The Rev. William Barber traveled to the U.S. Capitol to protest proposed $1.5 trillion Republican budget cuts—targeting Medicaid, food aid, and housing—framing them as economic injustice that threatens vulnerable Americans.
Category: Religion
Posted inReligion
Rev. William Barber arrested in Capitol Rotunda after praying against Republican-led budget
By Jack Jenkins Prominent pastor and anti-poverty activist the Rev. William Barber and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on April 28, an action he said would be part of a recurring series of demonstrations aimed at challenging the Republican-led budget bill. The arrests occurred roughly 15 minutes after Barber, […]
Posted inReligion
Black churches back embattled Smithsonian African-American history museum after White House order
African-American churches are showing solidarity with the National Museum of African American History and Culture amid backlash against an Oval Office executive order criticizing the museum’s portrayal of U.S. history. Several ministers are urging their congregants to support the museum financially via memberships among other signs of support.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Millions mourn Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the first pope from South America, was known for his humble and non-traditional gestures, and his passing has prompted reflection on his powerful legacy and the unfinished hopes of Black Catholics seeking recognition for African-American sainthood.
Posted inReligion
A Black pope? Francis made it a possibility
Pope Francis, who died at age 88, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities, including Black people, through actions like appointing the first African-American cardinal and condemning racism as a sin. His inclusive leadership reshaped the Catholic Church’s global power dynamics and opened the possibility for the election of the first Black pope.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died on April 21 at age 88, leaving behind a transformative yet polarizing legacy marked by his humility, compassion for the marginalized, and progressive reforms that challenged conservative Catholic traditions. While he inspired many with his focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a “poor church for the poor,” his papacy also stirred controversy over his approach to sexual abuse scandals, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and church doctrine.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
A Pentecostal church in South Africa holds mass Easter weddings for 3,000 people, some polygamous
A Pentecostal church in South Africa celebrated Easter Sunday with a mass wedding ceremony for about 3,000 people, many entering into polygamous marriages as part of the church’s traditions. The International Pentecost Holiness Church, which blends Pentecostal beliefs with African customs, held its largest wedding event yet at its 60,000-seat headquarters near Johannesburg.
Posted inReligion
What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Holy Week commemorates the final days of Jesus’ life, highlighting both his sacrifice and his acts of resistance against empire and injustice, culminating in his resurrection on Easter Sunday. While many see Jesus as a loving savior, Holy Week invites believers to also recognize his radical challenge to power and the modern-day church’s call to carry on that spirit through justice, reflection and community action.
Posted inReligion
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. steps into retirement after five decades of serviceÂ
After 50 years of transformative leadership, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. has retired from New Psalmist Baptist Church, alongside his wife, Lady Patricia Thomas, leaving a legacy of faith, growth and community impact. His ministry, captured in a powerful documentary and celebrated through a series of heartfelt events, reflects a life wholly devoted to purpose, family and the spiritual empowerment of thousands.
Posted inArts & Culture
Gospel Fest brings church to the Symphony Hall
In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Posted inReligion
As services shrink, churches step up
Black churches across the U.S. are stepping up to fill gaps left by government cutbacks. Across the country, clergy members and congregants are providing food, jobs and essential services to their communities.
Posted inReligion
AME minister Rev. Joan Wharton honored at 2-day retirement celebrationÂ
The Rev. Dr. Joan Louise Wharton, a trailblazer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was honored in a two-day celebration in Baltimore as she prepares to retire in 2025 after 39 years of pastoral leadership. Her legacy of faith, advocacy and ministry has transformed communities, expanded opportunities for women in the clergy and inspired countless lives through mentorship, service and her written works.