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.
Category: Religion
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 inINTERNATIONAL
A Pentecostal church in South Africa holds mass Easter weddings for 3,000 people, some polygamous
A Pentecostal church in South Africa celebrated Easter Sunday with a mass wedding ceremony for about 3,000 people, many entering into polygamous marriages as part of the church’s traditions. The International Pentecost Holiness Church, which blends Pentecostal beliefs with African customs, held its largest wedding event yet at its 60,000-seat headquarters near Johannesburg.
Posted inReligion
What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Holy Week commemorates the final days of Jesus’ life, highlighting both his sacrifice and his acts of resistance against empire and injustice, culminating in his resurrection on Easter Sunday. While many see Jesus as a loving savior, Holy Week invites believers to also recognize his radical challenge to power and the modern-day church’s call to carry on that spirit through justice, reflection and community action.
Posted inReligion
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. steps into retirement after five decades of serviceÂ
After 50 years of transformative leadership, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. has retired from New Psalmist Baptist Church, alongside his wife, Lady Patricia Thomas, leaving a legacy of faith, growth and community impact. His ministry, captured in a powerful documentary and celebrated through a series of heartfelt events, reflects a life wholly devoted to purpose, family and the spiritual empowerment of thousands.
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 inReligion
As services shrink, churches step up
Black churches across the U.S. are stepping up to fill gaps left by government cutbacks. Across the country, clergy members and congregants are providing food, jobs and essential services to their communities.
Posted inReligion
AME minister Rev. Joan Wharton honored at 2-day retirement celebrationÂ
The Rev. Dr. Joan Louise Wharton, a trailblazer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was honored in a two-day celebration in Baltimore as she prepares to retire in 2025 after 39 years of pastoral leadership. Her legacy of faith, advocacy and ministry has transformed communities, expanded opportunities for women in the clergy and inspired countless lives through mentorship, service and her written works.
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
Official statement from the Board of Bishops regarding the death of Bishop George Edward Battle Jr.
By The Board of Bishops, The A.M.E. Zion Church We, the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church, acknowledge with great sorrow the passing of our colleague and former Senior Bishop, Bishop George Edward Battle Jr., who passed away on yesterday, Sunday, March 9, 2025. Bishop Battle was elected our 84th Bishop in the […]
