Commentary
TERRAFORM: An Interview with PROPAGANDA
UrbanFaith sat down with artist and now author PROPAGANDA to discuss his new book Terraform: Building a Better World.
The Freedom of Discipline: A Reflection
A reflection on how faithful discipline through the Holy Spirit can be liberating rather than restricting from childhood to adulthood.
When God is honored
There are seasons in our lives when God sends people who have the ability to change our lives completely by their influence, authority and endorsement.
What do students’ beliefs about God have to do with grades and going to college?
The U.S. is the most devout wealthy Western democracy. Does a religious upbringing influence teens’ academic outcomes?
‘Pray for Ukraine’: Religious leaders call for peace and God’s protection
“Pray for Ukraine!” Prayers for Ukraine in the midst of the invasion by Russia echo around the world.
Black seminary grads, with debt higher than others, cope with money and ministry
Black ministers who pursue seminary often take on greater debt in order to serve churches across the nation.
Whoopi Goldberg awkwardly demonstrates how the idea of race varies by place and changes over time
How did Whoopi Goldberg’s comments on the view become such a spectacle? And what does it tell us about the social norms guiding how we talk about race and violence?
How 18th-century Quakers led a boycott of sugar to protest against slavery
Buying items that are fair trade, organic, locally made or cruelty-free are some of the ways in which consumers today seek to align their economic habits with their spiritual and ethical views. For 18th-century Quakers, it led them to abstain from sugar and other goods produced by enslaved people.
Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns: An Interview with Michael Phillips
Michael Philips’ book Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns details his journey, his context, and his perspective on one of the most important topics for us everyday: how to educate our children and dismantle the school to prison pipeline.
The world united to pray to save the boy in the well. Why not children who die in war?
Over the past week, much of the world was gripped by the heartbreaking story of Rayan, a 5-year-old boy who had plunged 104 feet into a well in Morocco.
Quitting online church is abandoning the one for the 99
With online church, disabled people — including me and my family — were welcomed to church in more ways and more often than ever before. Let’s keep that up
Let’s not gloss over the faith of Black figures this Black History Month
Every Black History Month we see a million memes, quotes, and images of Black people who have played an important role in shaping the story and lives of black people in America. We have heard about Martin Luther King Jr., Harriett Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Rosa...
A God with a heart for the marginalized
A lot of times, in the midst of trial and tribulation, one can feel as though no one sees or understands the plight they are going through. However, in Deuteronomy 24 we see the thoughtfulness of God.
Biden Administration’s Rapid-Test Rollout Doesn’t Easily Reach Those Who Need It Most
In the past week, the Biden administration launched two programs that aim to get rapid covid tests into the hands of every American. But the design of both efforts disadvantages people who already face the greatest barriers to testing.
Will my book be banned?
This power of books — to create new realities for readers — is why there’s something particularly heinous about banning books. Right now, regressive forces in our land are coming up with lists of books that should be banned from schools.
Sidney Poitier – Hollywood’s first Black leading man reflected the civil rights movement on screen
Poitier, who died at 94 on Jan. 7, 2022, broke the mold of what a Black actor could be in Hollywood.
Why an HBCU Med School Decided to Put CARES Act Money Into Students’ Pockets
After deep consideration, Meharry Medican School’s administration decided to give roughly a third of its CARES Act funding directly to its future doctors, dentists and public health researchers.
As Congress debates, Black Baptist leader calls denial of voting rights ‘evil’
(RNS) — On the day of a major voting rights debate on Capitol Hill, a social justice coordinator for the Progressive National Baptist Convention said fighting for voting rights is an effort to conquer evil. “This convention practices a ministry of erosion,” said the...
Rev. Al Sharpton calls for justice in police killing of Valentina Orellana Peralta
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking at the funeral of the 14-year-old fatally shot by a Los Angeles Police Department officer, recalled coming to Los Angeles 30 years ago to protest the beating of Rodney King by police. “We keep seeing LAPD get it...
At Milwaukee church, refugees find welcome from a less suspicious time
Like many churches in the United States, Eastbrook in Milwaukee has felt the pressure of the country’s political polarization inside the church. But they continue to be a refuge for immigrants.
Don’t Drop The Mic: An Interview With Bishop T.D. Jakes
UrbanFaith sat down with Bishop T.D. Jakes to talk about his new book Don’t Drop the Mic which in which he seized the opportunity to share his insight and experience on how to remain faithful to our purpose as we communicate in our dynamic context.
This teen has a lot to tell Eric Adams about the future of NYC schools
In promising to rebuild the department of education from the ground up, Mayor-elect Eric Adams and incoming schools Chancellor David Banks vowed to seek input from students. High school senior Mia Payne, 17, is one of four youth co-chairs on the education transition committee for the new Eric Adams administration.
Violence isn’t the only way Christian nationalism endangers democracy
One year ago at the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the world witnessed one way in which Christian nationalism imperils American democracy. But political violence is not the only way Christian nationalism jeopardizes our democracy.
Stress is contagious in relationships
You might already know stress can affect your own health, but what you may not realize is that your stress – and how you manage it – is catching. Your stress can spread around, particularly to your loved ones.
Ready to Raise Your GPA: An Interview with Jonathan Banks
UrbanFaith interviewed Jonathan Banks, author of Raise Your GPA about we can have success this year and beyond. The full interview is above.
Evangelicals a rising force inside Argentine prisons
Over the past 20 years, Argentine prison authorities have encouraged, to one extent or another, the creation of units effectively run by evangelical inmates
What is Kwanzaa Really About?
Perhaps you may attend a Kwanzaa celebration at your church or even participate in Kwanzaa in the comforts of your own home, but do you really know why? What is Kwanzaa and why do so many African Americans choose to celebrate the holiday?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu: father of South Africa’s ‘rainbow nation’
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu has died at the age of 90.
Archbishop Tutu earned the respect and love of millions of South Africans and the world. He carved out a permanent place in their hearts and minds, becoming known affectionately as “The Arch”.
Talking About Race: An Interview with Bishop Kenneth Ulmer
UrbanFaith sat down with Bishop Kenneth Ulmer to discuss his most recent work to confront racism and bring people together.
“Type Faith”
A Poem: A brown man taught me how to love and He taught me about faith, too
Been Buying Black: An Interview with Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
UrbanFaith sat down with Dr. Haynes to discuss their recent #100BuyBlack initiative which honors and extends the legacy of Black Wall Street
Women breaking through to top roles in Black churches
In the past few decades more and more women are breaking through into top leadership roles in in Black Churches and Denominations
The lifesaving power of gratitude (or, why you should write that thank you note)
Gratitude may be more beneficial than we commonly suppose.
What Americans hear about social justice at church – and what they do about it
Today, many Americans are pessimistic about inequality, political divisions and ethnic conflict. Yet, as these surveys show, social justice-minded congregations inspire members to work for policies that support their vision of the public good.
King Richard: An Interview with Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton
UrbanFaith sat down with Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton who play tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams alongside Will Smith in King Richard in theaters and on HBO Max this Friday!
Americans are in a mental health crisis – especially African Americans. Can churches help?
For a variety of reasons, many African Americans face barriers to mental health care. But strengthening relationships between churches and mental health providers can be one way to increase access to needed services.
‘Colin loved the church’: Powell recalled as Episcopalian at cathedral funeral
Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell, known as a four-star general and as a onetime secretary of defense, was remembered at his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral Friday (Nov. 5) as a man of the Episcopal faith.
Nearly half of all churches and other faith institutions help people get enough to eat
Almost half of U.S. congregations participate in some kind of food distribution program, government benefits often don’t cover the full food costs of people facing economic hardship.
Halloween and the Holy Ghost
Is it a foolish glorification of all things wicked and evil, or just a fun holiday that celebrates the adrenaline rush of being scared and collecting tons of candy? Is there a right choice for Christians?
Battle Cry: An Interview with Jason Wilson
Jason Wilson has been training and mentoring men and speaking about emotional, mental, and spiritual health for decades. His new book Battle Cry shares his insights and principles for winning the war within
35 Years of Christians in Hip-Hop
A notable, special, and interesting collection of 30 rap songs by Christian artists, including a bunch of “honorable mention” titles.
Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to sing spirituals 150 years later
A century and a half ago, nine young men and women embarked on a trip from Fisk University, establishing a tradition of singing spirituals that both funded their Nashville, Tennessee, school and introduced the musical genre to the world.
Is Kanye West’s “Donda” a Gospel Album?
Kanye West’s “Donda” is now one of the highest-grossing albums of all time in the Gospel/Christian category, but many believers are still asking: is Kanye West’s “Donda” album a Gospel album?
Help And Hope For Haiti: An Interview with Fr. Joseph Philippe
In spite of the negative images, there is long term hope and help for Haiti. One of the people doing tremendous work not only in the aftermath of natural disasters, but daily, is Father Joseph Philippe.
Removal of Robert E. Lee leaves Arthur Ashe as Richmond’s remaining witness
The last Confederate monument still standing on Richmond, Virginia’s Monument Avenue, the massive tribute to General Robert E. Lee, was removed on Wednesday (Sept. 8).
Never Forget, Despite the Pandemic
I remember the heartbreak and months-long mourning in New York City after that fateful day back on September 11, 2001. Even amidst this ongoing and insufferable pandemic, we owe the victims and their families a moment of recognition and remembrance. We must #NeverForget.
The Miracle Mentality
Acclaimed author and motivational speaker Tim Storey explains how miracles can help you get out of a bad situation and get you into a better place.
What are the Jewish High Holy Days? A look at Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and a month of celebrating renewal and moral responsibility
Over the next few weeks, members of the Jewish faith will observe the High Holy Days in the month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar, usually in September and October. These holidays commemorate concepts such as renewal, forgiveness, freedom and joy.
The Faith of Our Fathers: Reclaiming the (North African) Church Fathers
Many African-Americans, don’t realize that some of the most influential theologians originated from northern Africa. Find out who they are and how they have influenced Christianity as we know it.
How to Fight Racism: An Interview with Jemar Tisby
In his new book, How to Fight Racism, New York Times best-selling author Jemar Tisby continues the conversation about racial reconciliation in the church, but adds a framework for how to do it.