News
Fewer Protestant Churches Meeting in Person
The number of Protestant churches in the U.S. meeting in person declined in early 2021. Around three-quarter were doing so in January 2021, down from 87% in September 2020.
Majority of Black Americans Attend Predominantly Black Congregations
A majority of Black Americans who attend religious services do so at predominantly Black houses of faith, a report found. Nearly two-thirds of all churchgoers in the U.S. believe congregations should be more diverse.
Stephen Reeves to Lead Fellowship Southwest
Native Texan Stephen Reeves will become the executive director of Fellowship Southwest in mid-March. He comes to the organization from CBF global, where he served as associate coordinator for advocacy and partnerships.
People of Good Faith: Cynthia Holmes
Cynthia Holmes is an attorney in St. Louis, Missouri. She is an active leader in several faith-based organizations, including Good Faith Media where she serves on the governing board.
Springsteen Jeep Ad Echoes Themes He’s Sung about for Decades
The central message in Bruce Springsteen’s Jeep ad reiterates themes he’s been singing about for decades. It calls us to have faith that the ties that bind us, for all our faults, fears and shortcomings, are ultimately stronger than the walls others build to divide us.
White Evangelical Protestants Hold Divergent Religious Liberty, Discrimination Views
White evangelical Protestants in the U.S. hold views on religious liberty and discrimination that often diverge from the rest of the nation, a report found. Nearly three-quarters say religious liberty is being threatened, compared to only 42% of all adults.
People of Good Faith: Renée Owen
Renée Lloyd Owen is a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-endorsed healthcare chaplain with more than 20 years of experience meeting the unique spiritual, religious, and cultural needs of patients, their families and healthcare providers.
Satisfaction with Organized Religion, Moral Climate Declines in U.S.
Perception of organized religion and the nation’s moral climate is declining among U.S. adults, a report found. Less than half are satisfied with organized religion’s influence, while eight-in-ten are dissatisfied with the country’s moral / ethical climate.
Look Back | Panelists Urge New Covenant Baptists to Fight Institutional Racism
The church’s struggle against racism is no longer primarily about skin color, but institutions that bestow privilege on some and penalties on others, panelists emphasized at the 2008 New Baptist Covenant gathering. We live in a racialized society.
Baptist Theologian Becomes Interim President at UCC Seminary
Molly T. Marshall, a retired Baptist theologian, will become the interim president of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities on March 1. Established in 1962 and located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the school is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Safety Net Programs Have Reduced U.S. Poverty, Disparities Remain
Social safety net programs in the U.S. like SNAP, SSI and TANF have significantly reduced poverty levels, a report found. Yet, racial and ethnic disparities remain, which could increase further as a result of the pandemic.
White Evangelicals More Likely to Say Online Harassment Due to Faith
Nearly one-third of white evangelicals in the U.S. say the online harassment they have experienced resulted from their religious affiliation, a report found. This is the most of any religious group.
People of Good Faith: Jana Peterson
Jana Peterson, a self-described “homeschooling homemaker” for 15 years, is pursuing a master of divinity at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. She is a GFM Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern for the spring 2021 semester.
US Prison, Jail Population Dropped Sharply in 2020
The U.S. inmate population declined in 2020, driven by a yearlong drop in prison inmates and a partial year decline in jail inmates. Still, the nation incarcerates more of its residents than any other nation.
Reaction and Response: US to Re-enter Paris Climate Agreement
An executive order signed on Jan. 20, 2021, set the U.S. on a path to re-enter the Paris climate agreement. Several faith leaders offered their reaction and response to the decision.
Reaction and Response | Conspiracy Theories Common in U.S. Protestant Churches
Conspiracy theories are heard frequently in nearly half of U.S. Protestant congregations, a report found. Four Protestant leaders shared their reaction and response with Good Faith Media.