Mainline

Black and Asian Christian leaders discuss role of church in fighting racism

By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 6, 2021

(RNS) — ‘Our oppression is linked together, but also our liberation is connected at the same time,’ said the Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

William Barber preaches at Easter vigil service spotlighting Christian Palestinians

By Daoud Kuttab — April 6, 2021

(RNS) — Barber’s appearance served to recognize Christians in the Palestinian liberation movement, which some American evangelicals paint as an apocalyptic conflict between Christians and Muslims.

Faith-based agencies invite volunteers, donations as they care for children at border

By Emily McFarlan Miller, Jack Jenkins — April 2, 2021

(RNS) — Some struggle to cobble together resources decimated under the policies of former President Donald Trump’s administration.

At second Easter under pandemic rules, Christians glimpse church’s future

By Adelle M. Banks, Emily McFarlan Miller, Alejandra Molina, Bob Smietana, Yonat Shimron — April 2, 2021

(RNS) — The pandemic has 'redefined for me what church is going to be like and what the definition of membership is,' said one pastor in North Carolina.

10 nonfiction books (and one novel) to keep Women’s History Month going all year

By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 1, 2021

(RNS) — Here are 10 new nonfiction books, both forthcoming and released in the last year, that explore women's roles and influence in Christian traditions — plus, one bonus work of fiction.

Behind Gallup’s portrait of church decline

By Wesley Granberg-Michaelson — March 31, 2021

(RNS) — America’s religious life will be shaped not by secularization alone.

Like Beth Moore, many women preachers have had to break free to follow God’s call

By Bob Smietana — March 29, 2021

(RNS) — For women preachers, following their call has often conflicted with the rules put forth by their churches — even though people in the pews are open to a woman in the pulpit.

We have the chance to redeem voting rights

By Jim Wallis, Barbara Williams-Skinner — March 26, 2021

(RNS) — Complicity in the attacks on the vote could erode the number of Americans attracted to Christianity.

Boulder’s faith community comes together to grieve after grocery store shooting

By Carina Julig — March 26, 2021

(RNS) — A memorial vigil attended by more than 1,000 people was led by clergy from around Boulder.

Norah Jones, Chelsea Clinton headline benefit for fire-ravaged Middle Church

By Adelle M. Banks — March 24, 2021

(RNS) — ‘We’re still here,’ said the Rev. Jacqui Lewis. ‘The fire did not destroy our fight for liberty for all, for all people.’

Another NC man is free to leave church sanctuary as immigration policies ease

By Yonat Shimron — March 24, 2021

(RNS) — Eliseo Jimenez, a 42-year-old itinerant laborer who worked in the state’s tobacco fields and later in construction laying floors, has been living at Umstead Park United Church of Christ since Oct. 9, 2017.

Study: Americans overwhelmingly support LGBTQ nondiscrimination laws

By Yonat Shimron — March 23, 2021

(RNS) — The 2020 American Values Atlas study from PRRI finds that at least 60% of every U.S. religious group favors laws that would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. But religious leaders are another matter.

Progressive Christian author Jen Hatmaker cancels cancel culture in new book ‘Simple & Free’

By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 23, 2021

(RNS) — 'Simple & Free: 7 Experiments Against Excess' releases March 23, and Hatmaker hopes it will not only show how she has changed, but also free readers to do the same.

United Methodist bishops cancel virtual special session of General Conference

By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 22, 2021

(RNS) — The special session in May was meant to allow delegates to suspend the rules to allow the use of mail-in ballots to keep the denomination running through its postponed General Conference meeting in 2022.

Asian American Christian Collaborative releases statement condemning Atlanta shootings