Commentary
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.
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
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
Breaking the Myth of Generational Curses
We must reject the myth of generational curses as believers. Ezekiel and Jeremiah make that clear. Jesus breaks every curse. We can put our faith in God knowing we are not being punished for the sins of our parents.
Hurricane Ida: 4 essential reads about New Orleans’ high hurricane risk and what climate change has to do with the storms
Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana coast with 150 mph winds on Aug. 29, 2021, 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans on nearly the same path.
He Saw That It Was Good: An Interview with Sho Baraka
How can we hear and follow God in the midst of our fractured reality in ways that are faithful and life-giving? UrbanFaith sat down with the artist, activist, and creative Sho Baraka to talk about his new book He Saw That It Was Good, which helps us think through some of the most pressing questions in our world.
Historically Black college in South Carolina offers free tuition
ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — A small historically Black college in South Carolina is offering all full-time students free tuition for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. Clinton College President Lester McCorn made the announcement last week for qualifying full-time...
William Pannell wrote ‘The Coming Race Wars?’ nearly 30 years ago. It still resonates today
n his book, “The Coming Race Wars?,” theologian William Pannell foresees the poor and disenfranchised engaging in violent urban uprisings and revolts across the world similar to the 1992 Los Angeles riots. It will only be a matter of time, he writes, “before some cop blows it again in his or her treatment of a Black person, probably a Black man.”
Big, Bold, & Beautiful: An Interview with Kierra Sheard-Kelly
UrbanFaith sat down with Gospel artist, entrepreneur, and now author Kierra Sheard Kelly about the release of her first book: Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be which shares experiences, wisdom, and encouragement to walk in freedom through faith
From Football Field to Mission Field: Interview with Benjamin, Asa, & Rev. Kenneth Watson
Benjamin and Asa Watson were prepared by their father Rev. Ken Watson to be pros on the football field and examples on the mission field. UrbanFaith sat down with the Watson men to discuss their faith and the impact it had on their success.
Bob Moses, civil rights leader, led us to imagine the end of racism
The death of Bob Moses on Sunday (July 25) at age 86 should make anyone who dares meddle with Americans’ voting rights in this country pause. The life of the great educator and civil rights leader in Mississippi during the turbulent and violent 1960s reminds us that there may be no more noble cause and that it attracts powerful champions.
Sparked by pandemic fallout, homeschooling surges across US
Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: They’re now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.
Retiring Bishop Vashti McKenzie, first AME Church woman prelate, reflects on a groundbreaking career
(RNS) — Just-retired Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is an apologist for an adaptive style of leadership. It's what has helped her succeed as the first woman to hold many roles in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. And it's a style of leadership she said was needed...
Why Should Christians Have Churchwide Conferences?
We all look forward to summer vacations, summer hours, and summer…denominational general conferences? Many Christians ask, why are we having these conferences? Why are these issues being debated? Why aren’t we just doing what the Bible says?