First female Muslim chaplain commissioned by the U.S. military
The U.S. Air Force commissioned its first Muslim woman chaplain candidate last month, marking the first time the U.S. military will have a female chaplain of the Islamic faith.
Court documents show pastor targeted by government for officiating at immigrant weddings
New documents unearthed in an ongoing federal lawsuit indicate the U.S. government surveilled and investigated a New York pastor and immigrant rights activist over allegations that she committed marriage fraud by officiating immigrant weddings along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Former Richmonder Beatrice O. Scott dies at 77
Former Richmonder Beatrice Odom Scott went off to Baltimore where she earned recognition for her roles in education, political and neighborhood affairs.
50 years after 'Black Manifesto,' religious groups again take up reparations
On a Sunday morning in May 1969, as clergy processed into the sanctuary of New York’s august Riverside Church, civil rights activist James Forman vaulted into the pulpit to demand $500 million in reparations for the mistreatment of African-Americans from …
Faith leaders call for de-escalation after missile strike kills Iranian general
Concern about the growing tensions between the United States and Iran has been bubbling within the Vatican, as Pope Francis and other faith leaders urge global leaders to employ self-restraint and dialogue.
Latest spate of religious violence again raises safety questions
People across the nation were grappling with a spate of religious violence that struck at a rabbi’s New York home Saturday during a Hanukkah celebration and erupted at a North Texas church on Sunday.
Longtime educator, Girl Scout leader Gloria W. Hawkins dies at 92
Gloria Wheeler Hawkins was an unforgettable instructor for many of the students during her 40-year career as a schoolteacher in Richmond and other communities.
High school coach portrayed in ‘Remember the Titans’ dies
With his health declining, Herman Boone was still mapping out football strategy as if he were about to walk the sidelines one more time.
Rev. Darran Brandon to speak Jan. 1 at Emancipation Proclamation Day service
The Rev. Darran Brandon, pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, will speak at the annual Emancipation Proclamation Day service hosted on New Year’s Day by the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity.
Nativity scene shows Holy Family separated in cages
The Nativity scene at Claremont United Methodist Church is striking. Mannequins of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are separated in individual cages topped with barbed wire. A baby Jesus is wrapped in what resembles a Mylar blanket, similar to the sheets …
Evangelical magazine editorial calls for Trump’s removal from office
A major evangelical Christian magazine founded by the late Rev. Billy Graham has called for President Trump’s removal from office.
Longtime educator and community volunteer Dr. Vasti DeLoatch dies at 87
Dr. Vasti DeLoatch touched the lives of thousands of children and adults through her work as an educator and in her various roles in the community.
Black church believed to be oldest in U.S. finishes repairs in time for 246th anniversary
A black congregation that began worship services before the American Revolution has restored its historic church to a version of its former glory.
Who are the Black Hebrew Israelites?
On Dec. 10, two individuals opened fire on a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, N.J. The violent attack — which occurred shortly after the assailants allegedly killed a police officer in a nearby cemetery — ultimately left three bystanders dead …
Study: 40% of millenials not affiliated with religion
Millennials — those between ages 23 and 48 — are shaking up the workplace, transforming dating and undoing organized religion.
