Celeste Kennel-Shank
December 22, Advent 4A (Matthew 1:18–25; Isaiah 7:10–16; Romans 1:1–7)
In Luke, Mary says that she’s a virgin. Do I believe her?
December 15, Advent 3A (Matthew 11:2–11; Psalm 146:5–10; James 5:7–10)
In his response to John, Jesus speaks of hope in the present tense.
Children’s books for tough conversations
We asked 11 writers to tell us about a book that opens up space for adults and children to discuss important questions.
What racism is—and how to organize against it
People already engaged in conversations about racial justice may find Ibram Kendi's analysis surprising.
At Gilead Church in Chicago, storytelling is central to worship
It's like a MOTH event—with the vulnerability of community.
Antiracism is everyone’s work
“No one is born with racist ideas. People consume them, as others produce them to justify racist policies.”
Lamin Sanneh, scholar of Christian missions, dies at age 76
Sanneh challenged the idea that Christianity was merely a tool of colonialism.
Robert Wood Lynn, leader in religion scholarship, dies at age 93
In 15 years at the Lilly Endowment, he went beyond merely giving grants, fostering study of core issues in American religious life.
Katie Geneva Cannon, groundbreaking womanist ethicist and theologian, dies at age 68
Teaching was her ministry.
Augsburg University rallies around professor facing deportation
The Lutheran school and local officials have called for Mzenga Wanyama and his family to stay.
Luther Seminary to pilot two-year M.Div.
The M.Div.X program hopes to train innovative church leaders—with no student debt, says seminary president Robin J. Steinke.
Life even more bewildering than death (Luke 24:36b-48)
Jesus' death is almost impossible to accept. Then he comes back.
Glen Guyton first person of color to be Mennonite Church USA's top executive
He was an air force captain who became a conscientious objector. Now he'll lead a historic peace church.
Colorado Mennonite investigator jailed for refusing to testify in death penalty case
Greta Lindecrantz sees her work in legal defense as opposing execution as punishment, her pastor said, so she doesn't want to aid the prosecution.
Chicago vigil marks Sandy Hook anniversary with local gun violence survivors
“If you are a direct victim of gun violence, you have a right to be heard,” said a grieving mother who has engaged in advocacy with people from Newtown, Connecticut.
Some bright spots in 2017
A year after the election, we decided to look for signs of hope. We found them all around us.
William Barber and Liz Theoharis take the Poor People’s Campaign on the road
The campaign is confronting four interlocking issues: systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, and ecological devastation.
Chicago church connects sustainable food, economic empowerment
At Trinity UCC, environmental awareness and racial justice are intertwined.
Talitha Arnold, UCC pastor, among leaders launching national campaign to prevent suicide
On a national weekend of prayer, congregations lifted up people struggling with mental health issues, mental health professionals, faith leaders, and those seeking help.