NEWS STORY
RNS-Clergy-Protests: At protests, some clergy pray, others put their bodies and souls on the line
(RNS) — This weekend’s bold activism of faith leaders echoes the work of clergy who participated in anti-racism demonstrations in Ferguson and in Charlottesville, Virginia when white supremacists stormed the town in 2017. In both instances, a diverse band of clergy and faith leaders who stood on the front lines of the protests were primarily lesser-known and stalwartly progressive, often with a history of deep engagement with activism. After the opening wave of protests, other faith leaders have begun organizing faith-fueled protests to express solidarity as a group, showcasing spiritual strength in numbers. By Jack Jenkins. 1,362 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Pasadena-Protests: California faith leaders leverage clergy privilege to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
PASADENA (RNS) — In the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, faith leaders say it’s necessary to leverage their privilege to support Black Lives Matter activists calling for police reform. By Alejandra Molina. 850 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Pentecost-Protests: Christian leaders link the fires of protest and Pentecost in weekend messages
(RNS) — This weekend, many Christians noted the resonance of Pentecost and the protests — sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis — that unfolded across the United States this weekend when both the arrival of the Holy Spirit and many of the protests were accompanied by fire. Here are excerpts from several sermons given and online posts made this weekend by Christian leaders, linking the two. By Emily McFarlan Miller. 1200 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-SBC-Catholics: Catholic bishops, SBC leaders, grieve death of George Floyd, condemn police abuse
(RNS) — U.S. Catholic bishops and Southern Baptist leaders issued statements this weekend, condemning the abuse of police power, calling for racial healing and praying that the family of George Floyd will find comfort. By Bob Smietana. 630 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Pope-Pentecost: Amid protests in the US, Pope Francis calls for Unity in Diversity
(RNS) – During a Mass to celebrate Pentecost this Sunday (May 31), when Christians believe the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ apostles, Pope Francis called on faithful to be bringers of unity at a time when the world seems rife with division. By Claire Giangravè. 750 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Alaska-Indigenous: How COVID-19 and the fight against Big Oil is reviving one Alaskan people’s spiritual traditions
(RNS) — How indigenous women in northeastern Alaska are leading the fight to protect one of North America’s last wild places, sparking a cultural and spiritual renaissance. By Daysha Eaton. 1,700 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Barber-Protests: Rev. Barber: ‘Systemic racism is choking the life out of American democracy’
(RNS) — On Pentecost Sunday, after a night of unrest that swept the country in the wake of the brutal death of George Floyd at the hands of police, the Rev. William J. Barber II delivered what he called “a pastoral letter to America” urging that leaders hear — and heed — the calls for justice from blacks and other minorities. By Yonat Shimron. 600 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: My generation failed to deal with racism
(RNS) — As a 75-year-old white guy, it is hard to know what to say in response to racism and police violence toward black men and women. My generation thought we could end the curse of racism. We did not. We cheered for black athletes, we welcomed a few blacks to our schools and workplaces, but we still live separate lives in our gated communities. By Thomas Reese. 470 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Bulter-Oped: A call to conscience for white Christian women
(RNS) — As protests raged this weekend, I saw many women of color choke on tear gas, but I have to squint to see women who look like me in the crowds. These discrepancies should cut us to the quick and cause us to examine our hearts and souls. Time and time again, why do white women disconnect from women of color? By Jennifer Butler. 890 words. (category: k)
