WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - OCTOBER 14, 2026
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Virgin Mary Shrine Case Could Reshape Zoning Nationwide
"A small prayer garden in Northern Kentucky is now at the center of one of the biggest religious liberty fights before the U.S. Supreme Court. The outcome could shape how churches, synagogues and ministries across America use their own land." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- The case turns on RLUIPA, a law Congress passed in 2000 to keep local governments from using zoning to burden houses of worship. For 26 years, lower courts have read it in different ways. A church's protection can depend on which state it sits in.
- Kentucky's top court told the church it could build a smaller shrine somewhere else on its property. But government should not get to decide where believers pray. Zoning boards often make room for golf courses and country clubs, and churches deserve the same fair treatment.
- Setting apart a place to meet with God is as old as Scripture. After the Lord met Jacob in a dream, he set up a stone pillar and named the place Bethel (Genesis 28:18-19). A ruling for the church could give small congregations a stronger shield against costly lawsuits.
PRAY.
Father, You are worthy of worship in every place. Give the justices wisdom as they weigh this case, and protect the freedom of every church to honor You on its own land. Bring peace between the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist and their neighbors. Let places of prayer stand strong across our nation. Amen.
ACT.
Pray for the Supreme Court as it hears religious liberty cases. Attend your city council or zoning meetings when a church project is on the agenda, and speak up for fair treatment. Support legal groups like First Liberty Institute that defend churches in court.
Informed Consent Comes to Veterans Health Care in 2027
"Starting in 2027, veterans who get their health care through the VA will have more information in hand before they fill certain prescriptions. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on September 28, 2026, that it will require signed consent before prescribing some of the most powerful psychiatric drugs and painkillers." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- Until now, the VA asked for a signature only when opioid treatment lasted 90 days or more. The new rules cover veterans under 30 starting an antidepressant and anyone given opioids and benzodiazepines together. Every veteran will also hear about risks, side effects, other options, and how to stop safely.
- More than 30 veterans groups pushed for it, and many say it is only a first step. The Written Informed Consent Act in Congress would require consent for every major class of psychiatric drugs, for veterans of all ages.
- In 2024, 6,488 veterans died by suicide. That is nearly 18 lives lost every day. Honest answers about medicine treat veterans as capable adults made in God's image, not as a line on a chart.
PRAY.
Lord, thank You for the men and women who served our nation with courage. Bring healing to every veteran fighting pain, depression, or addiction. Give doctors honesty and wisdom, and give our leaders the resolve to finish this work. Comfort every family that has lost a veteran. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ACT.
Call or email your congressional representatives and ask them to support the Written Informed Consent Act. Check in on the veterans in your church and neighborhood. If a veteran you know is in crisis, call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Catholic Bishops Rally Virginians to Vote No on Abortion
"Virginia voters are just weeks away from one of the most important pro-life votes in the state's history. On November 3, 2026, they will decide whether to write a 'fundamental right' to abortion into the Virginia Constitution." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- Question 1 allows third-trimester limits only with exceptions for a patient's "physical or mental health." Since almost any reason can be called a mental health risk, pro-life leaders warn the limit would offer little real protection. Opponents say it would open the door to abortion up to birth.
- The amendment covers "every individual," which opponents say would erase parental consent for minor daughters. Because it would sit in the state constitution, lawmakers could not fix it later with a simple bill. Only another statewide vote could undo it.
- Bishops Michael Burbidge and Barry Knestout have called Catholics to vote No and to fast on Fridays in October. Scripture tells us, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed" (Proverbs 31:8). No one has less of a voice than a child in the womb.
PRAY.
Lord, You knit every child together in the womb and know each one by name. Move the hearts of Virginia voters to choose life. Protect mothers, babies, and the parents who love their children. Strengthen churches across the Commonwealth to speak with courage and compassion. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ACT.
If you live in Virginia, read the full amendment, vote No on Question 1, and help friends and family make a plan to vote. If you live elsewhere, call or text loved ones in Virginia and share what is at stake. Join in prayer and fasting for the protection of the unborn.
New Report Ranks All 50 States on Parental Rights
"Which states do the most to protect parents in public schools? A new national report gives families a clear answer, and the South is leading the way." Read more at Million Voices...
THINK.
- Defending Education's RISE report ranked Tennessee first, followed by Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Iowa. Washington, D.C., finished last. The report grades state laws on parental rights, DEI, gender policy, unions, and foreign influence, not test scores. The top states wrote clear protections into state law.
- One of the sharpest divides is whether schools tell parents when a child asks to use a different gender identity. Eleven states and D.C. scored just 13% on parental rights. The Trump administration has already acted against districts accused of hiding this kind of information from parents.
- God gave the duty of raising children to mothers and fathers first. "And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the way, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). No school district can take that calling away.
PRAY.
Father, thank You for the gift of children and the calling to raise them in Your truth. Give parents wisdom and courage as they speak up in their schools. Guard the hearts and minds of students, and bless teachers who honor families. May our state leaders protect the role You gave to mothers and fathers. Amen.
ACT.
Look up where your state ranks in the RISE report. Read your school board's policies and ask direct questions about curriculum, sex education notices, and opt-out options. Attend school board meetings, and vote in every state and local race, because those leaders shape what your children learn.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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