Black Protestants
Religious leaders to mark MLK Day with early start for 2024 voter mobilization
By Adelle M. Banks — January 12, 2024
(RNS) — 'We're starting early because we need to spend a lot more time educating people about how to vote, how to vote against the rising tide of misinformation,' said the Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner.
A new biblical epic, ‘The Book of Clarence,’ captures the political side of the messiah
By Andre Henry — January 11, 2024
(RNS) — An irreverent biblical comedy counters decades of whitewashed and stiff-necked biblical narratives.
Biden calls out ‘poison’ of white supremacy in address at Mother Emanuel in S.C.
By Adelle M. Banks — January 8, 2024
(RNS) — Biden’s remarks were interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. In return, people in the pews started calling out “Four More Years.”
Biden to visit Mother Emanuel AME Church as South Carolina primaries approach
By Adelle M. Banks — January 5, 2024
(RNS) — ‘I would hope and pray that the community comes and hears and gets excited, gets energized about the 2024 election,’ said the church’s pastor.
Pandemic boosted resilience, hurt financial health of Black churches, says report
By Adelle M. Banks — January 4, 2024
(RNS) — A new report highlights the challenges faced by Black and multiracial congregations, as well as their resilience, in the wake of COVID-19.
How Philadelphia’s faith communities held together as Oct. 7 attack tested ties
By Tori Luecking — January 2, 2024
(RNS) — Interfaith bonds fostered by Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups before the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas have allowed the groups to pull together despite a spike in hate incidents.
What does Watch Night mean for Black Americans today? It dates back to the Emancipation Proclamation
By Associated Press — January 1, 2024
Watch Night is still being observed each New Year's Eve, at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country.
13 emerging faith leaders who made their mark in 2023
By Yonat Shimron — December 28, 2023
(RNS) — 2023's rising stars in religion are loud, proud and defiant.
William Barber II escorted out of movie theater, denied disability accommodations
By Kathryn Post — December 27, 2023
(RNS) — The civil rights leader and minister was there to see ‘The Color Purple’ with his 90-year-old mother.
Faith leaders, influencers who died in 2023: Preachers, protesters, writers, singers
By Adelle M. Banks — December 26, 2023
(RNS) — We also bid farewell to some celebrities and influencers whose time on stages sometimes represented public faith or whose lives were strengthened by their personal faith.
Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest in a ‘complex’ instrument
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2023
(RNS) — Young musicians have taken to the organ at a time when there has been a decline in the number of instruments and in the professionals who play them.
Black church coalition names reparations, voting, health equity among priorities
By Adelle M. Banks — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — ‘There are so many pressing issues, from the future of COVID-19 and mental health to gun violence and voting rights, that must be addressed,’ said CNBC Chairman W. Franklyn Richardson.
A new biopic about King’s mentor Bayard Rustin has lessons for today
By Andre Henry — December 6, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Rustin’ reminds us what makes nonviolent revolutions powerful.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
By Darren Sands — December 5, 2023
The Bishop's splintered influence was underscored this week as different factions paid tribute to Pearson at various memorial services that have raised questions — and objections — about how best to remember him.
What the Camino shows us about travel and mortality
By Jana Riess — December 4, 2023
(RNS) — Travel teaches us how fragile life is and what a holy gift every day can be. (Also, it shows us we can be fear-based idiots.)
