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The site of colonial America's break with the Church of England and the mother church of the nation’s first Black denomination sit less than a mile from each other.

This issue of A Public Witness listens in on the anti-Amendment 3 sermon effort across the Show-Me State.

This issue of A Public Witness looks at how Trump, along with several pastors and conservative Christian activists, lied about shouts of “Lies!” at a recent Harris rally — and his supporters responded by taking the Lord’s name in vain.

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Dangerous Dogma

Church

Pressler was one of the architects of the ‘Conservative Resurgence’ that took over the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1980s and 1990s. He was later accused of sexual abuse.

After losing nearly half its membership in just five years, the RCA’s General Synod will consider 10 proposals aimed at charting a path forward.

This issue of A Public Witness takes you inside the SBC meeting to explore debate over the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and other moments where Southern Baptists considered issues of patriotism, politics, and Christian Nationalism.

Nation

In ‘For Our Daughters,’ a new film from Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of ‘Jesus and John Wayne,’ abuse survivors argue that if pastors can’t keep their own churches safe, they should not be running the country.

In addition to discrimination concerns and church-state issues, opponents worry school vouchers take money from public schools, which serve most students, and benefit higher-income families who already use private schools.

More than 200 Christian leaders have signed a document arguing that 'democracy stands embattled.'

World

The pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling respiratory problems all winter.

'Usually people are joyful today and kids are excited. But when you compare children here who have water and food and a family to what’s happening in Gaza, how can you be happy?' said Fayaz Dakkak, a Palestinian storeowner.

‘We repent of the ways we have not stood alongside our Palestinian siblings in faithful witness in the midst of their grief, agony, and sorrow,’ the leaders wrote.

Editorials

Before janitors could even remove the litter and excrement from the Capitol after last week’s attack by a pro-Trump mob, some politicians and preachers started issuing calls for unity and reconciliation. But, Editor Brian Kaylor argues, skipping past truth-telling and accountability would be an injustice.

After the Oklahoma City bombing, Billy Graham offered words on hope and justice. A quarter-century later, his son instead inflames partisan divides following an attack on the U.S. Capitol. Like the sons of the biblical prophet Samuel, Franklin appears unable to carry the mantle of his father.

After White Supremacists stormed the U.S. Capitol, waving both Confederate and Christian flags during their insurrection, the nation needs Christian leaders who can bring healing, truth-telling, and justice. Al Mohler is not such a leader for this moment. He needs to step aside.

Word&Way Voices

Rev. Angela Denker explores the phenomenon of non-ordained men married to women who are pastors. So simple. So revolutionary. So threatening to many American Christians.

Pastor and hospice chaplain Melissa Bowers reminds us that in the long, horrifying legacy of state-sanctioned murder in the United States, a tiny pinprick of light has broken through.

Rev. Carlos L. Malavé of the Latino Christian National Network contrasts our propensity for fear and fighting violence with more violence with an alternative reality revealed to us through this liturgical season.

E-Newsletter

This issue of A Public Witness reflects on Genocide Awareness Month and how we can’t stop atrocities if we refuse to see them.

This issue of A Public Witness explores the problem with Trump’s call for Nov. 5 and proposes an alternative date for a more authentic “Christian Visibility Day.”

This issue of A Public Witness looks at responses to Richard Dawkins recently claiming the label 'cultural Christian' despite his past tirades against religion to consider what this reveals about the unChristian nature of Christian Nationalism.

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Podcasts

In the 13th episode of Dangerous Dogma, Mae Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, talks about the work of CMEP and her book 'Beyond Hashtag Activism.'

In the 12th episode of Dangerous Dogma, David Gushee, talks about his book 'After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity.' He also discusses biblical interpretation, ethics, and presidential leadership.

Sandhya Rani Jha, anti-oppression consultant and community organizer, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her book: Liberating Love: 365 Love Notes from God. She also discusses activism, biblical interpretation, and Christian community.

In episode 10 of Dangerous Dogma, Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins Word&Way President Brian Kaylor to talk about the meaning of religious liberty and why the separation of church

Books

In "Dancing in My Dreams: A Spiritual Biography of Tina Turner," author Ralph H. Craig III illuminates the often overlooked spiritual dimensions of the Queen of Rock and Roll's life.

As part of a series on "Postcolonial and Decolonial Studies in Religion and Theology," author José Francisco Morales Torres makes the case that wonder is not something we produce or seek but rather something that captivates and takes hold of

"Worship and Power: Liturgical Authority in Free Church Traditions" examines how Baptist, Pentecostal, Mennonite, and Disciples of Christ churches can effectively worship amid decentralized guidance.

Sociologist Wendy Cadge's "Spiritual Care: The Everyday Work of Chaplains" is an in-depth study that fills a gaping hole in understanding how religious care is provided within the United States.