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Montgomery's churches part of city's 200-year history of slavery, civil rights
Connections between Christianity, Confederacy and civil rights — and the history of slavery — are in plain sight in Alabama’s capital.
Red Lip Theology: Candice Benbow’s love letter to Black women in the Black church
Candice Marie Benbow came to be a theologian by way of the death of Whitney Houston, who she considers “the ultimate church girl.”
Church leaders want public lands to better reflect Black history
Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, the Rev. Carey A. Grady heard about the history of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and its connection to a slave revolt planned by Denmark Vesey — long before it was the site of a 2015 massacre.
Jamestown interpreter tells the story of 'Angela,' one of the first Africans in Virginia; her faith is a mystery
Wearing a yellow head wrap, gray skirt and soiled apron, a woman who says she is “called by the name of Angela” stood by the James River and told her story, one of faith and courage, darkness and hope.
Docuseries on Black church highlights history, links to biblical orthodoxy
“How I Got Over,” a five-part series, examines the history of seven historic Black denominations and highlights major Black Christian leaders — well-known and lesser-known — who have contributed to American society. Officials of the AND Campaign, a nonpartisan think tank that promotes Christian civic engagement, released the first episode on YouTube Feb. 13.
In Canada, Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous peoples, says it’s only ‘first step’
Pope Francis issued his first apology to the Indigenous peoples in Canada for the Catholic Church’s role in administering residential schools, which robbed many of their families and culture.
Black clergy memorialize the dead; ask gov’t. to address disparities
The Rev. Frank Williams has been so busy leading two black churches in the New York borough of the Bronx that he hadn’t really considered the full extent of COVID-19’s impact on his congregation, his family and his community.
Report disputes N.C. pastor’s claim of ties to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee
The Washington Post Fact Checker is challenging claims that the Rev. Robert W. “Rob” Lee IV, a North Carolina pastor and social justice activist, is a descendent of Robert E. Lee, arguing they could not find evidence to support his repeated assertion that he is related to the Confederate army general.
Film producer talks about his ‘Breakthrough’ and more
Christian movie producer DeVon Franklin is preparing for his third film to hit theaters just before Easter weekend. (The film opens in Richmond area movie theaters Wednesday, April 17.)
’You can’t just jump to hope’
The weekend before Election Day, Bishop Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, led an interfaith prayer service live streamed from Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital.
How Black clergy are reframing approach on abortion with congregations
For the Rev. Irene Prince, discussions around reproductive choice start in Bible study.
Alexandria seminary announces $1.7M slavery reparations fund
An Episcopal seminary in Alexandria has announced plans to create a $1.7 million endowment fund whose proceeds will support reparations for the school’s ties to slavery.
Trump evangelical advisers exposed to COVID-19 flout CDC guidelines, preach in public
At least two faith leaders, including one of President Trump’s unofficial evangelical advisers, have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a White House Rose Garden ceremony and a separate evangelical gathering in Wash- ington.
Black American solidarity with Palestinians is rising and testing long-standing ties to Jewish allies
Cydney Wallace, a Black Jewish community activist, never felt compelled to travel to Israel, though “next year in Jerusalem” was a constant refrain at her Chicago synagogue.
Burkini to be featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue
This year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is going to feature trailblazer Halima Aden. Ms. Aden will be the first woman to sport a hijab and burkini in the magazine, which hit newsstands on Wednesday, SI revealed this week.
Pope calls for ‘all-out battle’ against sexual child abuse
In his final address to nearly 190 bishops attending last week’s Vatican summit on sex abuse, Pope Francis called for the eradication of abuse both inside and outside the Roman Catholic Church.
Scholar and preacher Walton named next president of Princeton Seminary
The Rev. Jonathan Lee Walton, an academician, preacher and administrator who has served on the faculties of Wake Forest and Harvard divinity schools, has been named the next president of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church elects second woman and African bishops
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has elected its second woman bishop and received its first episcopal address from a woman during its quadrennial General Conference.
Pastor resigns moderator position after criticizing women’s weight
Leaders of the General Baptist Council of Associations have recommended an investigation of a minister who preached that “weight control” by wives is the solution for marital problems.
Southern Baptist seminary report ties founders to slavery, white supremacy
Founders of one of the nation’s largest seminaries owned more than 50 slaves and said that slavery was morally correct.
