By FāVS News Staff
Idaho
Idaho abortion rights measure draws strong support amid opposition from faith groups
Idaho voters will decide on a November ballot proposition that would legalize abortion until fetal viability, challenging the state’s current near-total abortion ban. The citizen-led initiative would allow the state to restrict abortion after fetal viability, except in medical emergencies. A November 2025 Boise State University poll found about six in 10 Idahoans supported expanding abortion rights.
However, influential religious groups are mobilizing against the proposal. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $1 million to the opposition group Too Extreme for Idaho and encouraged members to vote against the measure in September. Idaho Chooses Life, a socially conservative political action committee, is also providing churches with resources to oppose the initiative.
The debate reflects broader divisions among faith communities over abortion policy. National polling suggests abortion ranks below the economy and democracy as a top voting priority, although many religious leaders continue to emphasize the issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
St. Stanislaus Kostka Mission celebrates a century-and-a-quarter of service
RATHDRUM, Idaho – Founded in 1901, Idaho’s oldest brick church celebrated its 125 year anniversary this past weekend. Bishop Peter Christensen, of the Diocese of Boise, joined the parishioners in celebration. The building has remained largely intact, still possessing the original stained glass windows, the entirely pine interior woodworking, and a mural of Mary of Bethlehem by Jesuit artist Brother Joseph Carignano, which was restored in 2014. The church’s altar was designed by Rev. Thomas Purcell, a key figure in the region’s early Catholic history, according to Christensen. The church has seen new membership and changes to leadership, with Rev. Bruno Segatta serving as sacramental minister to St. Stanislaus and St. Joseph’s in Spirit Lake and Rev. Sleeva Madanu serving as a pastor to St. George’s Mission in Post Falls.
Eastern Washington
Spokane to welcome new faith-based nonprofit outpatient behavioral health Nov. 3
SPOKANE, Wash. — Adult & Teen Challenge PacWest, a Pacific Northwest faith-based nonprofit, will launch Life Renewal Behavioral Health in Spokane in November. The program will provide clinically licensed, evidence-based outpatient services focused on recovery for individuals and families. Services will include substance use disorder treatment, intensive outpatient programs, Alcohol and Drug Information School, peer support, case management and mental health care. The organization aims to expand access to compassionate, trauma-informed treatment that combines clinical expertise with lived experience. The grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the nonprofit’s Airway Heights campus, according to Spokane center director Tyson West.
Spokane Cathedral marks 100th anniversary with exhibit featuring Chief Spokan Garry’s Bible
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a major exhibition exploring 2,000 years of Christian history, including the religion’s arrival in the Inland Northwest. The free exhibit features historical displays, stained-glass stories, religious texts, cathedral artifacts and a 1902 panorama of Spokane. A highlight is the Bible and other religious books belonging to Chief Spokan Garry, a Spokane tribal leader who learned English and Protestant teachings before returning to his community to preach and interpret between Indigenous people and white settlers.
Tribal historian Warren Seyler emphasized Garry’s role in introducing Christianity to regional tribes and navigating cultural tensions. The exhibit, researched over three years, is open Thursdays through Saturdays until Nov. 14. Original texts belonging to Garry will be displayed on select dates, including Nov. 7.
Western Washington
Kirkland pastor accused of defrauding church members in $13 million investment scheme
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kirkland pastor Cristian Popescu, 46, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging he defrauded church members of approximately $13 million through an investment scheme. Popescu, who led the Passion for Christ congregation, faces 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. Prosecutors allege he persuaded more than 30 investors to fund Followone Inc., a Bellevue-based company supposedly operating an online marketplace and social network.
Investigators say the platform was nonfunctional and that fabricated marketing materials and inflated company valuations misled investors. Authorities allege Popescu diverted millions of dollars for personal expenses, day trading and payments to family members. Prosecutors say he used religious appeals and promises of community benefits to gain investors’ trust. Popescu was released under electronic monitoring, and his trial is scheduled for Dec. 21.
Everett School District apologizes, agrees to religious liberty reforms in LifeWise settlement
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett Public Schools in Washington has apologized and agreed to reform its religious liberty policies in a settlement with LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit providing voluntary Bible instruction to public school students. LifeWise sued the district, alleging it imposed discriminatory restrictions, including limiting promotional materials, requiring students to conceal Bibles and mandating weekly parental permission forms.
The settlement requires the district’s school board to complete religious liberty training and revise policies governing religious activities. The district must also publish a written apology for six months, acknowledging that comments by board members offended LifeWise families and negatively affected their religious practices. Everett Public Schools will pay $275,000 in attorney fees. LifeWise and its legal representatives welcomed the agreement, saying it reinforces protections for families seeking religious instruction during the school day.
Editor’s note: This roundup was condensed from longer articles and press releases using AI tools, then edited and fact-checked by FāVS staff prior to publication.
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