By FāVS News Staff
Second sexual abuse lawsuit against Faith Baptist Church set for trial in October 2026
The second out of four lawsuits against Faith Baptist Church in Spokane will go to trial Oct. 15, 2026. The trial will determine if FBC neglected and caused intentional emotional distress to Josie Pickens over the course of several years by allowing her abuser, Daniel Cunning, the second defendant in the lawsuit, to keep on abusing her without just consequences. FāVS News reported her story on Aug. 14.
According to court documents, the church denies any wrongdoing. Cunning, however, defaulted on answering the accusations against him and will not be going to trial. Superior Court Judge Julie M. McKay granted Pickens her Motion for Default Judgement against Cunning. This means Pickens is granted the relief she asked for from Cunning in her original complaint, such as monetary damages. Two other cases against FBC and other defendants are still pending court dates. The first lawsuit to go to trial one June 15, 2026, will be H., D. v. Faith Baptist Church, Samuel Hennings, et. al.
YWCA Spokane urges support amid surge in crisis helpline calls and federal funding cuts
Calls to YWCA Spokane’s 24-hour Intimate Partner Violence Helpline are on the rise. Nearly 6,000 calls are expected this year, a 50% increase over last year. With each call costing $25 to support and federal funding cuts impacting services, YWCA Spokane is urgently seeking $50,000 in donations this October to meet the growing need. They have raised almost $9,000 so far with 23 donations. Those interested in donating or finding more information can visit their donor page online.
Gonzaga honors anti-hate leaders with 2025 awards
Gonzaga University’s Center for the Study of Hate has named Florida State University’s Hate Crime Research and Policy Institute and Milwaukee anti-hate activist Pardeep Kaleka as recipients of the 2025 Eva Lassman “Take Action Against Hate” awards. The awards recognize one individual and one organization that actively challenge hate and drive positive change in their communities, following the legacy of Eva Lassman, a Holocaust survivor and anti-hate advocate.
The FSU institute, founded in 2019, examines how hate, bigotry and extremism drive victimization based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and other characteristics. It manages the Tracking Transgender Homicide in America database and works with Florida hate-crimes task forces. Kaleka’s commitment to fighting hate emerged from the 2012 murder of his father and six others by a white supremacist at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He co-founded Serve2Unite, which helps youth build inclusive communities, and currently leads national hate response prevention programming for Not In Our Town. The recipients will be honored Nov. 6 at the Human Rights Awards Banquet sponsored by Human Rights Spokane.
Bra nonprofit booked through 2027 but funding falls short
Breast Intentions Spokane, a nonprofit that provides quality bras to women experiencing poverty, homelessness and other hardships, is struggling to meet surging demand as funding drops sharply ahead of its annual fundraiser. Founder Christine Weaver said the organization has fittings booked through January 2027 but faces major roadblocks recruiting volunteers and securing donations, with longtime business sponsors cutting support or reducing contributions by half this year.
The nonprofit’s Bra-lloween fundraiser, which provides core funding for bras and supplies, will be held Oct. 30 at the Montvale Event Center in Spokane. The event will feature food, drinks, games and auctions. In its 11 years of operation, Breast Intentions has partnered with more than 50 organizations across Eastern Washington and North Idaho to serve 500-plus women annually, providing each participant with two new bras, a specialty washbag and fitting services.
Ninth Circuit expands ‘ministerial exception’ in World Vision Case in Washington State
The Ninth Circuit’s August 2025 decision in McMahon v. World Vision significantly broadened “ministerial exception” within Washington’s anti-discrimination laws according to a recent legal analysis. The court ruled that World Vision’s customer service representatives, who pray with donors and promote the Christian mission, perform “vital religious duties,” thus qualifying for constitutional protection from Washington’s Law Against Discrimination. This decision provides key guidance for religious employers but leaves uncertainty due to two pending Washington cases: Seattle Pacific University v. Ferguson (trial scheduled April 2026) and Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Ferguson (Ninth Circuit appeal still pending).
These latter cases will determine how broadly the ministerial exception applies across roles like faculty, administrators and support staff. Religious institutions in the state must now distinguish which roles are genuinely “ministerial” while preparing for evolving legal interpretations. The rulings will impact how Washington balances religious freedom with anti-discrimination enforcement, with implications for both faith-based and secular employers across the state.
October Moon Circle honors Samhain and seasonal shifts in Spokane
On Oct. 15, from 6-8 p.m., Anam Cara will host a special Moon Circle gathering focused on Samhain and the seasonal transition. This women’s event offers a sacred space to reflect on personal “harvests” from the spring and summer, while embracing the spiritual energy of the thinning veil. The evening includes meaningful conversation, connection and a creative broomstick-making activity. Rooted in ancient tradition, these monthly circles foster community, healing and feminine empowerment. Attendees are encouraged to bring a journal, a personal talisman and an open heart. Cost: $33. Register online.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
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