When we decolonize the theology of White supremacy, resurrection can transform the United “Thief-dom” of America into the United “Kin-dom” of America.
The news of the L.A. City Council’s unanimous vote that advances phasing out oil and gas extraction across the city was a joy for frontline communities affected by environmental racism! With God’s help, people-power for righteous causes will always bring about win-win victories for some of the most marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
January 6th on the Christian liturgical calendar is Epiphany! It marks a holy day of
invitation to shine the light on the essence of Christmas message and the mission of Jesus. The coup attempt on January 6, 2021 introduced a dark and dangerous translation to this holy day.
“Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu was part of the greatest generation that bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” writes Pastor Kelvin Saul, a South African native, in an emotional tribute to the renowned theologian and activist.
“Once Again” – A Poem for George Floyd By Gerald Lenoir Once again, a brother lies dead in the street Once again, he screams, “I can’t breathe” with no relief Once again, policemen stand idly by while Once again, a man in blue condemns a Black man to die. Once again, Black lives really don’t matter Once again, a Black body is crushed and shattered Once again, Black lives are under attack Once again, a man dies because he’s Black. Once again, we pray, we march, we dissent Once again, we rage, we cry, we vent Once again,
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the epidemic of institutional racism and individual bigotry in the United States, we are called to commemorate and participate in Pentecost. How appropriate and timely! The fulfillment of the divine promise: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8) – Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, and from shining sea to shining sea. Pentecost was the democratization of God’s power for accessibility and inclusivity. No more exclusive access to God’s power by chaplains of empire. Moreover, Pentecost was actualizing people
The swiftness, severity and scale of the Coronavirus pandemic has challenged humanity to hit both the pause and reset buttons. Accompanied by fatality and anxiety, uncertainty and vulnerability, humanity had no choice but to enter a painful season of evaluation and adaptation. Moreover, whether we like it or not, a major shift has us heading towards a new normal. Nevertheless, as people of faith, we must decide how f.e.a.r. will impact our spirituality and agency: forget everything and run or face everything and rise. The purpose and power of resurrection is to reset and rise!! The commemoration of resurrection is
HANDS TO THE P.L.O.W.” with Pastor Kelvin Sauls “No one, having put their hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kin-dom of God.” – Luke 9:62 During my time in devotion and meditation the last couple of days, and in the midst of people not being able to worship together in sanctuaries, the conversation that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman in John 4 entered my spirit. The impact of COVID-19 continues to be shocking and sobering in its impact on EVERY aspect of our lives. Caused by a detour, this encounter between Jesus and the
As the celebration of the birth of Christ nears, the Sentinel surveyed several local clergy for their replies to the question: What are one-to-two Christmas wishes that you would extend to the L.A.-area African American community and why? The following are the responses that we received. Pastor Mary S. Minor, Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church: “During the season of Christmas, Christians recant the night when Jesus was born. There was no room in the inn. He was born homeless. Today, many persons (including children) know firsthand what it means to be homeless. “My wish is that the county and city of
The Spirit of the Lord enveloped 39th St. and Crenshaw Blvd. at the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage as vocalists and choirs rocked the corner with powerful, inspirational music. Thousands crowded the area to praise God with singing, clapping, shouting and holy dancing while listening regional and national artists lift up the name of Jesus through multiple formats. The stage, sponsored by LIVEFREE and the Black Leadership Aids Coalition, opened the first half with talent recruited by Pastor Kelvin Sauls of Sauls Enterprises and Ricardo Mowatt of Mowatt Entertainment. Christian comedian J-Red returned as emcee and kept the audience entertained with
While the merry-go-round at the county fair might be enjoyable and fun, it is no fun to go around in circles, and not getting anywhere. When it feels like life is filled with movement without progress, it’s not enjoyable. Such an experience brings about a double debilitating punch of feeling stuck and exhausted, frustrated and agitated, disempowered and demoralized. This can result from personal and relational issues, familial and communal dilemmas, and societal and political challenges. One, a few or all of these can bring about a repeat or remake of the same movie with different actors portraying the same
Jan. – AME Church Responds to Trump’s Racist Rhetoric In a scathing rebuke of recent racist comments reportedly stated by President Donald Trump, the AME Church Council of Bishops issued a strong statement signed by Bishop Clement W. Fugh, president; Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, president of the General Board; Bishop Frank M. Reid III, chair of the Commission on Social Action; and Senior Bishop McKinley Young. “The AME Church has consistently opposed the racist rhetoric and social policies of the Trump Administration. We will continue to speak out and hold the United States government accountable as our faith commands
Religious leaders of every faith united in extending prayers of sympathy along with condemning the shocking killings of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27. The murders occurred three days after a White man shot two African Americans in Jeffersontown, Kentucky on Oct. 24, after unsuccessfully attempting to enter a nearby Black church. The appalling hate crimes stirred memories of the mass murders of 26 people at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas in Nov. 2017, nine people at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015, and the four
The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour made its final stop at the Taste of Soul in the presence of more than 350,000 attendees and it was nothing short of amazing! The critically acclaimed gospel stage, sponsored by McDonald’s and dedicated in the memory of the late Brenda Marsh-Mitchell, featured a number of performances from the nation’s biggest gospel music acts. Hitting the stage to bring hope, inspiration and a whole lot of joy were singers and songwriters Donald Lawrence, Deitrick Haddon, Rickey Dillard, Geneen White, JJ Hairston, Canton Jones, Todd Dulaney, Paul Porter of the Christianaires, Renee Spearman, Lonnie Hunter,
The Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage Returns with Talented Artists from Across the Region