civil rights
How a national emergency order endangers the ‘other’
By Jonathan Perlman and Eric C Manning — February 20, 2019
(RNS) — The leaders of two congregations that have suffered violence incited by hate, we recognize the president's 'emergency' isn’t about an invasion, but the language of governmental overreach.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank: contemporaries with a common legacy
By Nancy Churnin — January 17, 2019
(RNS) — Two great souls who never lost their faith in love and humanity help us to understand the meaning of each of their lives.
Howard Thurman, mentor to King who preached nonviolence, featured in documentary
By Adelle M. Banks — January 17, 2019
(RNS) — King is said to have carried in his travels the 1949 book 'Jesus and the Disinherited,' Thurman’s explanation of his theology to uplift the oppressed.
Rev. James Lawson, nonviolence advocate, recommended for Congressional Gold Medal
By Adelle M. Banks — November 16, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Nonviolence is the force that can save our nation from itself,' Lawson said at a congressional reception announcing plans to honor him.
How to talk about racism in the church without becoming bitter
By Jemar Tisby — November 14, 2018
(RNS) — Unfortunately, many predominantly white Christian outlets and organizations prove extremely hostile to any anti-racist messages. But those particular places do not represent the church as a whole.
A tale of two synagogues
By Jennifer Butler — October 31, 2018
(RNS) — The virulent anti-Semitism that led to the murder of 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue this past weekend shares eerie parallels with 1950s Atlanta.
Battle lines form over social justice: Is it gospel or heresy?
By Jemar Tisby — September 6, 2018
(RNS) — In the current social climate some Christians have called for new movements to fight the marginalization of minorities and the poor as an expression of discipleship. But others see calls for social justice as a distraction from the gospel.
Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’ could foster new black-Jewish ties
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 12, 2018
(RNS) — Blacks and Jews. The enduring intersectionality. Thank you for reminding us, Spike Lee.
Civil rights legend Meredith says he’s on a mission from God
By Emily Wagster Pettus — July 20, 2018
(AP) — A maverick of the civil rights movement who integrated the University of Mississippi and worked for Sen. Jesse Helms, Meredith says black people must lead the way for Christians of all races to have spiritual healing.
Talking MLK, Robert George and Cornel West offer antidote to partisanship
By Adelle M. Banks — May 30, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — West said he’s had to answer critics who can’t understand how he travels around the country with George: 'I say, "Have you met him? Have you sat down and talked with him?"'
Don’t domesticate MLK
By Tom Krattenmaker — March 30, 2018
(RNS) — Whenever we remember the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., some people inevitably pull out a piece of sandpaper and try to smooth the sharp edges of the great civil rights prophet.
Am I not a theologian too?
By F. Romall Smalls — March 15, 2018
(RNS) — Why don’t more of us study and think of theological giants like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his chief of staff, the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker, as theologians?
Billy Graham helped give white evangelicals a pass on civil rights — scholars
By Christine A. Scheller — March 1, 2018
(RNS) — While he is remembered for speaking out against racism and segregation during his later revivals, some scholars argue that he gave white evangelicals a safe alternative to civil rights engagement.
MLK confidant and civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker dies
By Denise Lavoie — January 24, 2018
CHESTER, Va. (AP) — Walker was a key player in the civil rights movement, brought in by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to be the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
How to change hearts on race
By Richard Mouw — January 23, 2018
(RNS) — Ultimately, doctrines of racial superiority have to be destroyed in the deep places of our souls. But a smartphone can help.
