Isaiah 57:13 (in photos)
Isaiah 57:13, as seen in photos of a Confederate monument outside Calcasieu Parish courthouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana, that was knocked down by Hurricane Laura.
Religious Tourism Hit Hard in the Pandemic
Religious tourism has been significantly affected by the spread of the coronavirus, with 63.8% of travelers reducing their travel plans as a result. As COVID-19 evolved to become a global pandemic, governments across the globe closed sacred sites and temporarily banned religious travel.
Naming Our Pain
Columnist Terrell Carter reflects on Psalm 31, which reminds us that it is okay for us to express our pain, frustration, and heartache about life to God and others in honest ways, and know that these expressions of pain are okay with God.
As Hurricane Laura Hits, Faith-Based Disaster Relief Groups Ready to Lend a Hand
Once Hurricane Laura passes and assessments are in, faith-based disaster-relief groups will be among the first to respond. Already, teams have been watching the storm and making plans all week.
‘Ax Handle Saturday’: The Klan’s Vicious Attack on Black Protesters in Florida 60 Years Ago
The Florida Klansmen had armed themselves with ax handles. It was Aug. 27, 1960 — a year of lunch counter sit-ins by civil rights activists. Read full piece
Beirut Explosion Brings Sorrow & Memories for 91-Year-Old Missionary
Like people around the world, Frances Fuller was deeply grieved by the Aug. 4 explosion that killed nearly 200 people and displaced another 300,000 in Beirut, Lebanon. But for Fuller, 91, watching the indescribable carnage was personal. Read full piece
Pence Replaced with Pastor for Wisconsin Lutheran College Commencement
Vice President Mike Pence is no longer invited to deliver a commencement address to the graduates of Wisconsin Lutheran College amid ongoing unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by police. Read full piece
What Love — & Power Tools — Can Do
Columnist Heather Feeler reflects on leading a small group of girls from her church in helping with a Habitat for Humanity build as part of a stay-in-town mission trip week.
Christians: Let’s Unite in Pandemic to Fight Injustices
Two significant, global religious bodies on Thursday (Aug. 27) called on Christians to band together to fight “sins” laid bare or aggravated by the pandemic, including racism and economic injustice.
Latin America’s Evangelical Churches Hard Hit by Pandemic
Throughout Latin America, evangelical churches have flouted public health guidelines by holding in-person services, or have personally ministered to church members in homes and other settings. In at least two countries, evangelical pastors have died in alarming numbers during the pandemic.