Church of England Sheds Light on ‘Shameful’ Slave Trade Ties
A new exhibition at a London library explores the Anglican Church’s role in the 18th-cenury slave trade. It coincides with a new report setting out that role in hard facts and figures.
Excavation of Graves Begins at Site of Colonial Black Church
Archaeologists in Virginia began excavating three suspected graves at the original site of one of the nation’s oldest Black churches on Monday, commencing a monthslong effort to learn who was buried there and how they lived.
Top Democrats Woo Black Churchgoers in Virginia Governor’s ace
Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams on Sunday (Oct. 17) urged Black churchgoers to turn out for Democrat Terry McAuliffe in next month’s Virginia governor’s election, saying that what happens in the most watched race this year will “show the world who we are” in future contests
Virginia is for Political Sermons?
In this issue of A Public Witness, we turn our spotlight on the race in Virginia to again plead for preserving the sacredness of sanctuaries. We will take you inside church services featuring Glenn Youngkin or Terry McAuliffe, and analyze the mini “sermons” they’re preaching.
A Question About Candidate’s Muslim Faith Roils Democrats’ Debate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor
The six Democrats vying to become Virginia’s lieutenant governor might have expected fireworks during their first and only debate before next month’s primary election. But they probably didn't expect them to come from one of the two moderators, who asked the only Muslim candidate in
Faith Groups Celebrate Virginia’s Death Penalty Ban
Faith groups are celebrating Virginia’s decision to ban the death penalty, a move considered to be a victory for religious opposition to capital punishment. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed the ban — the first of any Southern state and the 23rd overall — into law on
I Prayed Virginia Would End the Death Penalty. It Finally Did — & Gave Other States Hope.
Senator Tim Kaine: The repeal of the death penalty by its leading practitioner gives hope that work for justice is not in vain. Virginia’s progress shows that it is possible for all. Read full piece
At Baptist College in Virginia, a Disagreement Over Athletes Kneeling During National Anthem
Bluefield College, a Baptist-affiliated school in Virginia, suspended its men’s basketball team for one game this month after players failed to heed administration warnings against kneeling during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice. Read full piece
Clergy Advocate to Repeal Death Penalty in Virginia
A group of African American pastors, including three Baptists, urged Virginia lawmakers Jan. 7 to abolish the state’s death penalty, equating it to lynching and a declaration that Black lives do not matter. Read full piece
Black Liberty U. Alums Rebuke Falwell After Blackface Tweet
Nearly three dozen black alumni of Liberty University denounced school President Jerry Falwell Jr. on Monday, suggesting he step down after he mocked Virginia’s mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed the state’s governor last year.