Black Protestants
Meet the organization preserving and promoting the stories of Black Methodists
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 1, 2023
(RNS) — After funding from the United Methodist Church General Conference ended and in-person events were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAMHC is looking for donations in order to continue its work.
For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling
By Yonat Shimron — March 1, 2023
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — While donations from religious groups constitute less than 20% of RIP Medical Debt's overall revenue, they are becoming an increasingly common way for congregations to do social justice.
Faith leaders urge Biden to sign executive order for reparations study by Juneteenth
By Adelle M. Banks — March 1, 2023
(RNS) — They urged Biden to base an order on the structure of H.R. 40, legislation proposed for decades that has yet to pass on Capitol Hill.
‘Holy Queer’ author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir
By Adelle M. Banks — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I focus on the Black church in my criticism because I love it,’ said the Rev. Karmen Michael Smith, author of ‘Holy Queer.’
Harvard, National Council of Churches, Reform Jews seeking reparations blueprint
By Adelle M. Banks — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — ‘This is not a mere research paper,’ said the Rev. Cornell William Brooks, a Kennedy School professor and former president of the NAACP.
Docuseries on Black church highlights history, links to biblical orthodoxy
By Adelle M. Banks — February 13, 2023
(RNS) — 'We wanted to show the substantive differences between the denominations but also show that the primary arguments were not about orthodoxy,' said producer Justin Giboney.
Oldest schoolhouse for Black children in US moved to museum
By Ben Finley — February 13, 2023
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — A building believed to be the oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children in the U.S. was hoisted onto a flatbed truck and moved a half-mile Friday (Feb. 10) to Colonial Williamsburg, a Virginia museum that continues to expand its emphasis on African American history.
What is Black History Month in a white Christian nation?
By Andrew Whitehead — February 9, 2023
(RNS) — A new PRRI/Brookings survey demonstrates the historical repercussions of Christian nationalism.
Who will lead the spiritual awakening for Black men?
By Candice Marie Benbow — February 8, 2023
(RNS) — Faith is the antidote for the venom that gets spewed at Black women from Black men.
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.
