A young woman publicly apologized for her pregnancy outside of marriage and was met with a public shaming by her pastor, raising questions about Black church traditions and shame.
Category: Religion
Walking with God: Faith leaders discuss the role of the church and social justice
The Black church has long been a pillar of the Black community and has played a significant role in advancing civil rights and addressing systemic injustices, with many pastors and faith leaders continuing to use their platforms to advocate for social justice and equality.
An AFRO spotlight on excellence: Former special projects editor Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware steps into new role as faith writer
Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, former AFRO special projects editor and managing editor, is now the faith writer for Word in Black, where she draws on her experiences as a pastor and author to write about faith and religion.
How to handle grief during the holidays
Dr. Jesaira Glover-Dulin, a licensed counselor, professional coach, and corporate trainer, provides advice on how to cope with grief during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of communication, consistency, and creative expression, and suggesting ways to support children who are grieving.
Watch Night: Escorting the New Year in with prayer
On New Year’s Eve 1862, African Americans gathered in secret to celebrate Watch Night, a tradition of prayer and reflection, as they awaited the Emancipation Proclamation and the promise of freedom.
7 Christmas carols that bear a touch of soul
African American artists have contributed to the repertoire of Christmas carols with songs such as “Mary’s Boychild”, “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow”, “This Christmas”, “Go Tell it On The Mountain”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, and “Jesus. Jesus. Oh, What a Wonderful Child”, which have been recorded and re-arranged numerous times since their inception.
Seven creative ways to teach students about Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa offers a vibrant celebration of African culture and Black pride, and educators can teach its seven principles by assigning projects that foster unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Meet the Baltimore pastor bridging the gap between old and new
Rev. Terrence Rogers is bridging the gap between preparation and practice as senior pastor of West Baltimore’s Gethsemane Baptist Church, engaging younger generations through voter education programs and digital ministry.
A celebration of love: Pastor Jamal Bryant and Dr. Karri Bryant host regal wedding reception
by Dana Peck, Digital Solutions Director danapeck@afro.com On Thursday December 12th in an atmosphere filled with joy, gratitude and divine inspiration, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and Dr. Karri Bryant celebrated their union with a spirited reception that united friends, family and faith leaders. Pastor Bryant, who served as […]
Old traditions, new paths: The priesthood of Merrick Moses
Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware profiles Baltimore-based priest Father Merrick Moses, who is a cradle Roman Catholic, Benedictine monk, and LGBTQ+ advocate, and who uses his personal and spiritual journey to inspire others to walk out their faith.
Advent: A preview of the reason for the Christmas season
Advent is a season of waiting, preparation, and meditation, marked by an advent wreath and the lighting of candles, and is a time for Christians to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and his second coming.
Commentary: On the wrong side of theology: Why it’s time to say goodbye to the Catholic Church
After 72 years as a Roman Catholic, Ralph Moore has decided to leave the Church due to its lack of progress on issues such as ordaining women, racial discrimination, sexism, and sexual abuse, and its refusal to allow women or married persons to become priests.

