slavery
‘What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?’
By Frederick Douglass — July 2, 2020
(RNS) — Frederick Douglass’ July 5 speech in 1852 is a still relevant indictment of America’s habit of championing freedom while failing to measure up to democratic ideals on race.
India can take lessons from US in our struggle to end casteism
By Joseph D'Souza — June 11, 2020
(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.
A Passover Haggadah with a focus on Earth care takes off in a time of pandemic
By Yonat Shimron — April 7, 2020
(RNS) — In a year that has seen the deaths of thousands to a virulent virus sweeping the world, many are welcoming a focus on the health of the planet and finding it especially meaningful in a time of social isolation.
New research reconsiders writings of a Muslim slave and scholar
By Yonat Shimron — February 7, 2020
(RNS) — Multiple legends have grown up around Said since his death in 1864. Now two North Carolina university professors are translating and transcribing the scholar's writings and shedding new light on what he knew.
Evangelism and religious supremacy
By Simran Jeet Singh — December 19, 2019
(RNS) — Historically, the 'gift' of salvation has been weaponized time and time again to justify intervention and conquest.
Reform Jews call for reparations for slavery
By Yonat Shimron — December 13, 2019
(RNS) — The resolution is the first such effort on the part of an American Jewish organization but has precedent among some Protestant groups.
Faith made Harriet Tubman fearless as she rescued slaves
By Robert Gudmestad — December 3, 2019
(The Conversation) — Inspired by the pioneering AME evangelist Jarena Lee, Tubman came to understand that women could hold religious authority.
Harriet Tubman, in movie and real life, guided by faith in fight for freedom
By Adelle M. Banks — October 31, 2019
(RNS) — A new movie on the life of Harriet Tubman makes plain how the young Maryland slave put her faith before fear to rescue herself and dozens of other enslaved people.
Nuns hope to be disciples of hope in changing landscape of human trafficking
By Claire Giangravé — September 25, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — A group of religious sisters is meeting with Pope Francis this week in Rome to address the issue of human trafficking, linking the rise of victims to populist movements, increased immigration and climate refugees.
Reparations fund announced by Va. seminary with buildings constructed by slaves
By Adelle M. Banks — September 10, 2019
(RNS) — 'This is the Seminary recognizing that along with repentance for past sins, there is also a need for action,' said Virginia Theological Seminary President Ian S. Markham.
King’s dream and Emmett Till’s death capture warring soul of our nation
By Kelly Brown Douglas — August 28, 2019
(RNS) — August 28 is the anniversary of both Martin Luther King Jr.’s 'Dream' speech and the lynching of Emmett Till, eight years apart.
From New York to Alabama, blacks worshipped in own spaces before slavery’s end
By Adelle M. Banks — August 1, 2019
NEW YORK (RNS) — As the nation marks the 400th anniversary of the forced arrival of Africans in Virginia, a Harlem church joins others that have represented the enduring faith of slaves, free blacks and their descendants.
Montgomery, Ala., churches part of city’s 200-year history of slavery, civil rights
By Adelle M. Banks — August 1, 2019
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (RNS) — 'It is the cradle of the Confederacy and the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement,' said a local church historian.
Angela, a First African, tells her story in Jamestown, but her faith is a mystery
By Adelle M. Banks — August 1, 2019
JAMESTOWN, Va. (RNS) — An interpreter attempts to fill in the gaps even as she and scholars of the 400-year history of enslaved Africans say they believe this particular woman was nevertheless a believer of some sort.
Slavery history still affects blacks, half of practicing Christians say in survey
By Adelle M. Banks — June 26, 2019
(RNS) — Slightly more than a quarter of both practicing Christians and the general population (28%) say our society has moved past the history of slavery.
