Baltimore Ravens stars Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers and teammates humbled themselves in a rare pre-Christmas act of service, washing the feet of students at Severn Elementary School before gifting them new sneakers. Rooted in an ancient Christian tradition symbolizing humility and love, the ritual offered a powerful lesson that true greatness is shown through service to others.
Category: Religion
Posted inReligion
Faith without screens? Churches reconsider livestream worship
As some churches move to end livestreamed worship in hopes of boosting in-person attendance and offerings, critics warn the shift risks shrinking membership and excluding congregants who are ill, disabled or unable to attend in person. Advocates of virtual worship argue livestreaming remains a vital tool for outreach, inclusion and growth in an increasingly digital age.
Posted inHealth
In churches and communities, a new model for men’s health emerges
In the absence of a federal Office of Men’s Health, faith leaders and veterans are stepping up to fill the gap. Through grassroots advocacy and personal storytelling, John Bruce and Charles Flanagain are challenging stigma, promoting early screenings and redefining community health for men across the Southeast.
Posted inReligion
A new generation of Black church leaders steps into power
Kevin Lamár Peterman, 32, has been installed as pastor of Washington, D.C.’s historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, signaling a broader rise of young Black clergy leading major congregations rooted in social justice. His installation reflects a national shift as millennial pastors take the reins of historic churches and adapt their ministries to a digital, turbulent era.
Posted inReligion
Young adults are waiting in line to worship at this fast-growing Atlanta church
A once-small Atlanta congregation led by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell has grown from fewer than 200 attendees in 2023 to about 6,000 weekly worshippers, with young adults lining up before dawn for its intense worship services and unapologetically direct preaching. Many say Mitchell’s authenticity, raw storytelling, and uncompromising calls to repentance meet a hunger for spiritual depth among young Christians seeking more than feel-good messages.
Posted inReligion
A pastor wants Black men praying together at sunrise
Amid widespread calls for spiritual renewal, Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson Jr. is urging Black men worldwide to unite in prayer at sunrise on Dec. 1. The 6 a.m. call-in gathering aims to spark revival, foster accountability, and strengthen men’s leadership in families, churches, and communities through DreamLife Worship Center.
Posted inObituaries
AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, a stalwart civil and social justice advocate, dies at 71Â
By Chianti Marks AFRO Intern The Black faith community, civil rights and justice advocates and supporters and well-wishers from around the world are mourning the loss of Bishop Reginald Jackson, a respected prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jackson died Nov. 25 at the age of 71. “With profound sorrow, the Jackson family announces […]
Posted inReligion
Keep your head to the sky and… give thanks!
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World. This week, she speaks on finding inspiration and encouragement in troubled times.
Posted inBaltimore News
Associated Black Charities announces the state of Black America: A national virtual revival for faith leaders, activists and community
Associated Black Charities will host a national virtual revival that will unite faith leaders, activists and community members in a call for renewed purpose and justice. Attendees nationwide will join ABC in renewing their commitment to justice and will answer a collective call to action for a more equitable future.
Posted inBaltimore News
A legacy remembered; a future inspired: Delta Lambda’s Annual Fall Concert at the Basilica
Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha hosted its Annual Fall Concert at the historic Baltimore Basilica, uniting more than 150 singers and musicians for a powerful celebration of sacred music and cultural heritage. The event honored the legacy of the late Dr. Kirk P. Gaddy Sr. and showcased the chapter’s commitment to uplifting future leaders through its Beautillion Scholars Program.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after 50 pupils escape
Fifty of the more than 300 students and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state have escaped, as Pope Leo XIV urged the immediate release of the 265 victims still in captivity amid growing alarm over Nigeria’s persistent mass kidnappings. Officials and analysts say weak security responses and a lack of consequences continue to fuel ransom-driven attacks across northern Nigeria, even as the government vows not to relent in securing hostages.
Posted inReligion
Pioneering UMC Bishop Violet L. Fisher leaves a lasting legacy at 86
Bishop Violet L. Fisher, the first African American woman elected bishop in the United Methodist Church’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, died Nov. 17 at age 86. A barrier-breaking leader and lifelong educator, she is remembered for her trailblazing ministry, global service, and enduring impact on women, Black clergy, and faith communities across generations.
