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Articles by Andre Henry
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Skip to content Mastodon Opinion Members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee pray beside the ruins of a burned church near Dawson, Ga., in 1962. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) Opinion Opinion
The July 4 white supremacist march exposes an uncomfortable truth about our country
LGBTQ+ Community Now Man in viral D.C. Metro photo says he was ‘terrified’ as masked white nationalists surrounded him advocate.com - Christopher Wiggins • 17m Roswell Encina, a gay Filipino American civic leader, said the Fourth of July encounter with Patriot Front was frightening and impossible to separate … Patriot Front 7 hours ago Man Surrounded by Patriot Front in Viral Photo Has Message for America Newsweek - Alice Gibbs • 7h What began as a routine Independence Day commute quickly...
Looking to Songs and Sermons to Structure a Memoir About Fighting for Black Lives
The adage to “write what you know” could be a meta-principle. We know it applies to the content of our writing: that we use our lived experience as a well of inspiration. But the process of writing my memoir, All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep: Hope and Hard Pills to Swallow About Fighting for Black Lives, has convinced me the principle applies to form as well. I didn’t intend to write a memoir.
Revolution with ease: Six books by Black women on justice
(RNS) — Black women have always been in the vanguard of the struggle for Black freedom. Yet on the topic of racial justice, the names of great men are often the first to be heard. I’m thinking of the public theologians the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, whose names are often invoked as the north and south poles of Black liberation. I lament that the same has been true of my own activist work. In my early days in the movement, my activism was largely informed by the writings of Black men.
Revolution with Ease: Six Books by Black Women on Justice
(RNS) — Black women have always been in the vanguard of the struggle for Black freedom. Yet on the topic of racial justice, the names of great men are often the first to be heard. I’m thinking of the public theologians the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, whose names are often invoked as the north and south poles of Black liberation. I lament that the same has been true of my own activist work. In my early days in the movement, my activism was largely informed by the writings of Black men.
Fortune
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How To Fight Racism with Jemar Tisby on Apple Podcasts
The Trojan Horse Affair Serial Productions & The New York Times Joe Rogan Experience Review podcast Adam Thorne This American Life This American Life Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy Apple TV+ / AT WILL MEDIA Stuff You Should Know iHeartPodcasts We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle Glennon Doyle & Cadence13
Deconstruction is a valid Christian practice. Ask Martin Luther.
(RNS) — I wonder what Pope Leo X would’ve tweeted about the Reformation, had Twitter existed in the 16th century. Would he accuse John Calvin of being on a desperate search for street cred? Would he reduce Luther’s 95 critiques of the papacy to “church hurt”?
Written in Protest
By Andre Henry — November 8, 2021 (RNS) — Art is more than just a companion for activism. By Andre Henry — August 26, 2021 By Andre Henry — June 14, 2021 More from Written in Protest By Andre Henry — May 25, 2021 (RNS) — Today's protesters see similarities between the Israeli occupation and European expansion across North America. By Andre Henry — April 22, 2021 (RNS) — If this is success, we are still accepting an incredibly high bar to get basic accountability we should expect.
A fight over prayers and laying hands for people on death row
Lead story Editor's note: A case before the U.S. Supreme Court has provided an opportunity to examine the role that spiritual advisers sometimes play during executions in federal and state prisons. It’s a case out of Texas that has united groups spanning the political spectrum – including the American Civil Liberties Union, which opposes capital punishment, and conservative religious organizations which support it.
In the beginning, there was reggae
(RNS) — The last time I ran into God was at a reggae lounge in Los Angeles. I was there to see Dancehall legend Sister Nancy — whose 1982 single “Bam Bam” remains one of the most recognizable reggae songs of all time — but my spiritual encounter didn’t occur during her set.
Utica: City of Refuge for the New Millennium
It may not be evident on the surface, but a walk down Bleecker Street in the small city of Utica in upstate New York is a vastly different experience than it was 20 years ago. On the surface, the neighborhood may not appear much different—the bright greens, reds, and whites of O’Scugnizzo’s Pizzeria still call out to motorists driving through the street’s 600-block.
The impeachment vote was a vote for white supremacy
(RNS) — Near the beginning of his essay, “Between the World and Me,” Ta-Nehisi Coates recalls the night he watched his son wait for the grand jury’s decision in the case against Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson for the killing of Mike Brown. “You stayed up till 11 p.m. that night, waiting for the announcement of an indictment, and when instead it was announced that there was none … you went into your room, and I heard you crying,” Coates wrote.
From the Capitol to critical race theory, white Christians grieve declining hegemony
(RNS) — Many white American Christians seem to be going through the classic five stages of grief and loss about the apparent decline of white hegemony in the U.S. On Wednesday (Jan. 6) at the U.S. Capitol, we saw stage two: anger. Others, such as the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, have already moved to the third stage, bargaining.
Religion News Service: Our 11 best stories from a terrible year
It's no news that 2020 will go down as one of the worst years in recent memory. But the triple-whammy of pandemic, economic crisis and demonstrations for racial justice that left many Americans beleaguered and angry also yielded some inspiring and profound stories of faith and spiritual connection. Here are 11 stories by our staff and frequent contributors that captured moments of resilience and perseverance, and even a few moments of celebration.
God’s on his throne. But we still have to do the work.
(RNS) — On Election Days, I’m reminded of the days I sat crisscross applesauce on the floor in Sunday school as our elderly and beloved teacher, “Brother Wilson,” led us in a song about God’s sovereignty: “He’s got the whooole world in his hands! He’s got the whooole world in his hands!” Election night summons that refrain for me because, on that night, many Christians like to post some version of, “No matter the results tonight, God is still on the throne.” The voting process aside, these...
Stop telling Black people to pray for Donald Trump
(RNS) — Donald Trump is a sick man. On Friday, as the president went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be treated for COVID-19, some Americans responded to the news of the president’s condition with delight, others with doubt and yet others with death wishes. Most of the rest insisted that the American people — especially Christians — have an obligation to pray for the president’s speedy recovery.
When Christians won’t acknowledge racism, protest becomes church
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — No cars can get through the traffic light at Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue in old Pasadena this afternoon because a handful of black Americans, led by a preteen named Sebastian, are dancing to “Wobble” in the middle of the intersection.
The Truth You’ve Probably Never Heard About Riots
Why the violent protests in response to the murder of George Floyd could be productive. There’s a white American proverb about violent protests that goes something like this: “What good will it do?” As surely as the sun will rise, viral footage of any violent protest concerning race will inevitably lead to some virtue signaling about nonviolence.
The Only Justice for George Floyd Is To Finally Abolish Slavery in the U.S.
“I can’t breathe,” he pleaded. For several minutes, George Floyd lie handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck. “Please,” he begged. The officer wouldn’t relent. By the time an ambulance arrived at the scene, Floyd was unresponsive. As much of the nation erupts in outrage about these latest episodes of anti-Black violence, many are asking “what do I do?” They want to know how to make the killings stop.
Amy Cooper's Anti-Black Wisdom
This white woman’s 911 call shows that antiblack violence was not about fear, but skill. **content warning: the n-word lurks below** Amy Cooper doesn’t want us to think she made an attempt on a Black man’s life this week. “I’m not a racist,” she told CNN. “I did not mean to harm that man in any way." The video footage of the encounter tells a different story.
Amy Cooper's Anti-Black Wisdom
This white woman’s 911 call shows that antiblack violence was not about fear, but skill. Amy Cooper doesn’t want us to think she made an attempt on a Black man’s life this week. “I’m not a racist,” she told CNN. “I did not mean to harm that man in any way." The video footage of the encounter tells a different story.
Are All White Americans Police Officers?
Photo: Sean Rayford/Stringer/Getty Images Ahmaud Arbery was considered a trespasser from the day he was born. That racist notion ultimately caused his death. The 25-year-old man went for a run one February Sunday afternoon near Brunswick, Georgia, as was his custom. That Sunday, his route took him past the home of Travis McMichael, whose father Gregory had been standing in his front yard.
Are All White Americans Police Officers?
The murder of Ahmad Arbery shows white America’s superiority complex is lethal Like all Black Americans, Ahmad Arbery was born a trespasser. He’d gone for a run one Sunday afternoon near Brunswick, Georgia, as was his custom. But he’d never return home. That Sunday his route took him through the Satilla Shores neighborhood, past the home of Travis McMichael, whose father Gregory had been standing in the front yard. Moments later, Arbery heard a voice calling after him.
Why Trump — not Jesus — is at the heart of white Christian love for Kanye - Religion News Service
Musician Kanye West headlined a “Sunday Service” performance on a specially made hilltop stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Indio, California. Video screenshot (RNS) — Rapper Kanye West is once again being likened to the Apostle Paul, and this time, it’s not just Kanye making the comparison. After Kanye released his highly anticipated gospel album, “Jesus Is King,” and a 31-minute IMAX film of the same name on Friday (Oct.
A Case for the Ongoing Black Exodus from White Evangelicalism
How recent events with RELEVANT Media Group demonstrate walking away from whiteness may be the only solution. “I fear, I am integrating my people into a burning house.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr I was told that white people were not invited to this happy hour. They called it Black Sabbath, and it was exactly what it sounds like, a kickback exclusively for Black people at a swanky wine bar in Old Pasadena. “Are we allowed to do that,” I thought to myself.
What the Amber Guyger Case Reveals About White America.
They don’t want forgiveness; They want to be excused. “But the trouble is that what we call ‘asking God’s forgiveness’ very often really consists in asking God to accept our excuses…There is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing.” — C.S. Lewis Some have called it “the hug heard round the world.” Just moments after former police officer Amber Guyger was sentenced ten years in prison, for the murder of Botham Jean, she was embraced by her victim’s brother.
Cameron Strang and the Education of a Knife
What does the RELEVANT Media Group CEO’s recent statement mean to the recipients of his toxic leadership? When I was a student at Fuller Theological Seminary, I was assigned to read an adaptation of author and surgeon Atul Gawande’s essay Education of a Knife. Gawande’s essay reveals something I’d never considered: a surgeon in training makes mistakes. Gawande writes: “Like the tennis player and the oboist and the guy who fixes hard drives, we need practice to get good at what we do.
Black Christians Deserve Better Than Companies (And Churches) Like Relevant Media Group
They’re not against us, but not for us either. The difference between the two is clearer in the abstract. These were angry tears. After only three months at what I’d imagined would be my dream job at the largest Christian media company serving millennials in the U.S., I’d determined, in tears, there was no way I could stay there indefinitely. I promised myself, after that meeting, I’d quit once I’d completed a year at the company.
Levar Burton Is Getting Lavar Ball's Hate Mail
Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation fame has been receiving hate mail intended for basketball dad Lavar Ball. Ball, not to be mistaken for Burton, has been in a feud with President Donald Trump after stating that he wasn’t sure what the president had done to get his son, Liangelo, and two other UCLA ball players out of China. The three athletes had been detained in China on suspicion of shoplifting. This is according to CNN: “Did he help the boys get out? I don’t know.
Report: Pope Francis Is Going to Change the Lord’s Prayer
The Vatican may soon approve changes to one of the world’s best-known prayers. The Italian Episcopal Conference has reportedly sent changes to the Vatican, which they seem likely to approve, to change the line “lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer to read “abandon us not when in temptation.” The prayer appears in both the books of Matthew and Luke, the most commonly recited, coming from Matthew 6:9-13.
The Most Popular Bible Verse of the Year Is Not What You'd Expect
Every year, YouVersion announces which Bible verse is the most shared, bookmarked and highlighted by its users. For places like Bible Gateway, this verse is always Jeremiah 29:11 or John 3:16—literally—but YouVersion boasted a bit of a deeper cut for its top verse this year: Isaiah 41:10. The Scripture reads: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
How to Talk About Your Religious Beliefs (Without Being a Jerk)
According to various strangers on the Internet, I’m going to Hell. I get told so several times a week by Internet commenters who disagree with things I write. Now, most people would take offense at another’s announcement of their own personal damnation or at least be mildly insulted by the messenger, but I always receive this news with a rather soothing mix of peace and gratitude.
Voting Your Faith
Following the elections of 2017, out of the 535 sitting members of Congress, 485 are professing Christians.That’s 91 percent. Though there is a slightly higher percentage of Christians among Republican lawmakers than Democrats (99 percent vs. 80 percent), the current Congress of the United States is almost as “Christian” as it’s ever been. But what does that actually mean?
10 Couples Costumes for the Big Harvest Party
It’s Hallowe — er, sorry, no. It’s All Hallow’s Eve, which is definitely different from Halloween and is in no way just an attempt to have all the fun of Halloween without actually involving any, say, skeletons or ghouls or whatever. Yes, it’s All Hallow’s Eve, that holiday we all know and love and celebrate, and that means your church’s big Harvest Party is coming up. But what are you and your Courtship Partner going as? Did you forget to get ready? No worries. We at RELEVANT have you covered.
Remember the Time Eugene Peterson and Bono Talked About the Psalms All Afternoon?
Eugene Peterson, the beloved pastor, theologian and author, has passed away, leaving behind a vast legacy of people who were moved by his biblical paraphrase, The Message. Among his fans was Bono, who reached out to Peterson after falling in love with the Message. The two actually got together to chat about their mutual love of the Psalms back in 2016, and a video of their conversation was produced by Fuller Seminary and posted on YouTube. It’s a pretty compelling watch.
Watch Michael Strahan's Mind Get Blown By the Street Magic of Justin Willman
It’s been a few years since American pop culture has had a real street magic sensation in the vein of Cris Angel or David Blaine, but Justin Willman is making a strong case for his ascendancy.
Study: Kids Want More Women Superheroes
Everyone knows that female heroes are having a moment. There’s Wonder Woman. There’s… well, ok, maybe moment is a strong word. But if recent trends are any indication, they’re definitely going to have a moment in the near future. At least, they will if media companies are in the business of giving customers what they want.
Francis Chan Wants You to Forget Everything You Think You Know About Church
Francis Chan Wants You to Forget Everything You Think You Know About Church FRANCIS CHAN HOPES HE NEVER writes another book. He’s been trying to avoid the spotlight since he resigned as the pastor of the megachurch he founded. So when he announced he would be releasing a new title—one he intends to be his last—it had to be important. In Letters to the Church, Chan shares what he’s learned about what the modern church should look like. FIRST, WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE MEGACHURCH YOU PASTORED?
Apple Is the First US Company to Be Worth a Trillion Dollars
In 1996, Businessweek published a cover story about the decline of Apple titled “Fall of an American Icon,” saying “Apple Computer, once the hip flagbearer of high tech, is in sad decline.” Well, takes rarely age well but few have aged worse. Thursday, Apple became the first U.S. company to be valued at a trillion dollars when its stock hit $207.05 per share following some rosy Q3 earnings. Its shares have since dipped slightly but, let’s not quibble.
This Tiny Bible That Went to the Moon Could Be Yours for About $50,000
Want to own a really unique piece of American religious history? If you have an extra $50,000 lying around, a Bible that has been to the moon could be yours. The King James Bible—which is on a tiny microform—was onboard the Apollo 14 space flight back in 1971. The miniature Bible is one of 11 that landing module commander Edgar Mitchell brought with him as personal items on the mission.
What Does Freedom Mean?
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 Maybe you’ve read this verse dozens of times but truthfully, you don’t actually know what freedom in Christ actually really looks like or what it means to experience that freedom. We hear people talking about it but what does this freedom actually look like “lived out” on a daily basis? Lordship means a full-blown total surrender to God and His authority and leadership. Period.
Church Sign of the Week: God Loves Harry Potter Fans Too
This week’s best church sign comes to us from North Decatur United Methodist Church, where both Muggles and Slytherins are welcomed to attend. Real talk: How often do you think the pastor weaves Harry Potter illustrations into the sermon?
Study: Bloodstains Now Suggest the Shroud of Turin Is Fake
The Shroud of Turin seems to be one of the most debated artifacts of Christianity. The 15-feet by 4-feet cloth is, at best, believed to be Jesus’ burial cloth. There had been new developments recently, but a new study suggests there’s no way the shroud could really be the burial cloth we believe it is. The study tried to match the locations of bloodstains on the cloth, but found them to be unrealistic.
BJ Thompson Answers RELEVANT's 5 Big Questions for Leaders
BJ Thompson is a life coach, speaker and author. Alongside Grammy-winning artist Lecrae, Thompson played an integral role in launching one of the most faith-based creative movements of a generation: the 116 Movement. He’s also the co-founder and director of Build a Better Us, established in 2008. RELEVANT asked BJ to answer our five big leadership questions. Wherever your gifts get you, your character has to keep you. “I am a mess and yet deeply loved by God.” Refinement.
Karen Swallow Prior Answers Our 5 Big Leadership Questions
As a child, Karen Swallow Prior didn’t see herself as belonging to the Church, though she was raised and immersed in Christian culture. Instead, books became her quiet refuge, her place of solitude and an escape from the boredom of her faith. But once she reached grad school, she realized the connection that books had with God, being that He is the Word and the author of all words. She found her faith again.
5 Things Christians Should Know About Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety tend to be some of those touchy subjects that are tough to tackle from a Christian perspective. It’s not complicated just because the illnesses themselves are so complex, manifesting themselves in myriad ways, but also because perspectives about mental disorders vary greatly throughout the Church. This isn’t to paint the Church with broad strokes. Incorrect beliefs about mental illness are pervasive throughout our culture.
Chad Veach Has an Important Reminder About Speaking Up
Author and Zoe Church pastor Chad Veach recently tweeted a sermon clip with an important reminder about engaging conflict. “You have the ability to bring peace to chaotic situations,” he says. He goes on to use an example from the life of David of what kind of consequences can follow a failure to speak up in the face of an injustice. Amen.
5 Things You Need to Know About Prayer
More than 1,700 years ago, a man called Antony moved into the desert. The son of rich landowners, Antony—who would later be known as Saint Antony the Great—took what he read in Matthew 19:21 literally: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven.” He became a hermit, sacrificing all worldly goods with the sole intention of knowing God better.
Sermon of the Week: Christine Caine Urges Us to 'Get Off the Mat'
In a recent sermon at Bethel Conference, evangelist and activist Christine Caine delivered a stirring message of resilient hope titled “Get Off the Mat.” The gist is that people can bounce back from life’s most devastating trials. The question is, as Jesus asked the lame man at the pool of Bethesda—which she used as her text—do you want to let go of your brokenness and accept the responsibility that comes with being made whole?
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