Slavery and Religion
The story of Emmett Till is the story of America
By Robert P. Jones — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — If we trace the historical stream further back, we can see, in Emmett Till’s story, America’s oldest struggles. Indeed, the land itself testifies to the cultural world in which Till’s murder was conceivable.
Robert Jones’ new book roots white supremacy in 500-year-old papal decree
By Yonat Shimron — August 22, 2023
Survey: Confederate memorials still divide Americans and religion is a big predictor
By Yonat Shimron — September 28, 2022
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After Elizabeth: The spiritual implications of imperial succession
By Lisa Sharon Harper — September 15, 2022
(RNS) — What is the hope in this moment of transition?
Lag in slavery reparations from US Jesuits irks descendants
By Deepa Bharath — August 16, 2022
(AP) – In a publicly released letter to the head of the U.S. branch of Jesuits, Jesuit leader Joseph Stewart expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made since last year's pledge to raise $100 million for a reconciliation initiative in partnership with descendants of people once enslaved by the Catholic order.
Bart Barber wants the Southern Baptist Convention to regain its rural soul
By Riley Farrell — July 21, 2022
FARMERSVILLE, Texas (RNS) — The struggle to pull the SBC’s 13.7 million members ‘back from the brink’ has fallen squarely on the shoulders of Barber, a pastor from rural Texas.
Excavation of graves begins at site of colonial Black church
By Ben Finley — July 19, 2022
(AP) - If human remains are found in the plots that are being targeted, DNA tests and analyses of bones will be conducted, said Jack Gary, Colonial Williamsburg’s director of archaeology.
The Martinican bèlè dance – a celebration of land, spirit and liberation
By Camee Maddox-Wingfield — June 27, 2022
(The Conversation) — After years of marginalization, the bèlè dance has been embraced by a growing community who see it as a form of social and spiritual healing.
A pioneering Shabbat service marks a new way to observe Jewish Juneteenth
By Yonat Shimron — June 19, 2022
(RNS) —The Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat was the first Jewish service organized and led by Jews of color to mark the annual celebration of freedom that is now a federal holiday.
Descendants of enslaved people join dig on former Jesuit plantation
By Renée Roden — July 9, 2021
(RNS) — Vickie White Nelson, 49, has deep roots in southern Maryland. Her ancestor, Regis Gough, was enslaved there on a plantation owned by Jesuits.
James Forbes’ ode to Juneteenth calls on Americans to embrace the promise of freedom
By Yonat Shimron — June 18, 2021
(RNS) — The retired pastor's spoken word is not simply a paean to freedom. It’s a call to all Americans to face the reality of the nation’s history and the unfinished work of Juneteenth.
Michael Twitty’s ‘kosher soul’ cuisine offers an updated story of liberation
By Yonat Shimron — March 26, 2021
(RNS) — The Jewish culinary historian encourages people to celebrate their braided cultures. "Tradition is what you make," he says. His Passover Plate will look different from the one most Jews use.
Black Christians, don’t demonize African spirituality
By Darnise Martin — January 5, 2021
(RNS) — African elements give life to many churches, but outside of a Christian context, they are described as pagan and harmful.
Southern Baptist seminary presidents nix critical race theory
By Yonat Shimron — December 1, 2020
(RNS) — The seminary presidents may be reacting to factions within Southern Baptist circles that have complained the denomination is drifting to the left.
Alabama Southern Baptist pastor resigns after speaking at party for a KKK leader
By Yonat Shimron — July 30, 2020
(RNS) — Will Dismukes, who is also a Republican state representative, resigned from his church after offering an invocation at a birthday party honoring a Confederate general who was also the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.
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