FāVS Religion News Roundup: May 16
FāVS News Staff
Thrive International to break ground for new affordable and refugee housing
Thrive International will break ground on a $10.5 million affordable housing project in Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood May 22, at 10 a.m. Mayor Lisa Brown will deliver keynote remarks at the ceremony at 6980 N. Nevada St.
The development includes 48 units with 51% dedicated to workforce and refugee housing, featuring a community center, geodesic dome and 24-hour library kiosk called “B” in partnership with Spokane Public Library. The project combines private social impact funding with commercial financing and includes a newly launched $10.5 million capital campaign running through spring 2026. The innovative model provides wraparound services to support refugee integration within a community-centered campus approach.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons awareness month and launch of new toolkit for those who go missing
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons (MMIWP) Task Force has released a toolkit to help families and friends when a loved one goes missing. Developed over three years by the Families Subcommittee, the toolkit offers prevention, awareness and intervention strategies, organizational tools and emotional support. It includes steps for reporting a disappearance, working with law enforcement, using social media, and coping with long-term cases. Centered in Indigenous values, the toolkit reflects shared experiences and resilience. It will be updated regularly and complements efforts like Washington’s missing Indigenous alert system and cold case unit. Support resources are also provided. More information provided on the Attorney General Office’s website.
The toolkit’s release coincides with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons awareness month across the nation.
Clergy mandatory reporting law not anti-Catholic say supporters
This week, the multi-faith Clergy Accountability Coalition (CAC) expressed shock in a press release that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) characterized Washington’s new clergy reporting law (SB 5375) as “anti-Catholic.” The law, taking effect July 27, 2025, requires all clergy to report child abuse, including information learned in confession. The DOJ’s concern is that it removes clergy privilege unfairly, but CAC argues the law applies equally to all faiths and aligns with existing laws for other mandatory reporters.
CAC members, including survivors of abuse and advocates, stress the law is vital to protect children and prevent cover-ups. SB 5375 follows the lead of other states and is consistent with constitutional limits on religious practices that endanger public safety. Supporters view it as a necessary reform to hold religious institutions accountable and protect vulnerable children. The coalition urges the DOJ to reconsider, emphasizing that justice and safety should prevail over institutional secrecy.
Endless Nakba: “Atrocity Inc.” free screening at Magic Lantern Sunday
On May 18 the Inland Northwest Coalition for Palestine will host a free screening of “Atrocity Inc: How Israel Sells its Destruction of Gaza” at 4 p.m. at Spokane’s Magic Lantern Theater. Part of the “Endless Nakba” film series, the 45-minute documentary, co-produced by Ahmad Hussam, critiques Israeli media narratives post-Oct. 7, 2023, and challenges widespread propaganda. A Q&A with Hussam will follow the screening. Donations are encouraged to support advocacy work. Organized by INWCLP, the event aims to educate and mobilize the Spokane community in solidarity with Palestine. Reserve tickets via Zeffy, and organizers ask that people cancel if unable to attend.
WARNING: The trailer below uses very graphic descriptions of murders Hamas committd on Oct. 7, 2023, as described by Israeli government and a large portion of U.S. media. The film criticizes this narrative and offers another explanation of what happened.
Hope Center to expand free reproductive healthcare in North Central Idaho
After 20 years serving women and families, Hope Center is joining the Reliance Ministries network and will become Reliance Center of North Central Idaho. The transition will expand free reproductive healthcare and support services throughout the Camas Prairie region.
The center will offer additional medical services including women’s reproductive health care, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment, school outreach programs and housing options for pregnant or single mothers. The Grangeville location will hold its grand opening Oct. 16, according to Big Country News.
Washington Attorney General joins 19 other AGs defending birthright citizenship
Attorney General Nick Brown and 19 other attorneys general issued a joint statement Thursday defending birthright citizenship after Supreme Court oral arguments. They called the President’s attempt to end it unconstitutional, warning it would overturn long-settled law and create national chaos. They emphasized the Constitution cannot be rewritten by executive action.
