Race & Religion
Frederick D. Haynes III on succeeding Jesse Jackson, marching and ‘woke preaching’
By Adelle M. Banks — July 21, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Jesse Jackson has been a mentor for quite some time, so I can't say there's a singular piece of advice because he has given me so much,’ said Haynes.
White Texas couple leads ‘Let’s Talk Race’ class to educate churchgoers
By Adelle M. Banks — July 19, 2023
(RNS) — Shelley and David Park recommend books, movies, videos, podcasts and people to follow on social media to ‘expand your echo chamber.’
Jesse Jackson transfers presidency of Rainbow PUSH Coalition to Frederick Haynes III
By Adelle M. Banks — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I will still be very involved in the organization and am proud that we have chosen Rev. Dr. Haynes as my successor,’ Jackson said.
Abigail Oduol seized the moment to organize for anti-racism in her workplace
By Kathryn Post — July 12, 2023
(RNS) — ‘A part of why this work has been able to go forward is because of relationship building, which is foundational to who we are in Christ,’ Oduol said about her DEI efforts.
It’s a Christian mandate to create a society where all flourish — SCOTUS keeps undermining it
By Sally Vonner — July 10, 2023
(RNS) — Affirmative action may not have been perfect, but that does not mean that we abolish it, rather we stay committed to do better.
Judge awards Black church $1 million after BLM banner burned by Proud Boys during protest
By Associated Press — July 2, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The extremist group and its leaders were also barred from coming near the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Amos Brown, vice chair of California’s reparations task force, calls for action
By Adelle M. Banks — June 29, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We’ve got to act and stop just talking, not just saying we are sad,’ Brown said.
Unitarian Universalism revisits identity, values at 2023 gathering
By Kathryn Post — June 26, 2023
(RNS) — Intense discussions at this year’s General Assembly took place as the UUA navigates how to continue implementing its commitment to anti-racism.
Black or white? Christian minister redefines racial and ethnic identity in a mixed world
By Kathryn Post — June 12, 2023
(RNS) — In his new book, 'Mixed,' Eli Bonilla Jr. urges readers to avoid approaching 'soul-deep complexity with skin-deep conversations.'
Reparations campaign takes new forms with Bible study, Juneteenth march
By Adelle M. Banks — June 12, 2023
(RNS) — 'The case for restitution and restoration is laid out across the Old Testament and New Testament,' reads the introduction of the National Council of Churches' study.
Three years after George Floyd’s death, faith groups quietly advance racial healing
By Adelle M. Banks — June 9, 2023
(RNS) — A range of Christian groups are working separately to continue to address the often-fraught divisions along racial lines among their members and in the wider society.
John Blake, journalist on religion and race, goes personal with new memoir
By Adelle M. Banks — May 5, 2023
(RNS) — 'We really need to tell these stories about hope,' said Blake. 'There's a lot of Americans now who have given up ... and believe racism is just a permanent part of American life.'
60 years on, King’s ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ relevant as ever, say faith leaders
By Adelle M. Banks — April 28, 2023
(RNS) — King’s response to white clergy critics endures as a ‘road map’ for those working on justice and equal rights.
How Black clergy are reframing approach on abortion with congregations
By Amethyst Holmes — April 4, 2023
(RNS) — Even as some of the largest Black denominations oppose abortion, Black clergy face the reality that their congregations are disproportionately affected by lack of access to reproductive health services.
Practicing prophetic grief
By Otis Moss III — March 23, 2023
(RNS) — When we grieve pathetically, we may come to imitate our oppressors.
