When Frogs (and Other Creatures) Challenge Imperial Power
This issue of A Public Witness hits the streets to consider what some recent creative protests can teach us about how to prophetically resist authoritarianism.
Doth Protest Too Much?
In this issue of A Public Witness, we look at the few protests at churches that actually occurred over the weekend. Then we recall more significant political protests in sanctuaries in the past before considering what all of this might portend for free speech in sacred
Missionary Calls Sentenced Hong Kong Activists ‘Prophets for Our Days’
A longtime missionary in Hong Kong has praised the pro-democracy activists who received jail sentences last week for their vocal opposition to the city’s new national security law. Read full piece
After Military Coup, It’s ‘Time to Shout’ for Myanmar Evangelicals
Despite becoming more vulnerable and disconnected following last week’s military takeover, the country’s Christian minority steps out in prayer and protest. Read full piece
Protests, Pandemics, & Politics: The Top 2020 Searches for Bible Passages Online
The website BibleGateway.com saw unusual spikes in related searches around the first COVID-19 lockdowns last spring, the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the protests that followed in the summer, and the U.S. presidential election this fall.
Our Reward We Have Not Earned
Columnist Greg Mamula reflects on recent efforts by athletes to protest against racial injustice by boycotting games. He notes that sports are a reward for a functioning society, and we are not a healthy, functioning society right now.
Black Christians Play a Crucial Role in Athlete Activism
Though sports ministries long espoused a “colorblind” approach to race, believers in pro sports are leading the calls for racial justice. Read full piece
‘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
Belarusian Baptists Urge Prayer as Election Sparks Protests
Baptists in the eastern European nation of Belarus request prayers as the nation’s streets fill with protesters upset at presidential election results largely deemed fraudulent.
Playing the Cello
Between a global pandemic, massive protests against racial injustices, and a divisive election, Editor Brian Kaylor argues that 2020 is a year that demands more cellos.