The archbishop designated by Pope Francis to the Archdiocese of Washington, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, speaks during a news conference as Cardinal Donald Wuerl looks on, at Washington Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Hyattsville, Maryland, on April 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Need to know: Friday, June 12, 2020
Conservative Catholic group denounced for calling black archbishop ‘African Queen’
‘(It’s) a slap in the face to every black Catholic in America,’ said Anthea Butler, associate professor of religious studies and Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
As coronavirus restrictions loosen, congregations grapple with including older adults
Unable to access spiritual sustenance or the comforts of community, many older adults are isolated and lonely. Houses of worship are just beginning to chart ways to reach them.
From civil rights to no nukes: A look at historic protest photos
Clergy and faith leaders have a long history of involvement in protests. Here’s a look back at some religious engagement in historic demonstrations.
The fire this time
I’m done believing that religion will help Black people get justice in America. It isn’t. Black men and women are still dead, writes Anthea Butler.
The Stauffers let go of an adopted child. Five reasons why their critics are wrong.
Critics of parenting vloggers who ‘rehomed’ their 4-year-old adopted son haven’t experienced the devastation of adoptive parents who have to place their children in others’ care, writes Heidi Weimer.
Alcoholics Anonymous, struggling to reach new members during the shutdown, expects a surge
Although it is one of the most popular of the many community-based programs that take place in churches and other community buildings across the nation, A.A. has moved away from explicit religious ties.
Latest news from RNS
Faith-driven activism is pushing this California county to declare racism a public health crisis
This effort emerged the last week of May, days after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police during an arrest.
Retire gavel named for slaveholder, Southern Baptist President J.D. Greear says
Greear said he had felt uneasy using the gavel at the 2019 meeting in Birmingham, Alabama.
United Methodist bishops affirm protests, call members to pray twice daily for 8 minutes, 46 seconds
Bishops encouraged United Methodists to act to end racism by spending 8 minutes and 46 seconds in prayer at 8:46 a.m. and 8:46 p.m. each day for at least the next 30 days, among other things.
More views from RNS
India can take lessons from US in our struggle to end casteism
(RNS) — While America's response must feel tortuous to those marching, it gives me hope that India, where I sit, can confront its past and present history of casteism.
Four ways to tell a prophet from a political puppet
(RNS) — Today, there are prophetic voices on almost every issue: pro-life prophets and feminist prophets. How can we judge true from false?
‘Safetyism’ only means words have real consequences
Better that the Times, that any paper, recognize its own subjectivity, take a clear editorial stand and recognize itself as an inherently ideological vector, writes Tara Isabella Burton.
