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The Reformed Church in America moves toward restructuring, prepares for departures

By Kathryn Post — October 17, 2021

(RNS) — The decisions follow decades of debate over LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage.

Raphael Warnock honored with Four Freedoms award in ‘extra step’ for racial justice

By Adelle M. Banks — October 15, 2021

White Christian progressives can be nationalists too, ecumenical panel says

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

National Council of Churches elects all-female officers, approves NRSV update

By Adelle M. Banks — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — ‘At this pivotal time in the life of the church in the United States, it is noteworthy that the NCC is modeling inclusiveness in selecting its leaders,’ said its new chair.

Study: Attendance hemorrhaging at small and midsize US congregations

By Yonat Shimron — October 14, 2021

(RNS) — The Faith Communities Today survey finds that half of the country’s congregations had 65 or fewer people in attendance on any given weekend, a drop from a median attendance level of 137 people in 2000.

The Reformed Church in America faces rupture over LGBTQ gridlock

By Kathryn Post — October 13, 2021

(RNS) — One of North America’s oldest denominations is already splintering. After a long delay, its General Synod meets this week.

Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to sing spirituals 150 years later

By Adelle M. Banks — October 6, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Fisk Jubilee Singers are artists and do not limit themselves to just Negro spirituals,’ its director said. ‘There’s versatility in our choice of music when we have celebrations.’

‘COVID has been harder on us’: Some Black churches remain hesitant to reopen

By Adelle M. Banks — October 4, 2021

(RNS) — Black churches reflect a cautious approach on the part of ministers, reopening task forces and the average people currently not in the pews.

Catholic, Protestant groups support commission on US Indian boarding school policy

By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 4, 2021

(RNS) — US Senator Elizabeth Warren and the co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act on Sept. 30, which many observed as a National Day of Remembrance for US Boarding Schools.

Why Joe Manchin’s good faith is bad for the poor

By Liz Theoharis — October 1, 2021

(RNS) — Despite a stately facade of moderation, Manchin has, in the words of the gospel, 'neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.'

‘We’re all interconnected’: Pagan, Christian clergy urge interfaith understanding

By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 1, 2021

(RNS) — The Rev. Ethan Stark and the Rev. Andy Behrendt hosted “A Pagan and a Pastor: A Necessary Conversation” to address some frequently asked questions about their faiths and misperceptions each tradition has about the other.

On day of remembrance, churches confront their role in Indigenous boarding schools

By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 30, 2021

CHICAGO (RNS) — Several US mainline denominations — including the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Methodist Church — encouraged their members to observe a day of remembrance for US Indian boarding schools on Sept. 30.

As billionaires grow richer, children go to sleep hungry

By Diane Randall — September 27, 2021

(RNS) — We must adjust a tax code that bends over backward for the extremely wealthy while treating those who struggle as a burden.

Resettling Afghan evacuees will be a mammoth job. Churches will be essential.

By Mark Silk — September 27, 2021

(RNS) — A model from Connecticut may be the answer.

Albert Raboteau, expert on African American religious history, dead at 78

By Adelle M. Banks — September 24, 2021

(RNS) — The scholar ‘was the Godfather of Afro-American Religious Studies & the North Star of deep Christian political sensibilities!’ said colleague Cornel West.

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