Clergy

A debate has been sparked among Black pastors who are trying to square a heroic view of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who was gunned down in Utah this month, with the insulting statements about people of color that were key to his political activism. Conservatives and white Christians, particularly evangelicals, are emphasizing Kirk's faith and label him a martyr. From the pulpits of Black churches, pastors used their sermons to denounce what they called hateful rhetoric from Kirk that runs counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Many Black clergy have linked the veneration of Kirk to a history of weaponizing faith to justify colonialism, enslavement and bigotry.

Mykal Slack grew up in rural Georgia in an enormous extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was raised as a girl — the sex on his birth…

Mykal Slack grew up in rural Georgia in an enormous extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was raised as a girl — the sex on his birth…

A close-up look at American churches shows women clergy have hit a “stained-glass” ceiling.Mark Chaves is a Duke University professor of Sociology,…

In 2007, Methodist Reverend Frank Schaefer performed the marriage service for his son Tim's wedding. The seemingly routine action dramatically altered…

In 2007, Methodist Reverend Frank Schaefer performed the marriage service for his son Tim's wedding. The seemingly routine action dramatically altered…