News

A Louisiana man who admitted to burning down three predominantly African American churches to promote himself as a “black metal” musician was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay the churches $2.6 million. 

A number of religious leaders, houses of worship, and faith-based organizations are planning spiritual care to help their communities handle the fear, stress, and anxiety throughout the Election Day.

In their final sermons before Election Day, some of the country’s most prominent Christian pastors urged their listeners on Sunday (Nov. 1) to vote, even as they defended the propriety of addressing politics from the pulpit.

Some churches are planning vigils and services this year around All Saints’ Day, the traditional Christian day of remembrance. The various services are remembering people who have died in the past year, especially those who have died from COVID-19.

For many Black Americans, life in predominantly white and conservative regions can be isolating and lonely. Here is a look at multiple congregations in rural North Carolina.

The Missouri Baptist Convention on Tuesday elected its first Black president — 186 years after the first man to hold that position did so while he enslaved more than a dozen Black people. This week’s election of Jon Nelson symbolized a significant change since Jeremiah Vardeman’s election in 1834 & 1835.

A group of evangelical leaders has issued and signed a letter calling for believers to be peacemakers, elevating their identities in Christ above societal divisions. A network known as The Matthew 5:9 Fellowship initiated the letter.

Several groups are encouraging clergy to serve as chaplains at polling places. Clergy can be on hand to pass out snacks to voters waiting in long lines, maybe a poncho if it starts to rain. They could also play a role amid the rancorous tenor of national politics and concerns about voter intimidation and even violence.

Jerry Falwell Jr. has sued Liberty University, alleging the evangelical school founded by his late pastor father damaged his reputation after he resigned as president and chancellor in August amid a series of scandals.

The building of Vietnam Baptist Church in Philadelphia was burned Tuesday night (Oct. 27) during the second night of unrest in the city after the police shooting of a Black man Monday (Oct. 26).