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OUR FAITH by Brandon Jakes

Family and Friends day at my church

The doors are always open for the community at West Point Missionary Baptist Church. West Point believes it’s their duty to serve the community and alleviate the common misconceptions of Black churches that church is more of an invitation-only club, instead of a church with open doors for all.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Theresa Fambro Hooks

St. Elizabeth Catholic Parish celebrates its 130th Anniversary Year

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Chicago’s oldest African American Catholic parish, marked its 130th anniversary with a series of events that began Nov. 4.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Errin Haines

Shuttlesworth eclipsed by King in life and death

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — When a little-known black Baptist preacher named Martin Luther King took the helm of the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott in 1955, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was already in Birmingham trying to start a movement, but nobody was paying attention.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Theresa Fambro Hooks

‘Hallelujah Night’ at New Faith M.Baptist Church

New Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 8400 S. Halsted St., in an effort “to keep our children safe,” will host “Hallelujah Night” on Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween, from 5-8 p.m. On the agenda for the evening: fun, food and games for youngsters of all ages, says the Rev. Dr. Howard Randolph, pastor.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Greg Bluestein

Former CEO accused of targeting churchgoers

ATLANTA (AP) — With confidence and zeal, Ephren Taylor riveted audiences at mostly black churches with a list of his impressive accomplishments and an uncanny business sense. He had the blessing of top clergy as he gave financial seminars from the pulpit on Sundays, promising rock-solid investments — only many of the churchgoers said they haven't seen a dime.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Theresa Fambro Hooks

First Baptist Church to celebrate 178 years in Chicago

First Baptist Church, 935 E. 50th St., known as the oldest Baptist Church in the city of Chicago, celebrates its 178th Anniversary on Oct.16. The theme: “For the Glory of God, by God’s Power and Do it God’s Way.” Rev. David Watkins and members of Greater Bethesda Church choir will lead the service, which begins at 4 p.m.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Megachurch pastor vows to move past allegations

ATLANTA (AP) — Bishop Eddie Long says he's moving ahead with his ministry at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and won't discuss allegations of sexual misconduct made by four young men who were members of his congregation.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Chicago’s gospel community mourned death of Delois Barrett Campbell

Delois Barrett Campbell, known as the “Royal Lady of Gospel” died Aug. 2 and was laid to rest after a spirit-filled homegoing celebration.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Sunrise prayer services set for back to school

CHICAGO (AP) — The Black Catholic Deacons of the Archdiocese of Chicago will conduct back-to-school sunrise prayer services on Lake Michigan beaches Saturday.

 
 
OUR FAITH

Pastors Salute

The Pastors Salute will pay tribute to notable Pastors in the Chicago area on Sept. 17, 2011.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

82nd Billiken Day to feature inaugural gospel fest event

The Chicago Defender Charities Inc., producer of the annual Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic, is adding a new element to the day of family fellowship.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Rhonda Gillespie

Cookie Johnson encourages first ladies to lead church in HIV/AIDS awareness

Since her husband was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, more is known about the disease, but more African Americans are dying from it, Cookie Johnson told a gathering of first ladies from Chicagoland churches.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Travis Loller

Southern Baptists poised for historic election

The man expected to be in the running to become the first African-American in the No. 2 position of the nation's largest Protestant denomination didn't choose to become a Southern Baptist. By Fred Luter Jr.'s account, it just sort of happened.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Errin Haines

Bernice King leaving Bishop Long's megachurch

The youngest daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is leaving an Atlanta megachurch where the pastor has been embroiled in scandal, months after she turned down a leadership role with the organization her father co-founded.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Sounds of Inspiration

Chicago unites with Alabama was a huge success recently when Pastor Deandre Patterson and Donald Buster Woods spearheaded a gospel concert to raise funds to help college students and victims of the state hit hard by killer tornados.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church turns 125

Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church is celebrating its 125th birthday.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Carla K. Johnson

Pfleger wants to stay at St. Sabina

During his first Sunday church services since announcing that he's been asked to leave, one of Chicago's best known Roman Catholic priests said he wants to remain as pastor of his southwest side parish, but said what happens next "is in God's hands."

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Another plan to rebuild landmark Pilgrim church in works

There is a new plan to rebuild Chicago's historic, fire-damaged Pilgrim Baptist Church.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Work to rebuild landmark church to start soon

The on-again, off-again reconstruction of a landmark Chicago church known as the birthplace of gospel music is on again.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Mark S. Smith

Obama: Christ's travails put others in perspective

Pausing to observe Holy Week amid war and policy struggles, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that the agony of Jesus Christ through death and resurrection puts mere political struggle "in perspective."

 
 
OUR FAITH by Herbert G. McCann

Chicago archdiocese suspends Rev. Michael Pfleger

An activist Catholic priest who made headlines when he mocked Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign was suspended by the Archdiocese of Chicago on Wednesday because of a disagreement over a proposed transfer from his South Side church.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Sounds of Inspiration

Chicago gospel talent shines on stage, in studio

Congrats to Chicago’s VaShawn Mitchell, who was recently added as opening act for Bebe and Cece Winans and Mary Mary’s tour. Mitchell performed his latest track, Nobody Greater, which is burning up the charts and airwaves to a standing room crowd at the Chicago Theater earlier this month when the tour came to Chicago. Meanwhile, Cece Winans has once again teamed up with Donald Lawrence to promote church choirs across the country for the How Sweet the Sound Gospel Celebration.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Chicago archdiocese reinstates suspended priest

The Archdiocese of Chicago has reinstated the priestly duties of the Rev. Michael Pfleger, the outspoken pastor suspended last month due to a disagreement over a proposed transfer from his South Side church.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Kuumba celebration at Holy Name Cathedral

Several schools from the Archdiocesan Catholic schools participated Friday in the 33rd Annual African American Heritage Month Mass at Holy Name Cathedral.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Sophia Tareen

Farrakhan: Libya's Gadhafi remains a friend

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said Sunday that he considers Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a friend and won't distance himself from him despite the deadly crackdown on protestors in the turbulent North Africa country.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Floydetta McAfee

Nine denominations work together with broad-based partnerships to tackle core issues

During the first national meeting of the newly formed Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC), bishops, pastors, and lay leaders began rolling out the strategic plans for improving the lives of African Americans and underserved communities.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Fred Hammond talks 'Awesome God'

Fred Hammond personifies praise and worship. The former founding member of the legendary contemporary quartet, Commissioned, is a household name when it comes to gospel music.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Keisha Price

The Soul Children of Chicago: Decades of youth singing the gospel

The Soul Children of Chicago is not your typical sunshine youth choir. The lively group of 7- to 17-year-olds offers stirring lyrics, boasts powerhouse singers and is known around the globe.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

40,000 church conventioneers flood St. Louis

The Church of God in Christ is holding its first convention outside of its hometown of Memphis in more than 100 years.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Rhonda Gillespie

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier: Mourners say goodbye to ‘a great man’

Thousands of mourners filled the sanctuaries and designated overflow rooms of the Apostolic Church of God Thursday and Friday to say their final goodbyes to Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. The esteemed preacher, civil rights activist and community warrior died Oct. 22 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital following a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Pastor of Birmingham's Sixth Avenue Baptist quits

The pastor of one of Birmingham's largest black churches has resigned.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Rhonda Gillespie

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier remembered as pillar of church, community

A source close to the family of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier said that when President Barack Obama recently contacted the bishop while he was on his sick bed, Obama cried.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Services set for Bishop Brazier

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, pastor emeritus of Apostolic Church of God and longtime civil rights activist, will lie in repose Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the church, with a service for the congregation to follow at 7 p.m.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Bishop Arthur Brazier dead at 89

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, pastor emeritus of Apostolic Church of God died Friday at an undisclosed hospital. He was 89.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Farewell to the queen: Reflecting on the late Albertina Walker

The Queen of Gospel, Albertina Walker, personified elegance, grace and gospel music. She took her last bow and now sings in the heavenly choir. Fortunately, during my broadcast career, I was privileged to have many opportunities to interview her over the past 20 years. When most entertainers of such an iconic level are known to be standoffish, many can attest to her humility and down to earth nature. She always made herself accessible.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Gospel Queen Albertina Walker dead at 81

Gospel legend Albertina Walker died Friday from respiratory complications. She was 81.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Rhonda Gillespie

Greater First Church wins Verizon Wireless local gospel choir competition

The Greater First Church Chorale offered a winning sound during the How Sweet the Sound gospel choir competition sponsored by Verizon Wireless. The East Chicago, Ind. choir not only walked away from the event, held Sept. 27, with the title of best choir in Chicago, the dynamic singing group also took home $16,000.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Charles Babington and Darlene Superville

Obama tells questioner he's 'Christian by choice'

President Barack Obama, in a rare discussion about his religious beliefs, described himself on Tuesday as a "Christian by choice" who arrived at his faith in adulthood because "the precepts of Jesus Christ" helped him envision the kind of life he wanted to lead.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Rev. John Hannah handles growing flock at New Life Covenant

When you talk to the senior pastor of New Life Covenant Oakwood Church, it is clear to see that John Hannah has a heart for God.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Ann Sanner

Farrakhan supports planned mosque near ground zero

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said Thursday an Islamic community center and mosque planned near ground zero should be built because Muslims were among those of many faiths who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Thousands attend conference launched by Jakes

More than 10,000 men attended what was billed as a "pep rally for God" in Fort Worth.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Baptist convention starts next month in KC

The convention of the country's largest black denomination will get under way next month in downtown Kansas City.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Wendell Hutson

Faith leaders: Churches should be partnering with schools, helping youth

At a Tuesday breakfast meeting sponsored by Chicago Public Schools, Black ministers collectively said the church must play a greater role in helping youth stay off the streets.

 
 
OUR FAITH by NNPA

CME Church Elects First Female Bishop

The Rev. Dr. Teresa Snorton has been elected the first female bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church. Snorton was one among elected bishop during the congregation’s thirty-sixth quadrennial session and thirty-seventh General Conference, which convened in Mobile, Ala. early this month, it has been announced.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Keisha Price

Edwin Hawkins celebrates ‘Happy Day’ in Chicago

Gospel legend Edwin Hawkins was in Chicago recently, hosting the 29th Annual Edwin and Walter Hawkins Music and Arts Love Fellowship Conference.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Nicole Winfield

Lasers uncover first icons of Sts. Peter and Paul

ROME – Twenty-first century laser technology has opened a window into the early days of the Catholic Church, guiding researchers through the dank, musty catacombs beneath Rome to a startling find: the first known icons of the apostles Peter and Paul.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Keisha Price

Mark Hubbard and the Voices a hit in Chicago

Mark Hubbard and the United Voices of Christ Choir performed with Byron Cage at the city’s Gospel Music Festival held earlier this month. The Stellar Award-winning choir not only sings alongside gospel recording artists, but they lend their talents to secular artists as well. Defender/Worsom Robinson

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Gospel artists doing big things in the industry

by Effie Rolfe Chicago’s local artists are heating things up in the gospel world. Kudos to Chicago’s Brown Sisters whose Awesome God video was produced by the siblings in Chicago earlier this year.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Frances D'Emilio

Pope praises priests, despite scandal

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI hailed priests on Sunday as gifts to the world for their generous and courageous work, in a speech that didn’t mention the clergy sex abuse scandal.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

Obama: Americans praying for people near Gulf region

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says that Americans are praying for the people of the Gulf as they deal with the catastrophic oil spill.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Jenkins takes over Fellowship recording

The Memorial Day weekend event marked another historic moment at the church, affectionately known as The Ship, when the founder, Rev. Clay Evans, passed the torch to continue recording to the current pastor, Rev Charles Jenkins.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Keith Pringle makes return to gospel music with new release

Call Him Up, Perfect Peace, With My Whole Heart and I Feel Like Going On - which was featured in the movie The Five Heartbeats - were songs that kept legendary artist Keith Pringle on the map.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Fred Hammond, Byron Cage, Richard Smallwood on stage at annual gospel fest

The city is all set to begin its annual summer festival events. Kicking off the series of free entertainment that covers different music genres will be the Gospel Music Festival June 5 and 6 in Millennium Park downtown.

 
 
OUR FAITH Special to Defender

Shekinah Glory Ministry celebrates 10 years, records live CD

Kingdom Records’ Shekinah Glory Ministry is celebrating their 10th year as a praise and worship ensemble with a new, and as yet untitled, live CD/DVD.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Larry Neumeister

Ex-Obama pastor: ‘Obama threw me under the bus’

NEW YORK – The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s controversial former pastor, said in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that he is “toxic” to the Obama administration and that the president “threw me under the bus.”

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Keith Johnson is ‘Wonderboy’ of Black Smoke Music

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, James Fortune, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, Ernest Pugh and The Brown Boys are just a few of the country's most recognized gospel recording artists. Kerry Douglas of Black Smoke Music in Houston is the mastermind behind these artists’ success. Black Smoke Music is small but big on having artists in the Billboard Top 10.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Barry Hatton

Pope: Church’s own sins to blame in sex scandal

LISBON, Portugal - In his most thorough admission of the church’s guilt in the clerical sex abuse scandal, Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday the greatest persecution of the institution “is born from the sins within the church,” and not from a campaign by outsiders.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Tom Breen

Obama pick would mean no Protestants on high court

ALEIGH, N.C. — Nine justices, no Protestants.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Be U: Mary Mary gospel duo pens new book

Erica and Tina Campbell, the Grammy Award-winning popular sister duo known as Mary Mary just released their debut book entitled Be U: Be Honest, Be Beautiful, Be Intentional, Be Strong, Be You!

 
 
OUR FAITH by Eric Gorski

U.S. Catholics debate defrocking abusive priests

Much of the recent scrutiny of the Roman Catholic Church’s response to clergy sexual abuse has focused on whether the Vatican - and the man who is now pope - acted quickly enough to kick perpetrators out of the priesthood.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Mike Baker and Philip Elliott

Obama and evangelist Billy Graham share a prayer

In this image released by the White House, President Barack Obama meets with Billy Graham, 91, at his mountainside home in Montreat, N.C., Sunday. Obama concluded his North Carolina vacation with his first meeting of the ailing evangelist, who has counseled commanders in chief since Dwight Eisenhower. AP/The White House, Pete Souza

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Gospel singer John P. Kee working in vineyard

Verity Gospel recording artist John P. Kee is on a mission.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Jesse J. Holland

Court splits sharply on campus Christian argument

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court seemed to split sharply Monday on whether a law school can deny recognition to a Christian student group that won’t let gays join, a case that could determine whether nondiscrimination policies trump the rights of private organizations to determine who can - and cannot - belong.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Rev. T.L. Barrett celebrates 42 years as pastor

Rev. T.L. Barrett Jr. and Bishop Larry D. Trotter

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Karen Clark Sheard’s latest is ‘All’ that and more

Karen Clark Sheard

 
 
OUR FAITH by Frances D'Emilio

Vatican blasts anti-Catholic ‘hate’ campaign

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican heatedly defended Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday, claiming accusations that he helped cover up the actions of pedophile priests are part of an anti-Catholic “hate” campaign targeting the pope for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Smokie Norful records on own new label, starts new business venture

Grammy, Stellar and Dove Awards are among the plethora of industry accolades Pastor Smokie Norful has garnered during his impressive musical journal.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Natasha T. Mezler

Easter service at D.C. church draws Pres. Obama, family

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and his family marked the Easter holiday by attending a music-filled service at a historically black Methodist church in southeast Washington, an area that was rocked by violence last week.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Nicole Winfield

Vatican offers 3 reasons it’s not liable for abuse

VATICAN CITY – Dragged deeper than ever into the clerical sex abuse scandal, the Vatican is launching a legal defense that it hopes will shield the pope from a lawsuit in Kentucky seeking to have him answer attorneys’ questions under oath.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Marvin Sapp’s latest declares ‘Here I Am’

Stellar Award winner and Verity Gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp was in town last week to celebrate his brand new release entitled “Here I Am.” The powerful single has become a favorite and has quickly spiraled to the top of the gospel charts.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Sophia Tareen

Farrakhan: Anti-Obama comments may lead to death

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan said Wednesday that a hateful climate is being created in the U.S. that may encourage an assassination of President Barack Obama.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Albertina Walker still going strong in gospel music

Gospel’s living legend Dr. Albertina Walker turns 81 this year and she has achieved numerous awards including Grammy and Stellar Awards.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Mike Corder

Religious groups pledge to end AIDS stigma

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Religious groups from around the globe pledged Tuesday to prevent the stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS, in a joint statement welcomed by a senior U.N. official as a sea change in attitudes.

 
 
OUR FAITH Associated Press

SNAP criticizes Pope’s response to sex abuse

A national advocacy group says Pope Benedict XVI’s apology on sexual abuse by clergy doesn’t go far enough.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Nicole Winfield

Vatican denies celibacy rule led to sex scandal

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has denied that its celibacy requirement for priests was the root cause of the clerical sex abuse scandal convulsing the church and again defended the pope’s handling of the crisis.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Push for outlaw of blunt wraps

A South Side pastor is on a vigorous campaign to support the proposed ban of blunt wraps in the state.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Shirley Caesar brings her ‘City’ promo tour to Chicago

Eleven-time Grammy Award-winning Pastor Shirley Caesar whirled through town on a promotional tour of her latest CD entitled A City Called Heaven.

 
 
OUR FAITH Defender Staff Report

Baptist orgs unite for Haiti rebirth

An alliance of African American Baptist organizations representing 40,000 church congregations nationwide recently announced plans for a $50 million project to rebuild Haiti and aid survivors of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Rev. Ray knows power of prayer

Wanna’ know the key component for success? Kimberly Ray, senior pastor of Church on The Rock in south suburban Matteson believes the secret ingredient is the power of prayer.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Gospel museum to open in Bronzeville this year

After years of planning, gospel museum may have a home on the South Side.

 
 
OUR CITY by Sophia Tareen

Farrakhan speaks to Obama at Saviors’s Day event

Farrakhan offers salient advice for nation's first Black president, attacks 'white right' who push for one-term Obama

 
 
OUR FAITH Matti Friedman

In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible

JERUSALEM - An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

South Sider Inez Andrews among gospel’s icons

After more than seven decades, gospel legend, Inez Andrews, is still making history. Her soprano voice of steel can still call “Mary” like no other. Andrews penned the classic tune, Oh, Mary Don’t Weep, which was originally recorded with the world renowned Caravans in the 60s. Since then, the song has been recorded by multiple artists including the No. 1 gospel selling album of all time by Aretha Franklin, as well as by Rev James Cleveland.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Effie Rolfe

Felicia Campbell makes mark on Internet radio

Felicia Campbell, former record executive and radio personality, has changed lanes and is now helping to pave the way for Internet radio. Last Easter, Campbell launched Conscious Internet Radio “Music, Ministry and More” which is a 24-hour radio station. With the Internet being so routine for people to access information and entertainment, the move seemed perfect.

 
 
OUR FAITH by Mike Baker

Billy Graham group defends itself against lawsuit

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said Wednesday it never discriminated against a Black employee and argued her lawsuit should be dismissed because it would mark interference in the internal workings of a religious organization.

 
 
 
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