Adelle M. Banks

Adelle M. Banks, production editor and a national reporter, joined RNS in 1995. An award-winning journalist, she previously was the religion reporter at the Orlando Sentinel and a reporter at The Providence Journal and newspapers in the upstate New York communities of Syracuse and Binghamton.

All Stories by Adelle M. Banks

At least three critical race theory statements proposed for Southern Baptist meeting

By Adelle M. Banks — June 11, 2021

(RNS) — There’s a lot riding on the resolutions committee’s work, with critical race theory as one of the 'points of tension' it has to manage, its chair said.

‘Preserve the base’: Leaked audio of SBC leaders shows reluctance on dealing with sex abuse

By Bob Smietana, Adelle M. Banks — June 10, 2021

(RNS) — Recordings released by a prominent pastor highlight dispute over how to handle abuse allegations in the nation's largest Protestant denomination.

Anne Graham Lotz: ‘I just have to follow the Lord and what he’s called me to do’

By Adelle M. Banks — June 9, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Generally speaking, I’m not accountable to people who want to say that I should or shouldn’t be doing this or that,’ said Bible teacher Anne Graham Lotz.

Keep COVID-19 restrictions during in-person worship, ecumenical guide suggests

By Adelle M. Banks — June 8, 2021

(RNS) — A revised ecumenical guide includes a chart of ‘benchmarks for in-person gatherings,’ distinguishing between worship in outdoor and indoor settings.

Russell Moore parts from Southern Baptists personally as well as professionally

By Adelle M. Banks — June 2, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We want to be a home base for Dr. Moore and his family as he serves the body of Christ at large,’ said the lead pastor of Immanuel Nashville.

Wilberforce University, AME Church school, cancels debt for 2020, 2021 grads

By Adelle M. Banks — June 1, 2021

(RNS) — The school said the amount of debt forgiveness for both classes totals more than $375,000 for the 166 new alumni.

Unknown Soldier’s precarious journey home included chaplain’s prayer

By Adelle M. Banks — May 28, 2021

(RNS) — ‘The chaplain and the captain got together and he held a special service, praying to God that the ship wouldn’t sink,’ a Marine recalled decades later.

Health experts, faith leaders and White House target the ‘movable’ on vaccines

By Adelle M. Banks — May 27, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We would not be where we are without your help and we won’t be able to cross the finish line without you,’ said White House official Melissa Rogers.

Is it safe to sing at church yet? Depends who you ask.

By Adelle M. Banks — May 25, 2021

(RNS) — A mix of musical expression is likely to continue as congregations navigate the ‘new normal’ of the continuing pandemic with some people fully vaccinated and some not.

100 years later, Black church leaders seek reparations for Tulsa massacre

By Adelle M. Banks — May 19, 2021

(RNS) — An African Methodist Episcopal pastor and other Black people of faith say the time has come to repay as well as to remember.

Biden White House officials hold first meeting with atheist, secular groups

By Adelle M. Banks — May 17, 2021

(RNS) — The May 14 meeting followed previous meetings representatives of the secular community had with the Obama administration in 2010 and 2013.

Christian higher ed courses in prisons continue, adapt amid COVID-19

By Emily McFarlan Miller, Adelle M. Banks — May 13, 2021

(RNS) — Despite the elimination of most prison visitations for many months of the COVID-19 pandemic, some religious higher education institutions have found ways to stay connected with prisoners.

16 Jehovah’s Witnesses released from prison in Turkmenistan during Ramadan

By Adelle M. Banks — May 11, 2021

(RNS) — ‘These young men are excited to return home and once again help support their families and local communities,’ said a spokesman for the Jehovah’s Witnesses.