Black pastor responds to Trump's return to church call

Pastor Kelcy G.L. Steele of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church (New Haven, CT) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s call for churches to resume worship services:

I’m Kinda confused… Why did we need President Trump to declare churches essential? I mean, I’m glad he realizes that. But Christians already knew that. And, even churches that need to alter their worship experiences, have been tending to their flock with love and assistance in these times of need, right?

Churches are feeding, financially supporting, tending to elderly, proving support for school children, tending to first responders, providing space for testing, providing discipleship and soul care, assisting local and national efforts to keep proper medical information available to people, creating innovative worship experiences, online Bible studies, online small groups, helping people find new jobs, and so much more.

Let’s not forget that churches have helped facilitate many of the 94,000 funerals. And pastors, Rabbis, Imams, chaplains, and people of faith have been the source of strength and comfort during a ton of mourning and fear!

Is it that the president want us to reconvene in dense numbers, where (I know) many of the significant outbreaks of COVID-19 occurred just a little over a month ago! Many of the black bishops, pastors, black, brown, and white Christians and Jews contracted the disease in worship spaces! We know this from contact tracing.

We need more testing partnerships and not a president, who does not have a flattering reputation of worship attendance, who uses the church for impact in a statement for political advantage.

EMANUEL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF THE CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING

Emanuel

IN THEATERS JUNE 17 & 19 ONLY

National headlines blazed the story: Churchgoers Gunned Down During Prayer Service in Charleston, South Carolina. After a 21-year-old white supremacist opened fire in the church, nine African Americans lay dead—leaving their families and the nation to grapple with this senseless act of terror.

Forty-eight hours later, in the midst of unspeakable grief and suffering, the families of the Emanuel Nine stood in court facing the killer … and offered words of forgiveness. Their demonstration of grace ushered the way for hope and healing across a city and the nation.

It’s the story that rocked a city and a nation as it happened … and in the days that followed. Marking the fourth anniversary of the event, executive producers Stephen Curry and Viola Davis, co-producer Mariska Hargitay, and director Brian Ivie (The Drop Box) present EMANUEL. The documentary powerfully weaves the history of race relations in Charleston, the significance and impact of Mother Emanuel Church, and the hope that somehow emerges in the aftermath.

Featuring intimate interviews with survivors and family members, EMANUEL is a poignant story of justice and faith, love and hate, examining the healing power of forgiveness. Marking the fourth anniversary, EMANUEL will be in movie theaters across the country for two nights only: June 17 and 19.

Find theaters and get tickets here: Emanuel In Theaters

The hypocrisy of the black church when it comes to homosexuality

By George L. Cook III African American Reports. [EMAIL]

I know for some homosexuality and the black church is a sensitive subject but it's one that requires discussion.

Kim Burrell's recent homophobic rant further exposed the hypocrisy of the black church when it comes to homosexuality. It's time to call the church in it. Listen to my thoughts on this topic below.

Georgia pastor's powerful message to anti gay Christians

Georgia pastor E. Dewey Smith said that religious people who are critical of the LGBT community and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage are "hypocritical" in a videotaped sermon that was posted Thursday. Watch his statement below.

NAACP ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE OUTBREAK OF CHURCH BURNINGS

NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks, has released a brief statement on the recent spate of black church burnings in the US. Read his statement below.

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:

“The spike in church burnings in Southern states over the past few days requires our collective attention. When nine students of scripture lose their lives in a house worship, we cannot to turn a blind eye to any incident. As we wait for authorities to conduct their investigations, the NAACP and our state conferences across the country will remain vigilant and work with local churches and local law enforcement to ensure that all are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of every parishioner. For centuries, African American churches have served as the epicenter of survival for many in the African-American community, as a consequence, these houses of faith have historically been the targets of violence. We will use every tool in our advocacy arsenal to preserve these beloved institutions.”