Black Protestants
What does Watch Night mean for Black Americans today? It dates back to the Emancipation Proclamation
By Associated Press — January 1, 2024
Watch Night is still being observed each New Year's Eve, at many multiracial and predominantly Black churches across the country.
13 emerging faith leaders who made their mark in 2023
By Yonat Shimron — December 28, 2023
(RNS) — 2023's rising stars in religion are loud, proud and defiant.
William Barber II escorted out of movie theater, denied disability accommodations
By Kathryn Post — December 27, 2023
(RNS) — The civil rights leader and minister was there to see ‘The Color Purple’ with his 90-year-old mother.
Faith leaders, influencers who died in 2023: Preachers, protesters, writers, singers
By Adelle M. Banks — December 26, 2023
(RNS) — We also bid farewell to some celebrities and influencers whose time on stages sometimes represented public faith or whose lives were strengthened by their personal faith.
Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest in a ‘complex’ instrument
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2023
(RNS) — Young musicians have taken to the organ at a time when there has been a decline in the number of instruments and in the professionals who play them.
Black church coalition names reparations, voting, health equity among priorities
By Adelle M. Banks — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — ‘There are so many pressing issues, from the future of COVID-19 and mental health to gun violence and voting rights, that must be addressed,’ said CNBC Chairman W. Franklyn Richardson.
A new biopic about King’s mentor Bayard Rustin has lessons for today
By Andre Henry — December 6, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Rustin’ reminds us what makes nonviolent revolutions powerful.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
By Darren Sands — December 5, 2023
The Bishop's splintered influence was underscored this week as different factions paid tribute to Pearson at various memorial services that have raised questions — and objections — about how best to remember him.
What the Camino shows us about travel and mortality
By Jana Riess — December 4, 2023
(RNS) — Travel teaches us how fragile life is and what a holy gift every day can be. (Also, it shows us we can be fear-based idiots.)
Influential Detroit pastor the Rev. Charles Gilchrist Adams dies at age 86
By Associated Press — December 1, 2023
DETROIT (AP) — Adams spent a half-century as pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church before retiring in 2019.
Opposing communities plan separate memorial services for Carlton Pearson
By Adelle M. Banks — November 29, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I want to show diversity,’ Pearson said in a recording near the end of his life, which has ended up being shown through the range of services.
Claiborne, Barber, Budde among Christian leaders calling for Gaza cease-fire at White House vigil
By Jack Jenkins — November 21, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners," said the Rev. William Barber II.
Bishop Carlton Pearson, Tulsa pastor declared heretic for views on hell, dies at 70
By Adelle M. Banks — November 20, 2023
(RNS) — 'I’d rather err on the goodness, greatness and graciousness of God than the opposite,' Pearson once said.
Bishop T.D. Jakes helps launch online hub to aid faith leaders with mental health tools
By Adelle M. Banks — November 15, 2023
(RNS) — Jakes introduced the ‘Faith and Mental Health Hub,’ a free online course that aims to define mental health, reduce stigma and encourage self-care activities.
As Black church grapples with mental health, clergy are both subject and solution
By Ambar Castillo — November 13, 2023
(RNS) — A new movement has taken on the taboo in many Black churches against talking about suicide.
