Claudia Allen speaks at a community interfaith prayer vigil, planned by Pastor Noah Washington of Emmanuel Brinklow SDA Church, on June 12, 2020, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Courtesy photo
Need to know: Tuesday, June 23, 2020
‘Racialized policing’ program takes faith leaders from grief to action
As the White House and Congress debate nationwide actions, participants say they have come away from their studies with determination to push for change in their communities.
Pope Francis accuses priests who defied pandemic safety measures of acting like ‘adolescents’
The pope praised ‘the difficult and sometimes heroic service’ of medical personnel and priests during the COVID-19 pandemic but expressed sharp criticism for the behavior of those priests who defied safety measures.
Saudi Arabia to hold ‘very limited’ hajj due to virus
The kingdom said that only people of various nationalities already residing in the country would be allowed to perform the hajj.
Black Catholics: Words not enough as church decries racism
As protests against racism and police brutality continue nationwide, there are rising calls for huge new investment in Catholic schools serving Black communities.
The Islamic history behind the George Floyd protests
Islam has a deep backstory in the continuing drama of resistance, protest and race in America, writes Michael Wolfe.
Delhi police accused of filing false charges over February riots
Democracy campaigners say officers ignored violence by Hindus during clashes with Muslims.
Latest news from RNS
Tennessean editor denounces ‘horrific’ Nashville Islam nuclear prophecy advertisement
A breakaway Seventh-day Adventist group ran a full-page newspaper ad prediction a nuclear attack on Nashville set for July 18.
Who is Junipero Serra and why are California protesters toppling statues of this saint?
In California, statues of Junipero Serra — who led the Catholic Church's missionary efforts among Native Americans on the West Coast — are coming into question.
Poor People’s Campaign stages massive online demonstration
Originally planned as an in-person event, the liberal faith-based movement's rally drew tens of thousands to watch online.
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Jacqui Lewis fills the virtual house to talk about anti-racism
(RNS) — The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, the first woman to serve as a senior minister at New York's historic Middle Collegiate Church, has shown how to use diversity to expand the size and reach of her congregation.
In ‘love thy neighbor’ Quakers and Catholics share a call to protect our common home
(RNS) — Celebrating Pope Francis' Laudato Si, published five years ago, and its message that loving our planet first means loving its people.
Why we can’t go back to America before George Floyd died
White people now see they must stop and learn the meaning and consequences of 401 years of racism and slavery, writes Jim Wallis.
