Black pastors see popular Easter services as an opportunity to rebuild in-person worship attendance

As Black Protestants prepare for Easter this year, they hope to welcome more people to church than since the COVID-19 pandemic began four years ago. Black clergy like the Rev. William Lamar IV at Washington, D.C.’s historic Metropolitan AME say their churches are still feeling the pandemic’s impact on church attendance, even as they have rolled out robust online worship options to reach people. Black Protestants’ monthly church attendance declined more than any other major religious group from 2019 to 2023, according to the Pew Research Center. They are the most likely group to watch religious services virtually. This season’s sermon topics include human suffering in places like Gaza, as well as the hope of resurrection.