Faith

“White Too Long” author Robert P. Jones says churches should be more in vocal on issues of social justice: "White Christians have been largely silent ... and have hardly begun these conversations."

In the Old City, the beating heart of a place sacred to millions, the pandemic has challenged devout Muslims, Christians and Jews to rethink how to pray safely. New customs now accompany old rituals.

The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid, with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups.

Healing the Heart of Our City is a month-long, African American-led collaborative designed to bring together people of all faiths to pray for healing during a season of trauma.

The 5-4 decision, in which Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's other conservatives, is a win for parents who wanted to use the state tax credit to help send children to religious schools.

Many volunteers and organizers say their efforts are driven both by the understanding that existing welfare systems are broken, and that it’s their duty as people of faith to step in. In Minneapolis, a block away from where George Floyd was killed, volunteers have for weeks gathered at the Baha’i Center to support locals in need.

Author Kristin Kobes Du Mez says: "It seemed like evangelicals had betrayed their values. But if you look at this longer history of evangelical masculinity and militarism ... this wasn't a betrayal."

Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy currently serves as administrator of the Rapid City diocese in South Dakota.

Born out of resistance, the black church often plays a key role in times of crisis. But black America today is facing not just one crisis, but a convergence.

"He did not pray. He did not offer a word of balm or condolence to those who are grieving," says the bishop who oversees the church. Washington's mayor was more direct: "Shameful!"