Donald Trump’s prohibition of government diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with subduing marginalized communities, pastor, activist and author Jacqui Lewis said during a recent episode of “The State of Belief”…
Tulsa Race Massacre was more planned than previously reported
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was less an act of spontaneous vengeance against Black residents and more premeditated and organized than previously known, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Justice. The study also found local law…
Show up and speak up to save democracy, panelists urge
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he is struggling to fully comprehend the Trump administration’s overwhelming assault on basic freedoms as well as its ongoing attempt to dismantle federal programs and agencies. Calling the situation a “crisis” would be an…
Churches called to be bold and flexible in immigration ministries
Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigration is pushing faith-based groups to be more bold, flexible and creative in their ministries to immigrants, a panel of experts said during a webinar hosted by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. The session…
Refugee resettlement ministries sue Trump administration
A new federal lawsuit seeks to overturn the Trump administration’s suspension of refugee admissions and to restore funds Congress already approved to serve refugees recently admitted to the country. Three refugee service organizations and nine individuals filed Pacito v. Trump…
Culture wars caused evangelicals to vote against their interests, author says
Right-wing influencers propelled Donald Trump to power by spreading misinformation that convinced the MAGA base to support political agendas detrimental to their own interests, according to Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American…
‘I’m trying to explain to my 4-year-old that his dad only has a passport’
One of the most heart-breaking tasks Ashley ever faced was explaining to her 4-year-old son why his father, an undocumented immigrant, faces possible deportation after being arrested by federal agents last month, the American woman said during a Feb. 6…
Churches educating congregants on how to respond if ICE shows up
Religious groups are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst now that immigration raids can be conducted in churches, schools and other spaces historically off limits to such actions. The Trump administration rescinded previous guidance barring Immigration and…
‘The church of fear is still in effect,’ author says
The fear and rage that drove evangelical support for Donald Trump has not abated since his return to office, journalist and author Christine Emba observed during a webinar on Christianity and democracy hosted by the Brookings Institution. On the contrary,…
‘It’s a hard time to be a pastor,’ refugee advocate says
Leading churches with ministries to internationals or with multi-ethnic congregations is becoming more challenging under a federal government hostile toward immigrants and refugees, faith leaders said during a recent webinar hosted by World Relief. Panelists focused on how the Trump…
MAGA ramps up attacks on US Christian groups
Donald Trump and his allies are widening their attacks on religious groups compassionate toward immigrants, refugees, the poor and LGBTQ people. The Catholic and Episcopal churches have faced the heat from the MAGA movement for some time and are again…
Partners for Sacred Places helps churches see their spaces anew
Bob Jaeger and his team at Partners for Sacred Places want struggling American congregations to know there are numerous ways to preserve and use aging facilities beyond just seeing them become pieces of commercial real estate. But doing so requires…