In the US, William Barber joins faith leaders at vigil in Springfield to defend Haitian migrants

United States RNS As a storm loomed over Springfield, Ohio, on Sunday afternoon, some 60 Ohio faith leaders gathered outside the city’s Greater Grace Temple to welcome Rev William Barber II, who was invited to the city by clergy to push back against former President Donald Trump and vice president-hopeful JD Vance’s campaign messages about […]
Thousands of faith leaders, union members, activists rally for poor in the US

Washington DC, US RNS Thousands of clergy, union members and activists rallied on behalf of the poor near the US Capitol on Saturday, with faith leaders calling for lawmakers to embrace a slate of policies and for low-wealth Americans to make their voices heard in November as the nation’s “largest potential swing vote.” Rev William […]
The Interview: William Barber on recruiting low-wage voters, Biden’s record on poverty

KATHRYN POST, of Religion News Service, speaks to the Disciples of Christ pastor and civil rights organiser about how a new campaign is building on Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr,’s legacy and Jesus’ ministry and what he’s looking to hear from Biden going into 2024…
Essay: We need to hear from the presidential candidates about poverty

In an article first published on Religion News, DAVID BECKMANN, coordinator of advocacy coalition, the Circle of Protection, urges all US presidential candidates to talk about how they would reduce hunger and poverty..
In the US, William Barber launches new centre at Yale, will retire from church

United States RNS Yale Divinity School is launching a new Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, an advocacy-focused body to be led by prominent pastor and activist Rev William Barber II. “The goal of this centre will be to prepare a new generation – what we call moral fusion leaders – that are going […]
Poor People’s Campaign asks Congress to vote on wages, voting rights before midterms

Washington DC, US RNS Clergy from across the US have joined the leaders of the Poor People’s Campaign in calling on Congress to vote on issues related to fair wages, voting rights and poverty reduction ahead of the midterm elections. “Too many Americans are being negatively impacted by the lack of living wages, voting rights, […]
Essay: We need an alternative populist vision to defeat the MAGA movement

WILLIAM J BARBER II and LIZ THEOHARIS, co-chairs of the Poor People’s Campaign, say the moment is ripe for a different kind of popular movement that confronts divisive lies and builds broad coalitions for the common good…
US faith leaders, labour advocates push for White House meeting on poverty

Washington DC, US RNS Faith-led advocacy group the Poor People’s Campaign is pushing for a broad-based meeting with US President Joe Biden to discuss poverty, arguing the White House has not adequately responded to requests for a summit despite the president endorsing the group while running for office and speaking at their events. Speaking at […]
Conviction after protest “badge of honour” for US civil rights activist

Raleigh, North Carolina, US AP A US civil rights leader said Tuesday that he won’t stop raising his voice for the poor, uninsured and downtrodden, although his trespassing conviction for a demonstration five years ago at North Carolina’s Legislative Building was allowed to stand. Rev William Barber II of Goldsboro, president of the national Repairers […]
Justin Bieber’s new tour offers incentives for fans to do good, support non-profits

RNS Justin Bieber is incentivising ‘Beliebers’ to take action on social justice during his Justice World Tour, which launched in San Diego on Friday. His “Justice in Action” initiative promises prizes, including free concert tickets and a Paris trip, for supporting religious and non-religious organisations alike. “Join Justin Bieber in taking action for your chance […]