This past year was a difficult time for many, including Christian leaders. National issues like immigration raids and the rising cost of living impacted local communities and sowed division among neighbors. Fires on the West Coast and floods in Texas also challenged faith communities. Throughout it all, faith leaders attempted to provide guidance and comfort to their communities and a moral voice.
As Faith & Leadership looks to another year of covering congregations and faith leaders, we want to highlight a few ministries and organizations we’ve reported on and essays we’ve published.
We heard from pastors who have stood in the way of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and comforted those who have been separated from dear members of their families. We heard from churches mobilizing their networks to respond to natural disasters and care for those in crisis. We heard from small churches making a difference in racial reconciliation or poverty. We heard from churches prioritizing art and beauty in ugly times.
Here are some of our favorite articles from the past year.
Fear, anger and protest: A look inside the immigration crackdown in New York City
Photojournalist Carol Guzy and the Rev. Fabián Arias are regularly in the halls of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, which has become a center for detaining immigrants who appear for their court cases.
Church income isn’t keeping pace with inflation — but here’s how faith leaders can encourage giving and growth
As a recent report sheds light on the postpandemic state of faith and finances, experts offer suggestions for increasing church income by prioritizing ease of giving and financial literacy.
Moy Mendez: A community center is fulfilling a need for fresh vegetables and healthy proteins
Hope Center in Blue Island, Illinois, has begun to focus on growing food and fish for their community and teaching them how healthy foods can make a positive impact.
Artistic creativity fuels a Houston church’s mission
A Texas congregation has formed itself and transformed a worn-down warehouse with art at the core of theology and community.
One year after Hurricane Helene, two churches share space and a renewed sense of mission
Two congregations, one United Methodist and the other Episcopal, have worked together since the devastating storm flooded one church and turned the other into a community relief center.
One church’s journey toward racial justice has taken over a decade and still continues
After George Floyd’s murder five years ago, a historic church increased its efforts to address its history. It still has work to do.
Federal agents tear-gassed my block
A Chicago resident and her neighbors respond to federal agents, drawing upon the city’s organizing tradition in a time when people feel under threat.
We are not OK. Does it help to start saying so?
In casual conversation, I am now admitting not all is well, writes an editor of Faith & Leadership.
Vicente Del Real: Pope Leo is ‘Latino at heart’
The new pope’s roots in Chicago and his experience as a missionary in Peru are inspiring to young Latino Catholics, says the founder of Iskali, a Chicago-area nonprofit serving second-generation young adults.
The pastor of a small church in a tiny town works to make a big difference
When the Rev. Antwon Nixon returned to his Georgia hometown, he didn't expect the call that would lead to his becoming a minister who would expand his church beyond its walls, all the way to the neighboring wildlife refuge.
