Photo courtesy of Alisha Lola Jones
The ethnomusicologist identifies how the stereotype of a flamboyant choir director changes someone’s gift into something to fear.
Photo illustration by Jessamyn Rubio
A white Episcopal priest reflects on singing the “black national anthem” and wonders: What actions would begin to show our black siblings in faith that this message has truly touched our hearts?
The jazz communion during Labor Day weekend is an annual tradition at First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. The Rev. Bill Carter is a professional jazz musician who performs with his band, Presbybop. Photos by Jeff Kellam
A pastor who is a trained pianist discovered that he did not have to choose between jazz and Jesus -- and that the spiritual power of the creative, improvisational art form can be a tool to help his congregation experience God.
Seeing her daughter’s reaction to a Brazilian service with music and drama made a pastor wonder whether our traditional liturgy creates distance between us and a Jesus who acts in our midst.
A new book on church music and diversity shows that it’s not the music itself that brings people together, but the act of making it that does.
Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil
The body of Christ is an extraordinarily diverse place, and music has great potential to reach people in the midst of their differences, says the ethnomusicologist and jazz saxophonist.
Throughout African-American history, music has functioned as a medium for tearing down walls and building a sense of belonging, says Cynthia Wilson, a musician and music scholar.
American visitors to churches in China can be surprised to hear them singing “our” hymns. Until we realize they aren’t “ours.” They have become “theirs.”