Barbara Williams-Skinner
Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House
By Adelle M. Banks — March 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While shifting to national and international issues, he will still be acting as a clergyperson in the city that he has long served.
Religious leaders to mark MLK Day with early start for 2024 voter mobilization
By Adelle M. Banks — January 12, 2024
(RNS) — 'We're starting early because we need to spend a lot more time educating people about how to vote, how to vote against the rising tide of misinformation,' said the Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner.
Black churches play a key role in connecting communities to broadband internet
By Adelle M. Banks and Yonat Shimron — October 6, 2023
(RNS) — ‘There are churches near, and people near, places where there are no internet carriers at all,’ said the Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner.
Women at the first March on Washington: a secretary, a future bishop and a marshal
By Adelle M. Banks — August 17, 2023
(RNS) — ‘You wanted to present your best selves,’ recalled Bishop Vashti McKenzie, who was 16 at the time. ‘There was no one in jeans and T-shirts that I recall.’
Calvin Butts, leader of Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, dies at 73
By Adelle M. Banks — October 28, 2022
(RNS) — Butts was known for his outspokenness on issues ranging from misogyny in rap music to the need to address HIV/AIDS.
Black pastors sign letter supporting compromise bill on LGBTQ equality
By Yonat Shimron — March 16, 2021
(RNS) — They expressed support for LGBTQ civil protections but are asking that the Senate take up a rival bill called Fairness for All, which includes religious exemptions.
Black church turnout effort mobilizes against alleged voter suppression
By Adelle M. Banks — September 29, 2020
(RNS) — Some groups previously ‘never worked this tightly together because the stakes are higher,’ one Black church network leader said.
March on Washington events to focus on racial justice, police brutality, voting
By Adelle M. Banks — August 25, 2020
(RNS) — The 1963 event about economic empowerment and civic engagement is being echoed amid a new political climate.
Bipartisan network of Christian groups launches police reform initiative
By Adelle M. Banks — August 19, 2020
(RNS) — The initiative brings together Black, Hispanic and Asian organizations along with groups focused on prisoners, prayer and public justice.
Black church leaders push for census participation despite coronavirus
By Adelle M. Banks — March 27, 2020
(RNS) — ‘The coronavirus has added to the already existing fear that people had about a number of questions,’ one minister said.
With Voting Rights Act weakened, black church networks seek more voters
By Adelle M. Banks — September 5, 2018
(RNS) — Five years after the Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the act, and with voters in almost two dozen states facing stricter rules, black denominations are working to get more people to the ballot box in November.
At US Capitol, Christians protest budget cuts
By Lauren Markoe — March 29, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) Wearing sackcloth and ashes, the group pitched a wooden cross on the grass and prayed for the nation's vulnerable.
African-American faith leaders mourn Trump’s election but remain resolute
By Adelle M. Banks — November 9, 2016
(RNS) Reeling from the election outcome, they intend to soldier on, reach out to those with whom they disagree and fight for the social issues they care about.
Black clergy demand Senate consider Obama Supreme Court nominee
By Adelle M. Banks — March 4, 2016
(RNS) The Rev. Freddy Haynes of Dallas said on Friday that Senate Republicans have condemned statements about racism by top GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump but need to put their words into action.
After fires, killings, black churches debate the best ways to protect themselves
By Adelle M. Banks — July 2, 2015
(RNS) Black church leaders debate: to arm, or not to arm?
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