Pastor Kelcy Steele

Local Faith Leaders Respond to Orlando Tragedy

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorJune 23, 2016

The mass murders of 49 people in Orlando, Florida on June 12 prompted a strong response from faith leaders throughout the nation. In the greater Los Angeles area, clergy of all faiths shared the following comments. Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church: “I extend my prayers and condolences to the victims and loved ones of this senseless tragedy. Clearly, we need a spiritual revival in this country because it is all a part of a dearth that we have spiritually. We trust that people will have this revival and can be renewed.

Religion

Black Church Urged to Join Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Cora Jackson-Fossett (Religion Editor)April 21, 2016

A new initiative is underway to enlist the faith community in combatting the rise of HIV/AIDS among African Americans in Los Angeles. The campaign, entitled The Black Church & HIV, aims to establish a network of faith leaders, religious institutions, and community members committed to making change and ending the HIV epidemic. Positioning HIV as a social justice issue, advocates insist that faith leaders are trusted community educators who can address the inequities and stigma surrounding the disease. “In the health care system, there are higher rates of mortality and there is a lower quantity and quality of health