Religion

Blessing campaign helps churches with community outreach

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

By Freda Freeman, Correspondent

J. Locke, center, Pasupathy Thyagarajan, left, Ramakumar Revur and Rama Lakshmanan. DURHAM – Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Given that taxes are an inevitable part of life, international gospel recording artist J. Locke, of Raleigh, says they should

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When silence on racism is deafening

Thursday, February 12, 2026

By Kelvin J. Washington, Baptist Press

On Feb. 5, President Donald Trump retweeted a video, originally from Trump’s Truth Social account, which discussed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. However, near the end of the video, a clip portrayed former President Barak Obama and his wife Michelle as apes. After receiving pushback from various constituents, President Trump removed the

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What can women’s ministries do to address young adults leaving the church?

Thursday, February 5, 2026

By Carol Pipes and Scott McConnell, Baptist Press

We’ve seen a steady decline in both Christian identity and church attendance with each passing generation in the United States. A stat that should concern all church leaders is that among teenagers who were active in church for at least a year during high school, 2 of 3 are not attending shortly after graduation. This cultural retreat from church is

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‘Little Rock Nine’ student recalls Christian classmates

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

By David Smith, Baptist Press

(This story was first published on Jan. 21, 1997.) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – In 1957, the country watched as nine Black teenagers, accompanied by armed federal troops deployed by President Dwight Eisenhower, crossed a historic racial barrier to attend Little Rock Central High School. The Army troops were ordered to protect the students from physical harm.

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Restored marriage is result of church plant’s efforts

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

By Erin Roach, Baptist Press

Pastor Darryl Baker and his wife Patrice (left) helped Charles and Brandy Fraley restore their marriage. PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Charles Fraley had walked away from God long ago, and he had even moved out of his house and left his wife and 6-year-old son behind when God drew Brandy Fraley to a marriage class at Change City Church in Pickerington,

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Legendary gospel singer Richard Smallwood’s Durham connection

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Submitted by Denise Hester

With great sadness, I'm sharing the passing of my prolific cousin Richard Smallwood, front and center. Although absent from us physically, his music lives on to bring us closer to God. RICHARD SMALLWOOD – THE HAYTI CONNECTION Gospel legend Richard Smallwood is known the world over for his prolific musical creations and his mesmerizing performances.

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In churches and communities, a new model for men’s health emerges

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

By Andrea Stevens, The Afro

In church halls, community centers and conference rooms across the country, a quiet movement is gaining momentum. Its focus is on breaking the silence surrounding men’s health, particularly among men of color. At the center of the effort is John Bruce, director of strategic partnerships at the Men’s Health Network and senior pastor of Shiloh

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Faith without screens? Churches reconsider livestream worship

Monday, December 22, 2025

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, Word In Black

Like other churches during the COVID-19 lockdown, Dunamis International Gospel Center began livestreaming its services in 2020. Now that the pandemic has subsided, and noticing the pews aren’t as filled as before, the Rev. Paul Enenche delivered a message to congregants who’d rather watch DIGC services from a video screen. Virtual worship, he

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