19June2013

Chicago Defender

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Created on 14 June 2013

Southern Baptists Officially Oppose Gay Scout Rule

The Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution Wednesday expressing its opposition to and disappointment in the Boy Scouts of America’s new policy allowing gay Scouts.

The resolution was voted on by members at the denomination’s annual meeting in Houston. It also calls on the Boy Scouts to remove executive and board leaders who tried to allow gays as both members and leaders without consulting the many religious groups that sponsor Scout troops.

While the resolution does not recommend that Southern Baptists drop ties with the Scouts, it expresses support for those churches and families that decide to do so. It also encourages churches and families who choose to remain with the Scouts to work toward reversing the new membership policy.

Because all Southern Baptist churches are independent, the denomination cannot force a church to drop ties with the Scouts. However, churches occasionally are kicked out of the convention for practices considered incompatible with Southern Baptist beliefs.

The resolution takes a softer tone than the denomination has many times in the past.

In 1997, the Southern Baptist Convention asked its members to boycott The Walt Disney Company, in part because it provided benefits for same-sex partners of employees and hosted gay theme nights at its amusement parks. The SBC dropped the boycott in 2005.

Although the Nashville-based denomination claims 16 million members, it has seen membership decline for six years in a row. Recently, the convention has sought to expand its appeal beyond its traditional white, Southern base. Last year, the convention elected an African-American president for the first time in its history. The Rev. Fred Luter was re-elected without opposition Tuesday.

In other resolutions introduced Wednesday, the membership passed a resolution calling on all Southern Baptists to report allegations of child abuse to authorities.

The nation’s largest Protestant denomination has resisted implementing some type of database of ministers accused of abuse, saying that all churches are independent and the denomination does not have the authority to order local churches to submit that information.

Members amended the resolution to urge denominational leaders to use caution affiliating with groups or individuals with questionable practices for protecting children.

It is unclear whether the amendment was aimed at any specific person or practice, but it comes after some Southern Baptist leaders expressed support for Sovereign Grace Ministries. That group faces accusations that church officials covered up child sexual abuse.

Story by Juan A. Lozano and Travis Loller, Associated Press

(AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)

Written by Associated Press
Hits: 241

Created on 02 June 2013

Dwyane Wade Supports Challenge to Inspire Young Fathers

When one thinks of Grammy Award-winning rappers, responsible fatherhood may not be the first thing that comes to mind. So it might come as a surprise that the respected hip-hop artist Lecrae has joined a group of government employees and activists in an effort to promote fatherhood through music and social media. He has attracted partners such as NBA champion Dwyane Wade to help encourage young men to express what fatherhood means to them in the “This Is Fatherhood” challenge, which launched on May 1.

The challenge is a contest focusing on young fathers who may need extra encouragement and guidance to become better parents. Partners in the initiative hope to promote and nurture fatherhood among these men in this creative way. To sign up for the challenge, contestants can submit videos, songs and essays about fatherhood at This is Fatherhood from now through June 10 for a chance to win a cash prize.

Winners will also receive a trip to Washington, D.C. for a special ceremony on Father’s Day on June 16.

Read more at the Grio.

(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

Written by The Grio
Hits: 923

Created on 09 May 2013

Louis Farrakhan plans to visit Detroit next week

Min. Louis Farrakhan

DETROIT — Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan plans to visit Detroit next week and says he wants to help revitalize the city.

The Chicago-based Nation of Islam announced Thursday that Farrakhan plans to visit starting May 16 and give a public address May 17.

The Nation of Islam was founded in Detroit the 1930s. In a statement, Farrakhan says he plans to look at the condition of Detroit and consider buying properties to help in revitalization efforts. He says there's a need for help in the schools and city government.

Detroit's problems include crime and abandonment, and its finances are being run by a state-appointed emergency manager. Its budget deficit is $327 million and the city has a long-term debt of more than $14 billion that includes retiree and other obligations.

Written by Associated Press
Hits: 1583

Created on 27 May 2013

Farrakhan On Shabazz Death: ‘FBI Worked to Destroy Malcolm X Legacy’

During part 20 of his weekly series, The Time And What Must Be Done, Min. Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam answered criticism about his deafening silence on the murder of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of iconic human rights activist and revolutionary, Malcolm X.

“I was asked in a tweet whether I had offered condolences to the Malcolm Shabazz family over the loss of Malcolm Shabazz, the son of Sister Qubilah Shabazz,” Farrakhan began. “I sent word to the family through our International Representative, Brother Akbar Muhammad, who has contact with [Malcolm X daughter Ilyasah Shabazz]. He didn’t speak with her directly; but I gave him a message for the family, and he said he put it on her answering service. I hope that she received it; if not, the message is simply that we, in the Nation of Islam, send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family.”

But Farrakhan didn’t stop there. Exposing the toxic culture of the F.B.I. and its historical — and contemporary — role of terrorizing the black community, the NOI leader suggested that the blame for young Malcolm’s death rested squarely on the organization’s shoulders.

“But I want to say to Black America — that the same F.B.I. that hatched the plot to divide Brother Malcolm from his teacher [The Honorable Elijah Muhammad] and the Nation of Islam; that same F.B.I. that worked to destroy Black organizations and Black leadership — that same F.B.I. was dogging the footsteps of this young potential giant,” Farrakhan said.

Watch the video of Farrakhan’s message:

Read more at News One.

Photo: News One.

Written by Kirsten West Savali/News One
Hits: 1334

Created on 03 May 2013

Concerts, cancer stroll on tap for weekend

Dr. Alfred Wheeler and Blessed invites all to their 10th year anniversary tonight at St. Paul CME Church, 4644 S. Dearborn, at 7 p.m. The choir will share favorite songs from a decade in ministry. The event is free and all are welcome.

Join WGCI-FM/107.5’s Dana Divine Saturday, May 4 for the annual “Stroll Down the Boulevard” to encourage breast cancer survivors. The Sunday morning radio host and cancer survivor, along with other survivors, will band together in pink as they celebrate and showcase the new look of breast cancer. The effort also promotes the Tatisa Joiner Foundation and W.O.T. Foundation. The foundation is an inclusive sisterhood that sponsors “Pillowtalk” designed to educate, celebrate and demonstrate that there’s life after cancer. The stroll kicks off at 9 a.m. at 5100 S Hyde Park Boulevard. For details visit www.everydayisoctober.com

The Sisters and Mothers Foundation, in collaboration with Gods Battalion of Prayer Church and Living God Ministry Church of New York, will come to Chicago Saturday, May 4 for the 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon. The celebration honors distinguishing mothers, who have dedicated their lives to servicing their church and community. Contact mysmf.org for more information.

Condolences to the family and friends of Bishop Gerald Long Jr. Home going services are this Saturday May 4 at Life Center Church of God in Christ, 5500 S. Indiana Ave. The wake is at 9 a.m. and the funeral service immediately follows. Long sang with Angie Spivey and the Voices of Victory as well as Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale.

Written by Effie Rolfe, Chicago Defender
Hits: 1744

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