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As a scholar and disability rights advocate, Amy Kenny illuminates aspects of our own lives, our congregations, and our society that continue to harm our neighbors living with disabilities and hold all of us back from enjoying true community.

A survey released Tuesday (Oct. 20) found that Republicans and evangelicals increasingly see empathy as a danger that can lead society away from God. The survey found that more than half of Americans see President Trump as a threat to democracy.

Kansas has long been known as the launching pad for a fantasy story about the “Wizard of Oz.” But last night, the Sunflower State provided the setting for a show even more bizarre than one about witches, flying monkeys, and a talking (and singing) lion, scarecrow, and tin man.

We are excited to announce a new book unpacking seven types of misuses of Scripture by influential preachers and politicians pushing Christian Nationalism today, officially out Oct. 7 from Chalice Press and available for pre-order now.

Videos

Church

Beyond supporting families in distress, the group hopes to activate Christians — especially White or English-speaking evangelicals — who have been sitting on the sidelines in aiding immigrants as mass deportations have ramped up.

‘We have to try to make it so big it can't be rigged,’ Michigan Baptist leader the Rev. James C. Perkins said of voter turnout efforts.

Hundreds of residents gathered for a community-wide re-dedication of the original First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, which was established in 1776 by enslaved and free African Americans in defiance of laws that prevented them from congregating.

Nation

A survey released Tuesday (Oct. 20) found that Republicans and evangelicals increasingly see empathy as a danger that can lead society away from God. The survey found that more than half of Americans see President Trump as a threat to democracy.

While the idea of poll chaplains has been around for several years, 2026 will likely be different because there is widespread concern that the presence of federal immigration agents could create a chilling effect.

This issue of A Public Witness contemplates historical parallels between the Stasi secret police force in East Germany targeting activist Lutheran congregations and DHS agents spying inside ELCA churches today.

World

Pope Leo XIV once again stressed that God does not promote war and called for the protection of human dignity and life, during the last day of his papal visit to France on Monday (Sept. 28).

The group, which included a religious adviser to Trump, sent a letter to Trump officials — an unusual instance of evangelical leaders urging the administration to change course.

Amid surging kidnappings and attacks on communities and places of worship, faith leaders are forming partnerships aimed at countering religious division and building peace.

Editorials

Kansas has long been known as the launching pad for a fantasy story about the “Wizard of Oz.” But last night, the Sunflower State provided the setting for a show even more bizarre than one about witches, flying monkeys, and a talking (and singing) lion, scarecrow, and tin man.

Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor unpacks a significant problem with a proposed resolution for consideration at the 2026 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The choice of ‘Two Chronicles’ is not a coincidence.

Word&Way Voices

As Christians, we are called to be citizens of heaven — currently residing on earth — so we should learn to talk like it.

Evangelicals have turned to various historical figures in an attempt to depict President Donald Trump as a fine Christian man. But the “Sun King” might be the best fit.

There is a way to interpret Scripture that leaves a person almost permanently reassured — difficult passages become instruments for identifying enemies rather than mirrors for examining the soul. But the Bible consistently resists that reading.

E-Newsletter

As a scholar and disability rights advocate, Amy Kenny illuminates aspects of our own lives, our congregations, and our society that continue to harm our neighbors living with disabilities and hold all of us back from enjoying true community.

This issue of A Public Witness contemplates historical parallels between the Stasi secret police force in East Germany targeting activist Lutheran congregations and DHS agents spying inside ELCA churches today.

This issue of A Public Witness considers the claims that ‘the Bible says so’ and the diverse Christian voices opposing the snuff film planned by the Crusader leading the Pentagon.

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Recent Episodes

Books

As a scholar and disability rights advocate, Amy Kenny illuminates aspects of our own lives, our congregations, and our society that continue to harm our neighbors living with disabilities and hold all of us back from enjoying true community.

From the founding fathers to the rise of Christian Nationalism, this new book from Michael E. Heyes reveals how America's centuries-long obsession with evil has shaped — and endangered — the United States.

C. M. Howell shows that the religious dimension of Outlaw Country is best understood as musicians involved in a mode of theological play.

Daniel Cooperrider reminds readers that God continues to speak in the context of nature and the ebbs and flows of the seasons. It’s a witness we need to heed, considering the climate challenges we face as human beings.