Ferguson
Police chief to black churches: ‘We can’t do this without you guys’
By Adelle M. Banks — January 9, 2015
(RNS) As racial tensions continue to simmer in the wake of the deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of white officers in Ferguson, Mo., New York City and elsewhere, churches have offered themselves up as trusted go-betweens for the police and angry residents, particularly in black communities.
The 10 most read ‘Faitheist’ stories of 2014
By Chris Stedman — January 1, 2015
As we begin 2015, here's a look back at the most read 'Faitheist' posts from last year—from whether or not atheists can be fundamentalists to why atheists shouldn't call religion a mental illness.
How adoption has forced evangelicals to grapple with race relations
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — December 22, 2014
(RNS) “People who previously assumed that racial prejudice was back in the Jim Crow era are awakened by it with their own kids," said Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore.
2014: The top stories in atheism
By Chris Stedman — December 22, 2014
From the popularity of 'Cosmos' on Fox-TV to the Roku launch of 'Atheist TV', from open atheist James Woods's inspiring congressional campaign to Richard Dawkins's less-than-inspiring tweets, atheists made headlines all year.
2014 in review: An unsettling year, with religion in a starring role
By Kevin Eckstrom — December 17, 2014
(RNS) Remember Bishop Bling? Mark Driscoll? Brittany Maynard? They all helped shape the top religion headlines of 2014.
What’s in a name? The image of God (COMMENTARY)
By Shane Claiborne — December 9, 2014
(RNS) We can’t make injustice history until we make injustice personal.
After Ferguson and Eric Garner decisions, white Christians say it’s time to stand with blacks
By Adelle M. Banks — December 4, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) “’Love your neighbor as yourself’ means you picture yourself being choked and surrounded by five men while you say, ‘I can't breathe,’” said Scott Slayton, a white Southern Baptist pastor in Chelsea, Ala.
This Advent, will faith stay safe or stand tall? (COMMENTARY)
By Tom Ehrich — December 2, 2014
(RNS) We aren't to be custodians of nostalgia or sacred custom. We are to respond boldly when God says, "See, I am making all things new."
Why the post-racial label only perpetuates racism (COMMENTARY)
By Hussein Rashid — November 25, 2014
(RNS) Racism is not about racists. It is about power that is directed against marginalized groups to keep them marginalized.
Ferguson pastors urge peace after grand jury doesn’t indict
By Lilly Fowler — November 25, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) The Rev. C. Jessel Strong, president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, took the pulpit: “We’re here because we’re sick and tired. Why does it seem all of our children are shot by the police?”
The fight to show that Black lives matter, in Ferguson and beyond, needs atheist allies
By Chris Stedman — November 24, 2014
I know not all atheists identify as secular humanists, but for those that do—for the nonbelieving individuals and groups who, like me, contend for secular rights and ethical reasoning conducive to the wellbeing of all humans—I need you.
Churches to serve as safe spaces after Ferguson grand jury announcement
By Lilly Fowler — November 21, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) With a grand jury decision on whether to indict the officer who fatally shot African-American teenager Michael Brown, expected by the end of the month, churches in the area are prepared to offer refuge.
Instead of hating on social justice, atheists should tackle STEM segregation
By Chris Stedman — November 21, 2014
As a racially polarized nation awaits the grand jury decision on the officer who killed unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, atheists and Humanists must step up on addressing STEM segregation and racism.
In wake of Ferguson, a bid to make St. Louis a more ‘compassionate’ city
By Lilly Fowler — November 13, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) More than 60 cities around the world have signed the Charter for Compassion and that more than 350 are in the process of joining.
Pastor who took a bullet paves her own way to Ferguson’s frontline
By Lilly Fowler — November 3, 2014
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (RNS) The Rev. Lamkin said she didn’t really have a plan when she ventured out to Ferguson but that “the whole being shot thing was probably the best thing that could have happened.”
