Black church
African spiritualities are attracting Black Americans as a source of pride and identity
By Fiona André — March 21, 2024
(RNS) — Ancestral veneration, Haitian Vodou, Brazilian Candomblé, Cuban Santería and Ifá have gained attention among Black adults, who see it as an occasion to reconnect with their heritage and celebrate their Blackness.
As Black church grapples with mental health, clergy are both subject and solution
By Ambar Castillo — November 13, 2023
(RNS) — A new movement has taken on the taboo in many Black churches against talking about suicide.
Documentary on Black millennials depicts wide range of religion, rebellion
By Adelle M. Banks — October 24, 2023
(RNS) — ‘We show the pluralistic nature of the African American religious experience,’ said creator Teddy Reeves, ‘from those who are of some formal faith tradition to those who are not.’
Black church, NHL’s Penguins reach historic land-use accord
By Peter Smith — April 17, 2023
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The battle is a microcosm of a larger one over the legacy of the 1950s project, in which leaders in the Black community have long sought redress from the powers that be in Pittsburgh’s political, business and sports realms.
‘Healing the healers’ with the restorative wisdom of the Black church
By Joshua Stanton and Benjamin Spratt — April 11, 2023
(RNS) — The Rev. Jennifer Bailey believes Americans’ divisions are experienced as grief and loss, and looks to provide rituals to help us heal.
‘Holy Queer’ author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir
By Adelle M. Banks — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I focus on the Black church in my criticism because I love it,’ said the Rev. Karmen Michael Smith, author of ‘Holy Queer.’
A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history
By Jason Oliver Evans — February 27, 2023
(The Conversation) — Millions of enslaved Africans were forcefully converted to the Christian faith. The Black church came about when African Americans began to establish their own congregations.
At Maryland church, it’s ‘Caribbean Sabbath,’ not just Black History Month
By Adelle M. Banks — February 23, 2023
HYATTSVILLE, Md. (RNS) — ‘It's a space where our members and their family and friends can feel celebrated, can feel affirmed,’ said Pastor Trevor Kinlock.
Docuseries on Black church highlights history, links to biblical orthodoxy
By Adelle M. Banks — February 13, 2023
(RNS) — 'We wanted to show the substantive differences between the denominations but also show that the primary arguments were not about orthodoxy,' said producer Justin Giboney.
Starz’s hit series ‘P-Valley’ finds sacred community in a strip club
By Amethyst Holmes — December 2, 2022
(RNS) — The drama series by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall shows how profane places can be sacred — and how formal sacred places can be made profane.
‘Honk for Jesus’ provides an uncomfortable reflection of the Black church
By Candice Marie Benbow — September 4, 2022
(RNS) — Throughout the film and especially in the final scene, today’s Black church sees itself in all of its conflicting glory.
‘Blessing of Elders’ lauds 7 Black Christian luminaries at Museum of the Bible gala
By Adelle M. Banks — June 24, 2022
(RNS) — ‘I believe the 21st century will see the Black church lead the way to hope and healing in a deeply divided nation,’ said the Rev. A.R. Bernard.
Red Lip Theology: Candice Benbow’s love letter to Black women in the Black church
By Adelle M. Banks — January 18, 2022
(RNS) — Benbow says Black churches have tended to ‘center Black men and their truths and realities at the expense of women and girls.’
Black faith leaders’ proud legacy on civil rights should include LGBTQ rights
By Sabrina E. Dent — January 14, 2022
(RNS) — Black Christians know too well how discrimination can hide behind appeals to religious freedom.
Hartford International University expands Black ministries with Howard Thurman Center
By Adelle M. Banks — January 12, 2022
(RNS) — ‘The center’s North Star will be Thurman’s insistence on social justice and responsibility within a spiritual framework,’ its director said.
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