
Three complaints were filed against classroom displays during the first year of Idaho’s new flag and banner law, which restricts school employees from displaying items expressing political, social, economic, religious, or ideological beliefs. House Bill 41 took effect July 1, 2025, and assigned the Idaho Department of Education responsibility for reviewing complaints.
The reported cases involved “In God We Trust” signs in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, an “Everyone is Welcome Here” sign at Jerome Middle School and a PACE peace flag at Moscow High School. State officials determined the national motto display was allowed under separate state law. The Jerome complaint was resolved after the teacher removed the sign, while the Moscow teacher voluntarily removed the flag. The limited number of complaints highlights early enforcement of the controversial law.
Groundbreaking set for Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple on Saturday, Aug. 29, the church’s First Presidency announced. Elder Hutch U. Fale of the United States West Area Presidency will preside over the invitation-only event; media will be permitted to attend.
Idaho has more than 480,000 Latter-day Saints in over 1,300 congregations, with six operating temples, two under construction and three others announced, according to the church. Temples, which church members consider the most sacred sites of worship, are distinct from meetinghouses and are used for ceremonies such as marriages and proxy baptisms rather than regular Sunday services.
