The Banner

This historical drama recounts the origins of professional football (“soccer” in North America) in 1870s England by portraying the tensions between upper-class and working-class teams.

A young African American girl is encouraged as she prepares for her first church solo.

For the first time in its 163-year history, the Christian Reformed Church canceled its annual synod due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council of Delegates met to deal with matters from the Agenda for Synod 2020 that couldn’t wait.

A delightfully written exploration of faith for those who are searching and for those who are settled.

In a short service of lament, the CRC’s Council of Delegates recognized the pain and hurt of racism and heard black pastors call for more than this moment of recognition.

With a 28-15 vote the CRC’s Council of Delegates approved the Synod 2019-proposed change to the way money is collected for joint ministries.

The Council of Delegates, acting on behalf of Synod 2020, approved the candidacy of 36 men and women to serve in the Christian Reformed Church, sending them off in a special Zoom presentation.

Most CRC ministry leaders signed on to a statement about racism. Reginald Smith, director of diversity and former director of CRC Race Relations, declined to sign. The Council of Delegates debated whether to support the statement.

At its special June meeting, the CRC’s Council of Delegates decided to continue its work in governance restructure, despite a protest from two Ontario congregations.

The CRC’s Council of Delegates, acting on behalf of synod, has approved a training program prepared by the task force appointed by Synod 2019.

In this riveting novel, Ta-Nehisi Coates exposes the atrocities inflicted on slaves and their resilience and courage for future generations.

The 25th anniversary of women’s ordination in the Christian Reformed Church will be recognized, though the proposal for 15 months of events was scaled back to the summer of 2021.

A June 15 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court makes employment discrimination against LGBTQ persons illegal in all 50 states. Religion News Service reports it has important implications for religious organizations.

Pastor Joe Groeneveld was at a conference in 2017 when he came across a copy of the just-published The New City Catechism.

The first church in Munster, Ind., Munster Church celebrates 150 years of ministry this August.

A jangly pop album for children (and the grownups who love them) features songs about nature and the Psalms.

Newbery Medalist Avi brings us an enthralling heroine in a mud-caked, tent-filled San Francisco gold rush.

It’s like a Jeopardy game show answer: “These are the three reasons oftentimes given as to why someone with a drinking problem cannot get sober.”

Silence in the face of the Holocaust’s horrors is appropriate. However, silence in the face of the anti-Semitism that triggered that genocide is inexcusable and persistent.

A masterpiece is defined as the best work of an artist. So we are the best work of all that God created.

The God who guides us along the right paths also guides us through the darkest valleys.

From replacing school nutrition programs to large-scale food pantry distribution, three Christian Reformed churches in three cities are using community partnerships to help fill gaps.

The Grand Rapids Association of Pastors issued a statement and gathered pastors to show unity June 4. Christian Reformed clergy and seminary leaders are among those who signed the statement.