(RNS) — After years of decline, religion appears to be on the rebound, especially as a force in American politics. Many of the major stories of 2025 — from the triumphal return of Donald Trump and a national crackdown on immigrants to debates over gender and the death of Charlie Kirk — had a religion angle.
That trend is likely to continue in the year to come, with pastors running for office in places like Iowa and Texas, conservative activists seeking to recruit church members to get involved in politics, and Catholic bishops and nuns ministering to immigrants being deported, while Jewish, Muslim and Hindu Americans find themselves under fire by the MAGA movement for not being “real Americans.” Here are a few of the faith voices and activists who may make news in the year to come.
Texas state Rep. Nate Schatzline
A Republican state legislator from Fort Worth, Nate Schatzline recently announced he won’t seek reelection in 2026 but instead plans to join the National Faith Advisory Board founded by televangelist and Trump spiritual adviser Paula White.
“It has never been more clear that the battle for our nation is not political, it is spiritual,” Schatzline wrote in announcing his new role.
Nate Schatzline. (Courtesy photo)
Along with serving as a lawmaker, Schatzline is also a pastor at Mercy Culture, a charismatic congregation in Fort Worth known for its outspoken mixing of faith and politics. The church’s senior pastor, Landon Schott, has repeatedly endorsed candidates for office during services — including Schatzline. Schatzline also helps lead “Campaign University,” an online progra …