Black Lives Matter
At scene of LA’s 2020 protests, faith leaders gather to praise Chauvin verdict
By Alejandra Molina — April 20, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — ‘I don’t even think we know how to react. I’m numb,’ said one speaker about the outcome of Derek Chauvin’s trial.
Minnesota churches caught in standoffs between protesters and police
By Jack Jenkins — April 20, 2021
(RNS) — At least two congregations have found themselves at the center of standoffs between police and racial justice demonstrators over the past week, both in Brooklyn Center.
Black and Asian Christian leaders discuss role of church in fighting racism
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 6, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Our oppression is linked together, but also our liberation is connected at the same time,’ said the Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Why a Catholic journalist is urging the church to engage Black Lives Matter
By Alejandra Molina — February 25, 2021
(RNS) — In her book, ‘Birth of a Movement,’ Olga Marina Segura highlights how the Black Lives Matter movement ‘is the secular version of our Catholic social teaching.’
Martin Gugino sues city of Buffalo, mayor and police after fracturing skull
By Yonat Shimron — February 23, 2021
(RNS) — A grand jury declined to indict the Buffalo police officers, but the Catholic social justice activist filed a civil suit alleging his constitutional right to peaceably protest was violated.
Martin Gugino committed to struggle, despite grand jury dismissal
By Yonat Shimron — February 12, 2021
(RNS) — 'There’s a great deal of work that needs to be done,' said the 76-year-old Catholic peace activist on hearing that assault charges were dropped against two Buffalo police officers. 'It’s one more setback.'
Black Lives Matter banner outside University Christian Church in San Diego defaced
By Alejandra Molina — January 25, 2021
(RNS) — Senior Minister Caleb Lines said it’s not the vandalism that he finds heartbreaking: ‘It’s that some people truly don’t believe that Black lives matter or that the lives of LGBTQ+ people have value.’
How the Capitol police privileged white rage
By Jacqui Lewis — January 8, 2021
(RNS) — When Black-led groups protest, the Capitol police don't open barriers for us or gently point the way.
As chaos hits Capitol, two forms of faith on display
By Jack Jenkins — January 6, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Hiding in the balcony while a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, at least one lawmaker led her fellow members of Congress in prayer.
As ‘Jericho Marchers’ descend on Washington, local faith leaders brace for attacks
By Jack Jenkins — January 5, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Jericho Marchers' sang 'How Great Is Our God' as they processed around the U.S. Capitol holding Trump signs and waving Trump flags.
Six blocks from DC protests, fighting hate with faith
By Karen Brau and Amy Butler — January 5, 2021
(RNS) — We are facing a moment like those in which Dr. King said that silence is betrayal.
Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors helps launch #PrayforLA to honor COVID-19 deaths
By Alejandra Molina — January 4, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Cullors is encouraging people to share photos, artwork, a prayer or meditation of loved ones lost to COVID-19, even as the virus continues to spread and fill up hospital beds across Los Angeles County.
Historic Black church in DC sues Proud Boys for destroying Black Lives Matter sign
By Jack Jenkins — January 4, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We, the descendants of these extraordinary women and men of God, will not allow white supremacist violence to go unchecked by the laws of the land,' said Metropolitan AME pastor the Rev. William H. Lamar IV.
2020 has tested the heart and soul of America
By Thomas Reese — December 17, 2020
(RNS) — The year was horrible, but we who lived through it haven’t been perfect either. We must become better or we will be worse.
Ralph D. West, Houston pastor, cuts ties to Southern Baptists over critical race theory rejection
By Yonat Shimron — December 16, 2020
(RNS) — West, founder of the Church Without Walls, is just the latest to criticize six seminary presidents who said critical race theory was incompatible with their faith.
