The Gospel According to Trump Stores
This issue of A Public Witness takes us inside MAGA merchandise shops in Branson, Missouri, to explore some surprising theological messages that mix partisan politics with the worship of violence.
Faith Leaders, Politicians Invoke God’s Protection for Trump in Wake of Shooting
Reactions from faith leaders and fellow politicians to Donald Trump’s narrow escape from an apparent assassin’s bullet called upon God’s protection for the former president and for the nation.
Pope Francis Denounces the Weapons Industry As He Makes a Christmas Appeal for Peace in the World
Vatican officials said about 70,000 people filled St. Peter's Square for Francis' noonday speech and blessing. They included many people flying Palestinian flags, as well as some Ukrainian ones.
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 3
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.
Dishonest Preacher ‘Whac-A-Mole’
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy argues that Rev. Mark Burns abused the Bible for secular political purposes during a recent ReAwaken America Tour event in order to foment violence and promote insurrection.
Michael Flynn’s Soup for the Soulless
This issue of A Public Witness highlights some Christians challenging the rhetoric of Michael Flynn and others at the ReAwaken America Tour before offering a theological reminder about how we talk about those with whom we disagree.
Ecumenical Conference Takes On Our Violent World
Under the theme “Swords into Plowshares: Achieving Enough for All & Pursuing Peace,” the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference met for the twentieth year in a row to worship and mobilize advocacy on a number of domestic and international policy issues.
Jennifer Garcia Bashaw on Scapegoats
Jennifer Garcia Bashaw, a professor of New Testament and Christian ministry at Campbell University, talks about her book Scapegoats: The Gospel through the Eyes of Victims. She also discusses theories of atonement and the mistreatment of women, poor and disabled people, Blacks, and immigrants.
Refuse to Get Tired
Rev. Darron LaMonte Edwards writes that he is feeling weary from the announcement that another unarmed Black man was killed. But as a Christian community, we cannot afford to get tired of speaking up for victims like Tyre Nichols. This problem has solutions.
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