One of Jesus’ central lessons, and arguably his most powerful, is encapsulated in a deceptively simple statement: “I was in prison, and you visited me.” For generations, Christian leaders have interpreted that passage from Matthew 25 as an obvious call to look after the least of us, including the incarcerated. At Duke Divinity School,

A federal poverty-fighting program focused on reducing unintended pregnancies is about to undergo a major overhaul. Reproductive health clinics use Title X federal grant money to provide birth control, cancer screenings and testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to people with little or no health insurance. Title X money cannot be used

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Deona Smith opened her remarks at the preview for the Emanuel Nine Memorial by saying the names of the nine people killed 11 years ago at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney. Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd. Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton. Rev. Daniel L. Simmons. Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor. Tywanza Sanders. Myra

As Black churches grapple with declining participation, the rise of artificial intelligence, and continuing debates over leadership and inclusion, one of the nation’s most influential gatherings of Black clergy is betting that the future of ministry will require both tradition and change. The 2026 Hampton University Ministers Conference brought

I’ve been there: when the anguish of life is so heavy that you can’t even speak…even to God. Yet, not praying hardly seems to be the right thing to do in those times. So, here are some things to do when you’re struggling so much that you can’t even pray. * Decide if it’s a sin issue that keeps you from praying. If your

The "pioneers" and elders from the mosque pose with the marker. DURHAM – Last weekend, North Carolina’s first mosque was honored with a state historical marker. Since 1956, the Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center has served as a hub of education, worship and outreach for Muslims statewide. Members of the masjid gathered for the ceremony on Chapel Hill

With great sadness, I'm sharing the passing of my prolific cousin Richard Smallwood, front and center. Although absent from us physically, his music lives on to bring us closer to God. RICHARD SMALLWOOD – THE HAYTI CONNECTION Gospel legend Richard Smallwood is known the world over for his prolific musical creations and his mesmerizing performances.

There are now over 100,000 Opportunity Scholarship recipients. The scholarship provides vouchers for K-12 students to attend North Carolina private schools. Last school year, more than 75% of the scholarship funds, or $329 million, went to faith-based schools. Some argue that tax dollars going toward religious private schools violates the principle of the