“If you want to do Kingdom-based ministry, you have to learn to love your zip code.” The Rev. Kevin Babcock, pastor of Clifton Heights and Swarthmore UMCs, credits theologian Len Sweet with that axiom. No doubt it means learning to …
Advocacy groups urge justice, mercy for immigrants at risk
A Call to Justice and Mercy in Response to Anti-Immigrant Federal Policies Nine social justice advocacy groups in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference together have issued a formal statement expressing urgent concern over recent law enforcement actions that threaten the peace …
Study reveals burdens of Phila. nonprofits with black leadership
The Philadelphia African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) recently published a comparative research study on the uniquely critical role African American-led nonprofit service agencies play and the challenges they face in serving African American communities. The Rev. David W. Brown, a …
Resources for nonprofits serving black communities
A matter of black and white? By the Rev. David W. Brown* Recently I was honored to have led an effort by the Philadelphia African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) — a network of African American leaders committed to improving the …
Something beautiful is growing in North Philly
Serenity House, a community center and outreach ministry of Arch Street United Methodist Church, sits near the corner of 12th St. and W. Lehigh Ave, in the heart of North Philadelphia. The former parsonage of the now-closed Cookman UMC, this …
Conference launches #BlackChurchesMatter funding appeal
Leaders and friends of African American United Methodist churches in the Eastern PA Conference, including Bishop Peggy Johnson and members of her Cabinet, met at the Conference Office Thursday, Nov. 19, to endorse the recent launch of an online fundraising …