Black Protestants

Jill Biden celebrates ‘prayer partner’ who reinvigorated her faith

By Jack Jenkins — October 18, 2021

(RNS) — 'When she spoke, it was as if God was saying to me: ‘Okay Jill, you’ve had enough time. It’s time to come home,’' Biden said of prayer partner Robin Jackson.

Christian writer Danté Stewart seeks revelation in Black experience

By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 15, 2021

Raphael Warnock honored with Four Freedoms award in ‘extra step’ for racial justice

By Adelle M. Banks — October 15, 2021

White Christian progressives can be nationalists too, ecumenical panel says

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Liberal Christians are just as complicit with white nationalism that the Trumpites were that we saw on Jan. 6,’ a speaker said.

National Council of Churches elects all-female officers, approves NRSV update

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — ‘At this pivotal time in the life of the church in the United States, it is noteworthy that the NCC is modeling inclusiveness in selecting its leaders,’ said its new chair.

Some call twerking obscene. Lizzo, in TED Talk, calls it ‘sacred’

By Kathryn Post — October 12, 2021

(RNS) — 'Twerking is a deep, soulful, spiritual practice,' said the singer and rapper.

Remnant of one of the oldest Black churches in US is unveiled in Virginia

By Adelle M. Banks — October 7, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We always hoped this is what we’d find,’ an archaeology director said. ‘Now we can move forward to better understand the footprint of the building.’

Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to sing spirituals 150 years later

By Adelle M. Banks — October 6, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Fisk Jubilee Singers are artists and do not limit themselves to just Negro spirituals,’ its director said. ‘There’s versatility in our choice of music when we have celebrations.’

Faith, endurance of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer revealed in new biography

By Adelle M. Banks — October 5, 2021

(RNS) — ‘She used the Bible in many different ways,’ said Hamer’s biographer. ‘She used it to shame her white oppressors who claimed also to be Christians.’

‘COVID has been harder on us’: Some Black churches remain hesitant to reopen

By Adelle M. Banks — October 4, 2021

(RNS) — Black churches reflect a cautious approach on the part of ministers, reopening task forces and the average people currently not in the pews.

Vatican poverty conference features activist William Barber, message from pope

By Jack Jenkins — October 4, 2021

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Barber is co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, a faith-led anti-poverty initiative.

Will the Black church continue to sing ‘I Believe I Can Fly’?

By Cheryl Townsend Gilkes — September 30, 2021

(RNS) — From its beginnings, gospel music has had a strained relationship with commercial interests and secular artists.

National Baptist Convention USA president questions ‘hypocritical’ mandate views

By Adelle M. Banks — September 29, 2021

(RNS) — The leader of the Black denomination preached about the need to ‘confront our faults in this country,’ pointing to the Jan. 6 insurrection as an example.

Advocating for Haitians, faith groups pressure Biden to end Trump-era measure

By Jack Jenkins — September 28, 2021

(RNS) — The faith leaders are targeting a Trump-era measure known as Title 42 that has allowed for mass deportation.

Albert Raboteau, expert on African American religious history, dead at 78

By Adelle M. Banks — September 24, 2021

(RNS) — The scholar ‘was the Godfather of Afro-American Religious Studies & the North Star of deep Christian political sensibilities!’ said colleague Cornel West.

Page 1 of 25

Page 2 →