Church Bodies

A chapter of the Occupy Wall Street movement may have helped a historic black church in Georgia get a modified loan, thereby saving the church from foreclosure.

Higher Ground Empowerment Center was given a second chance at avoiding foreclosure when BB&T agreed to craft a resolution that would allow the congregation to remain at the church, which has been open since 1903.

“BB&T is committed to continue to work with the Church until there is a mutually agreeable solution,” said David White of Corporate Communications for BB&T in a statement. more >>

Today, Americans across the nation are honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a catalyst for the civil rights movement who advocated equality for all races. However, 43 years after his assassination, churches throughout America still face segregation – giving rise to a "Church Diversity" initiative to "see a more unified body of Christ."

From Jan. 13-19, "Church Diversity Week" aims to open communication about the importance of diversity in places of worship.

Pastor Scott Williams, author of Church Diversity – Sunday The Most Segregated Day of the Week, shared that this campaign, which he spearheaded, is about raising "awareness to help propel the movement." more >>

Many conservative Presbyterians hold mixed feelings about a video released by eight elders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calling for unity among Presbyterian churches.

On Wednesday, Ruling Elder Cynthia Bolbach and Teaching Elder Landon Whitsitt, the moderator and vice-moderator of PC(USA)’s 219th General Assembly, posted a 34-minute video on YouTube stating that the denomination “has not turned its back on proclaiming Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.”

The video, as well as an accompanying letter, also called for Presbyterians belonging to congregations that are set to leave the PC(USA) to reconsider their plans. more >>

He’s loved and loathed for his tough talk on the church in the 21st century, and this time he’s taking aim at Britain.

Pastor Mark Driscoll has previously asserted that it’s time for Christianity to “man-up” and drop the image of Jesus as a long-haired man in a dress “drinking decaf and in touch with his feelings.”

The Mars Hill pastor continues on a similar theme in an interview with the latest edition of Christianity Magazine in which he suggests that preachers need to become more like drill sergeants if they are to attract young men to church. more >>

Breakaway Anglican congregations in Virginia suffered a blow this week when a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge ruled against letting them keep their church properties.

Judge Randy Bellows ruled on Tuesday in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, giving them ownership over the property of seven churches, some of which date back to the 18th century.

While expressing disappointment in the decision, Jim Oakes, spokesperson for the seven Anglican congregations, said in a statement that they will remain steadfast in their effort “to defend the historic Christian faith.” more >>

The New York City Housing Authority has extended the lease of a Bronx church that uses one of its facilities after the congregation accused authorities of trying to evict them in the context of an alleged clampdown on worship groups in government buildings.

Infinity NY Church, a nondenominational ministry led by Pastor Dimas Salaberrios, has been fighting to keep its space at the Bronx River Community Center after it received a notification from NYCHA that its lease was going to expire, and that the church would need to move by February.

A number of congregants staged a protest in front of the New York City Law Department offices last week, in which Salaberrios and other participants were arrested while praying. more >>