Donate to RNS

Black Protestants

At Tyre Nichols’ funeral, VP Harris and Sharpton among those praying and promising reform

By Adelle M. Banks — February 1, 2023
(RNS) — ‘When we talk about public safety, let us understand what it means in its truest form: Tyre Nichols should have been safe,’ the vice president said.

Progressive National Baptists to deploy $1 million grant to boost ‘compelling preaching’

By Adelle M. Banks — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The Lilly Endowment grants to the 32 organizations total $31.7 million and were distributed in November.

How students could give Ron DeSantis an African American history lesson

By Andre Henry — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — Today's students don't need to be protected from an education in Black history.

Tyre Nichols police beating video prompts faith leaders to react with grief, goals

By Adelle M. Banks — January 28, 2023
(RNS) — They expressed grief and prayers for Nichols’ family, as well as called for national and state legislation. Some questioned whether the video of the police beating of Nichols should be watched.

Faith-based organizations urge Biden not to enact ‘asylum ban’

By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 23, 2023
(RNS) — The proposed policy 'borders on a wealth test for some of the most vulnerable children and families,' said one advocate.

At Boston-area church, a theology lab tackles complex topics with humility, curiosity

By Bob Smietana — January 19, 2023
(RNS) — In recent years, Highrock Church has held a series of conversations about topics such as Black theology and American evangelicalism — hoping to model conversations where people with differing points of view can listen to one another.

How New York has answered religiously motivated hate crime

By Tori Luecking — January 17, 2023
NEW YORK (RNS) — A wildly diverse city takes a multifaceted, interagency and interfaith approach to faith-based security efforts.

35 Black churches to receive total of $4 million for preservation work

By Adelle M. Banks — January 16, 2023
(RNS) — The new grant program honors the history of Black churches ‘while also investing in their physical permanence and financial sustainment into the future,’ an official said.

King scholar applies his philosophies of truth to a ‘post-truth age’

By Adelle M. Banks — January 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Dr. King argued that no religion has a monopoly on truth,’ said Lewis V. Baldwin, emeritus professor of religious studies at Vanderbilt University.

Study: US clergy favor medical treatment for depression

By Yonat Shimron — January 12, 2023
(RNS) — The study reports that 90% of clergy respondents said they would encourage someone with depressive symptoms to see a mental health professional.

PHOTO GALLERY: The history and diversity of African American religious rituals

By Adelle M. Banks — January 10, 2023
(RNS) — A new photo book from the National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Black history through its range of spiritual traditions.

Chicago pastor James Meeks bids a tearful farewell after 38 years at Salem Baptist

By Bob Smietana — January 9, 2023
(RNS) — After 38 years as a pastor, Meeks said he wanted to leave while his church was still doing well. The Rev. Charlie Dates, who grew up at Salem, will become pastor of one of Chicago's largest congregations. The farewell service was attended by politicians and friends, including Jesse Jackson and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Cornel West, Robert George mark Jan. 6 anniversary with call for courageous leaders

By Adelle M. Banks — January 9, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘This country desperately needs courageous spiritual leadership,’ said the Rev. Eugene Rivers at the anniversary event, to ‘speak to the existential crisis that confronts us.’

More Americans stay away from church as pandemic nears year three

By Bob Smietana — January 5, 2023
(RNS) — Many Americans already had dropped out of church life before the pandemic. COVID-19 gave them a reason to let go completely, according to a new survey.

Remembering faith leaders who died in 2022: preachers, writers and interpreters of faith

By Adelle M. Banks — December 28, 2022
(RNS) — In this year we lost people who were known for their political office but for whom religion played roles expectedly and unexpectedly.
Page 2 of 37