Democrats Pass Resolution Condemning ‘White Religious Nationalism’
The Democratic National Committee has passed a resolution condemning “white religious nationalism,” declaring that “theocracy is incompatible with democracy and religious freedom.”
Black Writers Talk White Christian Nationalism
Sabrina E. Dent and Obery Hendricks, two of the foremost experts on race, religion, and American politics, gathered on Tuesday for a virtual “kitchen table-style conversation” about the state of White Christian Nationalism.
Spying Our Character
This issue of A Public Witness looks back into history to consider a balloon disaster in 1945 and how survivors reacted to bring healing to the world — a far cry from what many public figures offered when a balloon floated over the U.S. last
Spiritual Advisers Offering Final Comfort in Execution Rooms
For decades, Missouri executions played out in similar fashion. But that is changing now as spiritual advisors are present in the room, like Rev. Darryl Gray in November and Rev. Lauren Bennett in January.
Biden Tells Dueling Prayer Breakfasts That ‘Diversity Is One of Our Greatest Strengths’
Biden’s remarks occurred on the day when there were two prayer breakfast events for the first time since Dwight Eisenhower became the first president to make an appearance. Besides the gathering at the Capitol, one hosted by “The Family” met where the breakfast has been
Praying in a Death Chamber
As Missouri plans another execution on Feb. 7 in a case with a strong innocence claim, Rev. Lauren Bennett’s story offers a look inside the execution chamber. Last month as she ministered deep in the valley of prison until the shadow of death passed over,
Clergy Protest Legislation Targeting Transgender Children in Missouri
Jewish and Christian clergy have taken an active role in protesting what one advocacy group has called the “most dangerous” session of the Missouri Legislature for the LGBTQ community it has seen in years. All told, Missouri lawmakers have introduced 27 anti-LGBTQ bills — more
Christian Nationalism and a Bagel
Given the questions about the event throughout its seven-decade history, the National Prayer Breakfast deserves greater attention. So in this issue of A Public Witness, Brian Kaylor recalls its history and recent controversies before considering what this year's new changes could mean.
How Evangelicals Moved From Supporting Environmental Stewardship to Climate Skepticism
White conservative evangelicals, who make up most of the religious right movement, largely oppose government regulation to protect the environment, including efforts to curb human-caused climate change. Contrary to popular perception, however, this hasn’t always been the case.
Tyre Nichols Police Beating Video Prompts Faith Leaders to React With Grief, Goals
Religious leaders reacted swiftly — with legislative appeals and collective grief — to the release of video footage of police officers beating Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died days after a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee. Some questioned whether the video of the police