New book argues most white U.S. Christians worship a religion of whiteness
In 2000, two sociologists wrote a book about the fraught efforts of white evangelicals to diversify their congregations to better address racial discrimination in the church.
EMS & firefighters remembered
For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored …
Faith and family inspire local nursing student
With a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, Erin Norwood is ready to help others — and set an example along the way.
First AME pastor defends bankruptcy filing for FAME Corp
In response to the recent financial decisions, Pastor Robert Shaw from First AME Church in Los Angeles has issued a statement in defense of the church’s choice to file for bankruptcy protection for three of its entities: Fame Assistance Corporation, …
Steadfast devotion
After 28 years, Dr. Patricia A. Gould-Champ last January handed off the pastoral leadership of the church she founded, Faith Community Baptist Church in the East End.
Lonely Mother’s Day, notes a mourning mother
Mother’s Day 2020 marked a significant shift. It was the first time I faced the day knowing with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t receive a call, card, text or visit from my beloved son, my only child, whom I affectionately …
Obstacles remain as women seek more leadership roles in America’s Black Church
No woman had ever preached the keynote sermon at the Joint National Baptist Convention, a gathering of four historically Black Baptist denominations representing millions of people.
Hospital Chaplain J.S. Park’s new book explores grief
“Everything happens for a reason” might be one of the least helpful things you can say to someone who just lost a loved one, according to veteran hospital Chaplain J.S. Park.
Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House
In the month since moving from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration to the White House, the Rev. Thomas L. Bowen keeps encountering familiar faces.
Remembering an icon
The esteemed civil rights leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, a native of Richmond, would have celebrated her 112th birthday on Sunday, March 24. Although she died April 20, 2010, at age 98 in Washington, D.C., her legacy remains strong, especially …
Sculpture park aims to look honestly at slavery, honoring those who endured it
Visitors to the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park wind a serpentine path past art pieces depicting the lives of enslaved people in America and historic exhibits, including two cabins where the enslaved lived, before arriving at a towering monument.
A new generation of readers embraces bell hooks’ ‘All About Love’
In the summer of 2022, Emma Goodwin was getting over a breakup and thinking hard about her life and how to better herself. She decided to try a book she had heard about often, bell hooks’ “All About Love: New …
Honorary street sign to recognize Bishop Melvin Williams Jr.
For more than 50 years, Bishop Melvin Williams Jr., pastor of the Temple of Judah at 2120 Venable St. has made his mark on Richmond and Virginia – primarily through giving. For years, his words of wisdom through his daily …
Spring Creek Baptist receives $1.25M grant
Spring Creek Baptist Church in Moseley has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help strengthen families through Christian home visitation. The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. The aim …
At National Cathedral, leaders of different parties, perspectives call for civility
Sitting under the imposing columns of the Washington National Cathedral, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox turned to longtime political strategist Donna Brazile and shared his change of heart about her.