Images courtesy of Chalice Press
In this excerpt from her new book, Leah Gunning Francis shares the stories of the eclectic group of faith leaders -- many of them young, most of them black women -- who have been leading the response to Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri.
People pray Aug. 15, 2014, at the site of a convenience store destroyed after Ferguson police released the name of the officer who shot Michael Brown.
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There was no single leader in Ferguson, Missouri, writes a seminary professor, activist and author of the book “Ferguson and Faith.” Instead, there were many leaders, who inspire hope for the future.
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Reconciling religion and rationalism is bigger than any one person, event or generation. But reconciling individuals caught in the conflict is well within our reach, writes a pastor who is researching the faith/science divide.
A young mother vows to make choices -- such as shopping in a different grocery store or taking her son to a less convenient playgroup -- that might allow her to develop relationships across racial lines.
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A writer considers biases that shape her as a white person in America and how she can reach out to her African-American neighbors as a means of racial healing.
A man in Ferguson, Missouri, holds on to a fence on August 15, 2014, at the site of a convenience store destroyed during rioting after the shooting death of Michael Brown by police.
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In an age of nonstop media that exposes us as never before to the world’s pain and brokenness, lamentation is an essential and even revolutionary act, one that the church needs desperately to reclaim, says a young pastor.
Drinking and eating together helps people break down prejudices and stereotypes and develop friendships, Rick Love says.
Photo courtesy of Rick Love
Christians should be proactive in reaching out to break down barriers between Christians and Muslims -- and often that means sharing food and drink, says the president of Peace Catalyst International.
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Aug. 10 is the feast day of St. Lawrence, and it’s an opportunity for Catholics and Protestants to consider the teaching of the patron saint of people who are poor, writes an author and activist.
Photo courtesy of Natasha Gadson
The Charleston shooting presents more than just security challenges to church leaders, writes an AME minister. This moment demands honest language and an insistence that black bodies are the image of God.
Neaners, his daughter Adelita, Chris Hoke and Hoke's wife, Rachel, celebrating Neaners' release from prison at a backyard barbecue. Hoke was mentored by Bob Ekblad, and then served as a mentor to Neaners. Neaners, in turn, plans to help others by founding a new ministry.
Photo by Gabriela Arp
Tierra Nueva's highest value is hosting God's presence. Its website states, "When we love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength we experience peace, joy, and revelation and are empowered for ministry in places of great darkness and need."
Photos courtesy of Tierra Nueva
An ecumenical ministry in rural Washington state helps Latin American immigrants, migrant workers, gang members, addicts, jail inmates and people who have been incarcerated become leaders in their own community.