Current Events
Remnants of Black church uncovered in Colonial Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — The brick foundation of one of the nation's oldest Black churches has been unearthed at Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum in Virginia that continues to reckon with its past storytelling about the country's origins and the role of...
As billionaires grow richer, children go to sleep hungry
Last year, families across the United States struggled to put food on the table and balance the responsibilities of childcare and work (assuming they still had a job), but the wealthiest people in our country only got wealthier.
Albert Raboteau, expert on African American religious history, dead at 78
Albert J. Raboteau, an American religion historian who helped students and journalists enhance their understanding of African American religion, has died.
Kenyan Methodists defy ban on campaigning at church, saying ‘humans are political’
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Some churches in Kenya have barred politicians from addressing their congregations, saying campaigning during services disrespects the sanctity of worship. The national Anglican, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic churches have all issued bans, as...
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).
Louisiana residents thankful for small miracles after Ida
MARRERO, La. (AP) — Amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, there was at least one bright light Sunday: Parishioners found that electricity had been restored to their church outside of New Orleans, a small improvement as residents of Louisiana struggle to regain...
Moroccans elect new leaders in shadow of virus
Moroccans voted Wednesday for a new parliament and local leaders in elections that have been reshaped by the pandemic, and whose outcome is hard to predict as opinion polls were not allowed.
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.
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.
Charleston church shooter’s death sentence upheld
A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond affirmed Dylann Roof’s conviction and sentence in the shootings at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
Biden authorizes new refugee funds, fends off criticism from aid groups
President Joe Biden has authorized an additional $500 million to aid refugees from Afghanistan, pushing through the funds as the White House fends off suggestions it failed a moral test to aid those fleeing the war-torn country.
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...
Hundreds arrested at Capitol while protesting for voting rights, minimum wage
According to Capitol police, more than 200 faith-led demonstrators were arrested while praying, singing and protesting in the street, hoping to draw attention to voting rights and a slate of other issues participants argued impact the poor and low-wage workers.
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.
With more than a million children orphaned by COVID, faith-based groups look to mobilize support
More than a million children around the world may have been orphaned by COVID-19, losing one or both parents to the disease or related causes.
Tunisia’s president orders military to manage virus crisis
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia's president ordered the military Wednesday to take over managing the national COVID-19 pandemic response, as the country fights one of Africa's worst outbreaks. The military health service will be assigned the task, Tunisian President...