Black Protestants
Christian nationalism’s opponents are getting organized
By Jack Jenkins — August 11, 2023
(RNS) — Faith groups are teaming up with liberal secular organizations to combat the ideology, which they say is a threat to democracy — and, for many, their religion.
Progressive National Baptists gain partners to address voting rights, gun violence
By Adelle M. Banks — August 10, 2023
(RNS) — Members of the historically Black Protestant denomination also marked the ninth anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, in nearby Ferguson, Missouri.
Are white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no.
By Yonat Shimron — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — A new study shows white evangelical clergy are as conservative, if not more so, as the people in their churches.
Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89
By Adelle M. Banks — August 8, 2023
(RNS) — Talbert was recognized for his work on racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and ecumenical cooperation.
For some Black faith leaders, Ohio’s Issue 1 is bigger than abortion
By Kathryn Post — August 8, 2023
CLEVELAND (RNS) — ‘I think our faith community is waking up to the fact that there are various attacks on our voting rights and our ability to let our voices be heard,’ said Lesley Jones, a Cincinnati-based pastor and organizer.
For Bisi Gbadamosi, fighting racism began with going to therapy
By Bob Smietana — August 2, 2023
(RNS) — The combination of spiritual and racial trauma can be overwhelming, said Bisi Gbadamosi, a Florida counselor and Christian speaker.
Vice President Harris critiques Florida’s slavery view at AME churchwomen’s meeting
By Adelle M. Banks — August 1, 2023
(RNS) — Harris said she felt ‘at home’ among the African Methodist Episcopal Church members as she recalled her own Christian upbringing in Oakland, California.
He made it out of prison. Now he’s helping others do the same.
By Yonat Shimron — July 27, 2023
(RNS) — Reentry is a huge challenge for many formerly incarcerated, who encounter a combination of laws and rules that block them from jobs, housing and voting. Stanley Frankart is there to help.
Emmett Till memorialized in monument that includes Chicago church
By Adelle M. Banks — July 25, 2023
(RNS) — ‘At a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, we're making it clear — crystal, crystal clear,’ said President Joe Biden.
Frederick D. Haynes III on succeeding Jesse Jackson, marching and ‘woke preaching’
By Adelle M. Banks — July 21, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Jesse Jackson has been a mentor for quite some time, so I can't say there's a singular piece of advice because he has given me so much,’ said Haynes.
Texas Baptists affirm women in ‘ministerial’ roles as SBC debate moves to states
By Adelle M. Banks — July 20, 2023
(RNS) — In the same week as the Texas Baptists’ meeting, Black leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention and SBC President Bart Barber met over similar issues in Ridgecrest, North Carolina.
77 faith groups get total of $92 million for innovative faith programs for children
By Adelle M. Banks — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Whether it's fragmentation, technological advances or spirituality, we need to refresh the traditional approaches to our faith,’ said one grant recipient.
Jesse Jackson transfers presidency of Rainbow PUSH Coalition to Frederick Haynes III
By Adelle M. Banks — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I will still be very involved in the organization and am proud that we have chosen Rev. Dr. Haynes as my successor,’ Jackson said.
Abigail Oduol seized the moment to organize for anti-racism in her workplace
By Kathryn Post — July 12, 2023
(RNS) — ‘A part of why this work has been able to go forward is because of relationship building, which is foundational to who we are in Christ,’ Oduol said about her DEI efforts.
Many African American SBC churches have women pastors on staff. Will they be expelled next?
By Bob Smietana — July 10, 2023
(RNS) — A letter from the president of the SBC's National African American Fellowship expressed concerns over recent SBC decisions to bar churches with women pastors.
