African-American churches are showing solidarity with the National Museum of African American History and Culture amid backlash against an Oval Office executive order criticizing the museum’s portrayal of U.S. history. Several ministers are urging their congregants to support the museum financially via memberships among other signs of support.
Category: #FaithWorks
Posted inReligion
A Black pope? Francis made it a possibility
Pope Francis, who died at age 88, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities, including Black people, through actions like appointing the first African-American cardinal and condemning racism as a sin. His inclusive leadership reshaped the Catholic Church’s global power dynamics and opened the possibility for the election of the first Black pope.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died on April 21 at age 88, leaving behind a transformative yet polarizing legacy marked by his humility, compassion for the marginalized, and progressive reforms that challenged conservative Catholic traditions. While he inspired many with his focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a “poor church for the poor,” his papacy also stirred controversy over his approach to sexual abuse scandals, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and church doctrine.
Posted inArts & Culture
Gospel Fest brings church to the Symphony Hall
In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Posted inOPINION
Commentary: Whistling while you work: A tribute to retiring Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr.
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas’ retirement marks the end of an era for Baltimore, where he built a nationally recognized ministry from a small congregation and profoundly influenced the city’s faith-based community. A visionary leader, preacher and mentor, his legacy continues through his children, his congregation, and the countless lives he touched, ensuring that his impact will endure beyond his final sermon.
Posted inReligion
Bishop Michael Curry’s gospel of love
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Appointed in 2015, Curry, a widely respected theologian, guided the Episcopal Church through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial reconciliation. Bishop Michael Curry has no doubt: There is evil in the world. Turn on the evening news, as he does most days, and you’ll see plenty of […]
Posted inWord In Black
As services shrink, the Black Church steps up
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Since its founding during the era of slavery, the Black church has made community service and social justice core parts of its mission. A survey of faith leaders found the Black church is far more likely to take on those roles at home than white churches, who are more […]
Posted inReligion
Black marriage on the decline? These pastors have another opinion
Faith leaders such as Pastor Corey Cunningham and Dr. Derren Thompson are promoting marriage among Black people by offering advice, lessons, and a philosophy to help newly married couples consider themselves partners or teammates, rather than lovers or rivals.
Posted inReligion
Fierce love: A bold path that can heal the world
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis encourages embracing love and joy in the face of the current assault on democracy and human rights, and reminds us to curate our joy and spread it to others.
Posted inWord In Black
Ramadan: A catalyst for growth and change
Sister Mothyna James Brightful, a former AFRO intern, shares her experience of Ramadan, which is a 30-day Islamic fasting period where Muslims aim to read the entire Quran, break their fast with dates, and practice acts of kindness to absolve themselves of fasting days.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Faith coalition protests outside U.S. Capitol, demands Congress defend Constitution
Faith-based organizations gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to demand Congress defend against the 47th president’s assault on the Constitution and vulnerable communities, and will continue to do so every Wednesday in March if demands are not met.
Posted inReligion
Blood clot awareness group to tour Southern Black churches
The National Blood Clot Alliance is launching a six-city bus tour to raise awareness of blood clots and their impact on the Black community, with a focus on preventing blood clots, identifying warning signs, and managing the condition.