Black Protestants
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.
How Hakeem Jeffries’ Black Baptist upbringing and deep-rooted faith shapes his House leadership
By Darren Sands — February 28, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — For Jeffries, 53, his leadership in the House traces back to his formative days growing up and serving at Cornerstone, a historically Black congregation which he still attends.
The Alabama ruling on embryos claimed to be Christian. Christians aren’t so sure.
By Jack Jenkins — February 27, 2024
(RNS) — Theological opinions on IVF, let alone political ones, are difficult to ascertain and are far from universal across denominations.
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.
African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel
By Adelle M. Banks — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — The statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7.
Kamala Harris holds private meeting with Rev. William Barber
By Jack Jenkins — February 15, 2024
(RNS) — The vice president sat down with Barber and the Rev. Kazimir Brown, head of Repairers of the Breach, to discuss poverty and Israel's ongoing assault into the Gaza Strip.
Lenten cease-fire campaign includes Ash Wednesday Mass outside White House
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 14, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘As there’s ashes on our head, there’s also blood on our hands because we cannot exempt ourselves from what this country is doing,’ said the Rev. Graylan Hagler, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.
Peace pilgrimage takes up war in Gaza as a civil rights issue
By Yonat Shimron — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — Many Black Americans view the Palestinian cause in the context of the African American experience of oppression. This has on occasion strained relations with American Jews.
With George Floyd in mind, Bible co-editors created Breathe Life Bible
By Adelle M. Banks — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — After the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a white police officer, the co-editors of the new Bible say they felt compelled to do something.
For Black ‘nones’ who leave religion, what’s next?
By Kathryn Post — February 12, 2024
(RNS) — When Black Americans leave religion, they rarely leave it altogether. But even as they retain elements of Christian culture, what other communities are they embracing beyond the church?
Dexter Scott King remembered during memorial as keeper of his father Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream
By Mark Thiessen — February 12, 2024
The memorial service for Dexter King was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where his father once was pastor.
In ‘Gospel’ docuseries, Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores Black church’s music, ministers
By Adelle M. Banks — February 9, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Gates reveals early tension within the genres as some musicians held to music only of faith and others were comfortable far afield from gospel music.
Meet ‘The Autism Pastor’ Lamar Hardwick: Preacher, author, cancer warrior
By Kathryn Post — February 8, 2024
(RNS) — Hardwick recently retired as lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia, as he receives ongoing treatment for stage 4 cancer.
We need more Howard Thurman in our politics
By David B. Gowler — February 7, 2024
(RNS) — The theologian and often-overlooked civil rights hero would have warned us against politics as a zero-sum game.
‘Genius: MLK/X’ docudrama depicts the personal lives of the two civil rights activists
By Adelle M. Banks — February 1, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The series includes scenes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, at home with their families and discussing their faith.
