In the wake of Monday’s mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky, we discussed whether there is any value to “thoughts and prayers” in moments of public violence and loss.  

Dean Yolanda Pierce is currently dean of the School of Divinity at Howard University and will soon become dean of the School of Divinity at Vanderbilt University this fall.

Dean Pierce joined The Takeaway to offer reflections on the contributions and challenges of public faith discourse in a secular democracy.