Black Protestants

As Supreme Court debates abortion, dueling theologies protest outside

By Jack Jenkins — December 1, 2021

(RNS) — ‘The issue of when life begins has been hotly debated by philosophers since the beginning of time — it’s still debated in religions,’ said Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the court heard oral arguments.

Hope ‘renewed in a just God’: Faith leaders react to guilty verdicts in Ahmaud Arbery murder

By Alejandra Molina — November 24, 2021

White supremacists found liable for violence at Charlottesville rally

By Jack Jenkins — November 23, 2021

New children’s Bibles rethink how Christians share old, old story with young readers

By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 22, 2021

(RNS) — Parents are calling attention to whitewashed illustrations, almost exclusively male characters and an emphasis on memorizing morals over engaging with the divine in many existing children's story Bibles.

Warnock, Sewell discuss ‘sacred’ voting rights — and whether God is Black

By Jack Jenkins — November 18, 2021

(RNS) — Sen. Raphael Warnock described voting as ‘a kind of prayer for the world we desire, for ourselves and our children.’

Stories of racism permeate ‘Let’s Talk’ evangelical reconciliation kickoff event

By Adelle M. Banks — November 18, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We believe both the spirit and clear moral imperatives of scripture require the Christian community to lead the way in defeating racial bigotry,’ reads the initiative’s statement.

New Revised Standard Version Bible updated with consideration for ‘modern sensibilities’

By Adelle M. Banks — November 17, 2021

(RNS) — More than 20,000 revisions were made for the new edition, which scholars made clear was not a new translation.

Attending Michael Flynn’s call for ‘one religion,’ a who’s who of the new Christian right

By Bob Smietana — November 15, 2021

(RNS) — A Texas megachurch was host to the latest Pentecostal God and country 'Stop the steal' and anti-vaccine rally — on a series of events drawing crowds around the country.

Tony Evans, Priscilla Shirer see Bible lessons anew in documentary of Holy Land trip

By Adelle M. Banks — November 12, 2021

(RNS) — ‘I've been five times, but the experience was like the first time,’ said Evans. ‘The reality of the living Christ coming through that location dominates.’

Amid COVID-19, most churches provide hybrid worship, half stopped picnics

By Adelle M. Banks — November 10, 2021

(RNS) — A new study shows that ‘the pandemic has had a profound impact across the religious spectrum, and that some churches are faring better than others,’ said scholar Scott Thumma.

Jacqui Lewis: In a divided America, no one is saved until everyone is saved

By Jana Riess — November 9, 2021

(RNS) — ‘The pendulum has swung so far to the right. And that’s not right,’ says the Rev. Jacqui Lewis. But the solution to tribalism isn’t more tribalism; it’s love — starting with love of self.

RNS holiday gift guide 2021: Treat yourself to cozy socks or a self-care box

By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 8, 2021

(RNS) — Our holiday gift guide is full of ideas for all the people of faith — or no faith — on your list.

Why Black artists are essential freedom fighters

By Andre Henry — November 8, 2021

(RNS) — Art is more than just a companion for activism.

After four-month lockout, African Methodist Episcopal pastor preaches at her church

By Adelle M. Banks — November 1, 2021

(RNS) — The AME Women in Ministry said, ‘we are greatly distressed to hear of women in ministry concurrently being oppressed by systematic strongholds and discriminatory behavior.’

250 years later, Methodists reflect on Francis Asbury’s mission, legacy