Congregations

An alternative to despair

In a season that can feel laden with moral panic and conscious apathy complicated by the illusion of innocence, two pastors invoke hope, courage and a commitment to justice as paths to transformation.

Jamar A. Boyd II Jason D. Thompson

Image link to article: An alternative to despair

Becca Edwards: Science is a tool that helps us better live out our faith

In her work as a climate action fellow, a former science professor equips clergy and laypeople to advocate for environmental justice.

Progressive white churches resist anti-racism too

Research reveals that progressive white churches aren’t always willing to tackle racism.

Brian Harrington Gerardo Martí

Image link to article: Progressive white churches resist anti-racism too

Faith partners fight against ‘heat islands’: How a coalition works to lower temperatures and decrease flooding in cities

A church and a faith-based institute join a coalition that helps people create cooler, safer neighborhoods where residents can thrive.

By Leslie Quander Wooldridge Journalist

Image link to article: Faith partners fight against ‘heat islands’: How a coalition works to lower temperatures and decrease flooding in cities

Breathing Space: One church’s experiment with guaranteed minimum income

A church offered a “guaranteed gift” of $500 per month for a year to two neighbor-partners as a way to respect recipients’ dignity and give them more agency.

By Rhonda Mawhood Lee Priest, spiritual director and writer

Image link to article: Breathing Space: One church’s experiment with guaranteed minimum income

Six ways small churches can help us stay human during election season

Small churches may seem irrelevant during critical elections of international consequence. But these local congregations have much to teach us about staying human, says a Quaker pastor.

By Andy Stanton-Henry Co-director, Quaker Leadership Center at Earlham School of Religion

Image link to article: Six ways small churches can help us stay human during election season

Three historic Black churches come together to make a new congregation

When a fire destroyed a historic Philadelphia church building, the congregation merged with two others to form New River Presbyterian Church, dedicated to loving God and serving their neighborhood.

By Annette John-Hall Journalist

Image link to article: Three historic Black churches come together to make a new congregation

Do not swim alone, and other lessons for the church

A warning sign on a North Carolina beach reminds us that navigating life without community can put people in dangerous situations.

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

Image link to article: Do not swim alone, and other lessons for the church

Going to church under an oak tree

A visitor finds peace and belonging at New Life Lutheran Church, which worships outdoors in the Texas Hill Country.

By Mónica Tornoé Director of Latino/a Programs for Lifelong Learning, Austin Seminary

Image link to article: Going to church under an oak tree

Churches became one-stop shops at the height of COVID-19, but that is not sustainable

The pandemic pushed clergy into multiple new roles, and they responded. Now some of that work should be redirected to people better trained to do it, writes a director of grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Victoria Atkinson White Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Churches became one-stop shops at the height of COVID-19, but that is not sustainable

Curtis Chang: Moving people toward greater hope and humility across political differences

Jesus didn’t say how to vote. But he did say how we should treat each other. And those teachings should be the road map for Christians in this rancorous political landscape, says the co-creator of a free course designed to help Christians engage in politics without discord.