disaster relief
Earthquake survivors face a ‘dark’ Ramadan in Turkey
By Kathryn Post — March 30, 2023
(RNS) — Relief workers are pivoting to meet the evolving needs of Muslims during the holy month of fasting.
How faith leaders are responding to Jackson’s water crisis
By Jemar Tisby — September 12, 2022
(RNS) — 'Churches throughout the city of Jackson across denomination, class and race have engaged in water distributions at their churches or by giving water away in other ways,' said C.J. Rhodes, pastor of Mt. Helm Baptist Church.
From shoeboxes to war zones: How Samaritan’s Purse became a $1 billion humanitarian aid powerhouse
By Yonat Shimron and Bob Smietana — September 9, 2022
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (RNS) — Now one of the largest US nonprofits, its growth has come largely through frontline work in public health crises and natural disasters around the world.
SBC President Ed Litton on racial reconciliation, SBC decline and his own failings
By Bob Smietana — March 3, 2022
(RNS) — The Alabama pastor hopes to spend time focused on racial reconciliation and getting Southern Baptists ready to respond to an abuse report in his last few months in office.
In tornado’s wake, a church and pastor turn to God, service
By Holly Meyer — December 16, 2021
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Despite suffering damage to their own church buildings, First Baptist staff and volunteers mobilized to provide whatever they can to help survivors cope with the disaster's aftermath
Faith-based disaster relief teams fan out across 6 states to help tornado recovery
By Yonat Shimron — December 13, 2021
(RNS) — The tornadoes hit mostly Southern states where Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams as well as Samaritan's Purse are well trained to respond.
Louisiana Catholics pitch in as cleanup from Hurricane Ida continues
By Bob Smietana — September 8, 2021
(RNS) — In the wake of Hurricane Ida, many Catholic parishes in New Orleans are dealing with damaged churches while reaching out to help their neighbors.
Faith-based disaster relief groups balance COVID safety with speedy response to Hurricane Ida
By Bob Smietana — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — The surge in COVID-19 rates makes responding to disasters like Ida more complicated.
Our best religion stories from a terrible year
By RNS staff — December 28, 2020
(RNS) — The RNS stories that captured moments of resilience and perseverance, and even a few moments of celebration, in this dark time.
How to motivate millions of Americans to get vaccinated? Let faith help.
By Eboo Patel and Paul Brandeis Raushenbush — December 17, 2020
(RNS) — With thousands of lives on the line, America’s diverse religious communities are uniquely prepared to unite to meet this moment.
Across America, Muslims are becoming a fixture on the disaster relief landscape
By Aysha Khan — November 9, 2020
(RNS) — Muslim American philanthropies are increasingly turning their volunteer efforts to emergency relief projects in the U.S.
White Christian America built a faith-based safety net. What happens when it’s gone?
By Bob Smietana — October 26, 2020
(RNS) — Faith groups are quick to lend a hand when disaster strikes. But with organized religion fading, who will pick up the slack?
Lebanon’s disaster donation dilemma
By Nada Moumtaz — September 22, 2020
(RNS) — When disasters like last month's explosion in Lebanon happen, we want to help out. But many big aid organizations focus on their own agendas, not recipients', and in Lebanon religious charities are often controlled by politicians.
The pandemic at six months: Welcome to the disillusionment phase
By Jamie Aten and Kent Annan — September 14, 2020
(RNS) — Over the last 15 years of studying disasters around the globe, two disaster experts have learned important lessons about navigating the six phases of emotional and spiritual recovery.
During West Coast wildfires, religious groups prepare meals, offer spiritual guidance
By Alejandra Molina — September 11, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — As numerous wildfires rage across the West Coast, religious groups and their volunteers are receiving donations, delivering meals and offering sanctuary to families who have either lost their homes or who have been forced to evacuate their neighborhoods.
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