Race & Ethnicity
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.
As a Muslim, I condemn attacks on all civilians. President Biden should, too.
By Nihad Awad — December 22, 2023
(RNS) — Condemnation of the Israeli government is not the same as — and must never cross the line into — antisemitism.
Black American solidarity with Palestinians is rising and testing longstanding ties to Jewish allies
By Noreen Nasir and Aaron Morrison — December 18, 2023
(AP) — The recent rise of protest movements against police brutality in the U.S. has connected Black and Palestinian activists under a common cause.
Survey: Antisemitism at US campuses limited to select schools
By Yonat Shimron — December 15, 2023
(RNS) — The survey of 51 public and private universities from The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University found a small number of 'hotspot' schools where Jewish students faced a hostile environment.
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.
In the US, Black survivors are nearly invisible in the Catholic clergy sexual abuse crisis
By Lea Skene and Tiffany Stanley — November 30, 2023
BALTIMORE (AP) — Cases of clergy abuse among African Americans are underreported, experts say, and the U.S. Catholic Church generally does not publicly track the race or ethnicity of victims.
Poll: Less than half of Jewish college students feel safe on campus
By Yonat Shimron — November 29, 2023
(RNS) — The poll of 3,084 American college students, of whom 527 were Jewish, comes amid an alarming rise in incidents of both antisemitism and Islamophobia as Israel and Hamas wage war.
250 years later, ‘Amazing Grace’ has filled churches, concerts, even commercials
By Adelle M. Banks — October 31, 2023
(RNS) — Says author James Walvin: ‘its words speak to a human condition of suffering, and people coming out of suffering, and its music has a kind of haunting refrain that soothes.’
Florida faith leader: Black history toolkit gains interest outside the state
By Adelle M. Banks — October 13, 2023
(RNS) — What the Rev. Rhonda Thomas started as a state-focused response has attracted interest in a far wider stretch of the country than she ever imagined.
In new book, James Baldwin emerges as a prophet for our time
By Yonat Shimron — October 12, 2023
(RNS) — Greg Garrett, a professor at Baylor University, wants to introduce a new generation of readers to the writer of short stories, novels and plays who believed America can do better.
AME Bishop Silvester Beaman named chair of White House council on African engagement
By Adelle M. Banks — September 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Bishop Beaman’s extensive experience and deep roots in Africa will enable him to lead the Council to achieve its full potential,’ the White House said.
National Association of Evangelicals launches test to assess, foster racial justice
By Adelle M. Banks — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We didn't really want to recreate the wheel,’ said NAE’s new racial justice and reconciliation expert. ‘We wanted to bridge a gap that was existing.’
Suspended UMC Latina bishop found not guilty on all charges
By Yonat Shimron — September 22, 2023
(RNS) — Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, a leader of the California-Nevada Conference, or region, of the United Methodist Church, will return to her role after an 18-month suspension.
From Rockettes to Riverside: Senior minister Adriene Thorne leads NYC church
By Adelle M. Banks — September 22, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I love bringing dancers that I know into the space,’ she said. ‘We had some at my installation.’
