Race & Ethnicity
Churches tied to Civil Rights awarded National Park Service preservation funds
By Adelle M. Banks — May 3, 2024
(RNS) — Other grantees will use the NPS funding to conduct historical surveys, including one in Detroit that will explore 'the role of religion in the struggle for equality.’
United Methodists redefine marriage, end official condemnation of homosexuality
By Yonat Shimron — May 2, 2024
75 Christian leaders urge president, Congress, churches to act on racism, poverty
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2024
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How unconditional support for Israel became a cornerstone of Jewish American identity
By Yonat Shimron — April 29, 2024
(RNS) — A new book shows how those who dissented were effectively sidelined.
Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church
By Darren Sands — April 29, 2024
(AP) – In the Black Church as a whole, male pastors predominate, though there’s no comprehensive gender breakdown.
As many HBCUs thrive, faith-based Black schools fight financial and accreditation woes
By Adelle M. Banks — April 26, 2024
(RNS) — Several faith-based historically Black colleges and universities have faced governance and financial concerns, even as other HBCUs are seeing increases in enrollment and financial donations.
US Catholics more polarized than ever about still-popular Pope Francis, survey says
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 12, 2024
(RNS) — The Republican and Republican-leaning favorability rating represents a decline, creating the largest partisan gap in approval of Francis since his papacy began.
For Latino Muslims, Ramadan is a celebration of ‘Islam and Latinidad’
By Fiona André — April 8, 2024
(RNS) — 'The beauty is that we're not expected to commit cultural apostasy when we convert to Islam.'
Latter-day Saints leader addresses congregants without a word on racial or LGBTQ+ issues
By Hannah Schoenbaum — April 8, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Russell M. Nelson announced the planned construction in a pre-recorded closing speech at the twice-annual Salt Lake City conference. It's traditionally watched by millions worldwide.
Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House
By Adelle M. Banks — March 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While shifting to national and international issues, he will still be acting as a clergyperson in the city that he has long served.
Charlie Dates counters John MacArthur’s declaration that MLK ‘was not a Christian’
By Adelle M. Banks and Bob Smietana — March 20, 2024
(RNS) — In an open letter, the Chicago pastor compares the California pastor to King opponents George Wallace and J. Edgar Hoover, calling MacArthur 'them in postmodern dress.'
The Church of England aims to raise more than $1 billion to address its past links to slavery
By Jill Lawless — March 5, 2024
LONDON (AP) — The fund was established as part of efforts by the Anglican church to reckon with its historic complicity in the trans-Atlantic slave trade
A decade after Reverend Ike’s death, his son writes about his impact on Black church
By Fiona André — March 1, 2024
(RNS) — Writing this book was an occasion to place his father's legacy in the lineage of religious Civil Rights figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, said Reverend Ike's son.
Stained glass window showing dark-skinned Jesus Christ heading to Memphis museum
By Associated Press — February 26, 2024
WARREN, R.I. (AP) — Measuring 12 feet tall and 5 feet wide (3.7 meters by 1.5 meters), the window depicts two biblical passages in which women, also painted with dark skin, appear as equals to Christ.
Faith leaders renew push for ‘accurate’ Black history education in Florida
By Adelle M. Banks — February 23, 2024
(RNS) — Training sessions in Tallahassee and in Orlando will feature curriculum companies whose products could enhance those wishing to teach Black history in schools and churches.
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