By FāVS News Staff
LDS Church announces new leadership for Moscow Idaho stake
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints installed new leadership for the Moscow Idaho Stake during a conference Oct. 19 attended by more than 700 members and guests. Matthew A. Skinner, deputy chief financial officer at Washington State University, was called as stake president, with Matthew R. Zollinger and Shawn C. Richards serving as first and second counselors, respectively. Elder Hans T. Boom, a General Authority Seventy, presided over the meeting alongside Elder Douglas P. Maxfield of the 11th Quorum of the Seventy.
The new presidency replaces outgoing President Ryan W. Cook and his counselors, James E. Stoner and Matthew A. Skinner, who were released after years of service. A stake serves as a regional unit overseeing several local congregations and is similar to a diocese in other Christian denominations. In his first remarks, Skinner expressed love for the community’s youth and said “God will work wonders” in the days ahead. All three members of the new presidency are long-time Moscow-area residents with extensive church leadership experience.
Spokane outreach teams close 96 encampments in 10 days, connect many to services
In just 10 days, Spokane’s new street outreach teams — formed through a partnership between the City and Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington — closed 96 encampments, connecting many individuals to housing and behavioral health services. According to a City of Spokane press release, the teams visited all active case sites within 12 days, with most not occupied at the time. Located in all four police precincts, including downtown, the teams aim to provide compassionate, coordinated responses to homelessness. A new public reporting tool via Spokane 311 will soon allow residents to request outreach assistance for those in need.
Community invited to nature-inspired Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 2
Join a free community Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 12–5 p.m. near Polly Judd Park (where W. 14th ends). A nature-based sugar skull design and community ofrenda will honor loved ones who’ve passed. Attendees are invited to bring flowers, photos, candles and offerings. Festive attire is welcome. The event, inspired by Mexican traditions, is a collective memorial and celebration of life. For more on Día de los Muertos and to support Spokane’s Hispanic community, visit the Spokane HBPA at hbpaofspokane.org.
More Americans say religion is gaining influence, public opinion grows more positive
A Pew Research Center report shows a growing perception among U.S. adults that religion is gaining influence in American life, rising from 18% in 2024 to 31% in 2025 — the highest in 15 years. Although most still say religion’s role is declining, this view dropped from 80% to 68%. A majority (59%) now view religion’s influence positively, up significantly since 2019. However, 20% express negative views, and 21% are neutral or unclear.
In 2025, 58% believe there is at least some conflict between their religious beliefs and mainstream culture, especially white evangelical Protestants (80%). Positive views vary across groups: 92% of white evangelicals, 75% of Black Protestants and 71% of Catholics view religion’s influence favorably, compared to only 11% of agnostics and 6% of atheists. Republicans are more likely than Democrats (78% vs. 40%) to see religion positively, and older adults are more supportive than younger ones. These insights come from two large national surveys in 2025.
Pacific Yew Guest Speaker Series to discuss ‘Adventism and Christian Nationalism’
Coeur d’Alene Adventist Church will host guest speaker Jeffrey Rosario for their quarterly Pacific Yew series of scholarly talks — this discussion to be on Christian nationalism and Adventism. Rosario will speak on Nov. 14-15. On Friday evening at 6 p.m., he will speak on “What Is Christian Nationalism?,” a topic that is relevant to recent events that occurred in the United States. The Saturday topics are “A Scandalous Prophecy” at 9:30 a.m., “Christians Against Christian Nationalism” at 10:45 a.m., and “Adventist Patriotism Reimagined” at 2 p.m. A Sabbath lunch and child care will be provided for Friday’s meeting and Sabbath afternoon meeting. All sessions will be live-streamed on Facebook (cdaadventist) and YouTube (CDA Adventist Church). Rosario is the assistant professor of religion and theological studies at Loma Linda University’s School of Religion. He has published articles for the Washington Post, Oxford University Press and the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists.
Valley Real Life Ministries expands Greenacres campus amid rapid growth
Valley Real Life Ministries in Greenacres is expanding its church at 1831 S. Barker Road to accommodate growing attendance. The $7.6 million project, led by Baker Construction & Development and Fusion Architecture, will nearly double the auditorium size from 45,500 to over 91,000 square feet, the Journal of Business reports. Funded through a church campaign and loan, the expansion includes a larger lobby, relocated café, and new offices. Construction began Aug. 17, with foundation work expected to finish by December.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
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