32-year-old Taylor Tomlinson’s fourth Netflix special “Prodigal Daughter” is all about the comedian’s religious trauma. And while the special’s f-bombs and sexual content wouldn’t be welcome at most nondenominational churches, the historic Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan has a reputation for being radical. The historic congregation is known for its support of abortion access, free speech and LGBTQ+ rights. It’s also an interreligious community that rejects specific doctrines. “The charge that has been leveled against Fountain Street Church since the 1890s is that it’s not really a church,” said Fountain Street’s leader, the Rev. Nathan Dannison.

Iran is threatening recreational and tourist sites worldwide and insisting it is still building missiles three weeks into an escalating war in the Middle East. The United States is deploying more warships and another 2,500 Marines to the region. However President Donald Trump said on social media that his administration in fact was considering “winding down” military operations. His post came after another climb in oil prices sent the U.S. stock market sharply lower. As Iranians celebrated the Persian New Year on Friday, Israeli strikes landed in Tehran. Iran launched more attacks on Israel and energy sites in neighboring Gulf Arab states in response.

Jehovah’s Witness leaders are modifying their rules on blood transfusions by letting members choose whether to store and reuse their own blood for medical care. They have maintained a ban on using others' blood in transfusions. The Governing Body announced the “clarification” on Friday, saying it came after prayer and deliberation. It says each Christian decides how one's own blood is used, including drawing it, storing it, and receiving it back for surgery. The group still bans transfusions of donated blood, which remains one of its most distinctive and controversial stances. Former members say the change is an improvement but wouldn't benefit people who lose blood in emergencies.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brings Christian language into the Pentagon as the U.S. and Israel wage war against Iran. He has called Iran’s leaders “religious fanatics” and quoted a biblical Psalm about war. Critics warn his frequent Christian rhetoric can fuel Iranian hostility and strain the military’s secular role. Hegseth has also defended the Crusades and has crusader-themed tattoos. A watchdog group claims U.S. commanders frame the war as biblical prophecy, but The Associated Press cannot verify those allegations. Hegseth has pushed policy changes that reflect his Christian views, including a revamp of the military chaplain corps.