When Malone heard about the Racial Equity Institute workshops offered by the YWCA Greater Charleston, she quickly concluded that this could help prepare her staff for the hard work of educating a population of at-risk children.
Alfreda Levaine is the first woman from South Carolina to lead the national group in 30 years, the second in the organization's 85-year history.
If you don’t have a written directive, or you haven’t appointed someone who can confidently speak for you, then doctors will be obligated to do everything possible to save your life, even if “everything” means a painful delay of your death.
Though the temple doors closed amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Hindu community worshiped in other tangible, meaningful ways that aligned with the faith's core belief of helping those in need.
North Charleston, South Carolina's No. 1 city in retail sales, is also populated with homeless communities where people live in tents in the woods behind the city's booming businesses.
The same sin of racism that had seeped from slavery into my father’s generation continues to infect us today.
At the suggestion of his assistant, Lewis came to tour the museum's new photo exhibit, "Witness to History," which displayed iconic photos of the civil rights era.
My Baptist, pulpit-poundin’ father, God rest his soul, often referenced something called "preachin’ to the choir." It’s an expression about attempting to enlighten those who are already the most likely group to adhere to what’s being suggested.
Jarell Smalls, a 34-year-old gospel singer, almost died of COVID-19. He has a message for you.
These days, freedom of the press feels more like a free-for-all. Anyone with a Twitter account and smartphone can claim they’ve uncovered the “real facts,” a phrase as redundant as “burning fire.”
Amid a backdrop of nationwide unrest over racism and injustices, several African American leaders in Charleston will aim to empower youths in a Virtual Summit. Panelists in the event, slated for 6 p.m. Thursday, will share difficult stories of their past to inspire children and young adults to know they can overcome obstacles to succeed in life.
A more than $2 million donation from a Lowcountry couple will fund a new chaplaincy center at Charleston Southern University, marking one of the largest philanthropic donations in the school's history.
Two of South Carolina's leading Black and white Baptist denominations assembled Thursday in North Charleston to build bridges and pray for unity within the faith.
Why stand with those whose faith practice is so drastically different than mine? Because at the end of the day, if we refuse to stand together, then we will most decidedly fall alone.
New development has squeezed many of Charleston's historically Black houses of worship off the peninsula, but one congregation continues to thrive.
The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid, with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups.
“What can I do for God and country today?” The answer is easy. Stay at home when you can. Wear a mask where you asked. Keep a respectable social distance and wash your hands.
In metropolitan areas such as Charleston and North Charleston, diverse groups of pastors have walked the streets to demonstrate unity and ask God's forgiveness for the sin of racism that still stains many holy spaces.
But conversations are also taking place in less-populated, more rural areas, such as Moncks Corner, a town of about 11,000.
For African Americans, antebellum plantation sites are sacred ground soaked in blood and tears. Is it right to market them as tourist destinations?
It will always be our days that count: plural days, not singular. That means that in the case of our pandemic, the days of 2020 are only temporary. These months do not have to define our lives.
In effort to help people manage their stress during the crisis, the faith organization recently launched a chat service where people can access on-demand emotional support. Sister Hope, as it's called, is operational 24/7 for anyone in need of coping strategies for managing anxiety.
In recent years, Porter-Gaud and Ashley Hall have become increasingly aware of, and concerned about, their lack of diversity. They are elite private schools that historically have served Charleston’s privileged white families.
The ruling, which involves 36 properties across the state valued at $500 million, orders the plaintiff parishes be "affirmed as the title owners in fee simple absolute of their respective parish real properties."
There has never been a better time in this nation to listen to the stories being offered by communities of color, whether through books, friends or the media. So, this week, instead of expressing frustration on social media toward Black Lives Matter, I am challenging you tune in. Listen to the painful narrative being shared.
Family members, national and state political and spiritual leaders, including the likes of former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, honored the victims of the Emanuel tragedy this past week as they reflected on the lives of the fallen and also pressed for needed action to address racism.
State and national spiritual and political figures, including former Vice President Joe Biden, honored the victims of the tragedy at Emanuel AME Church with a video tribute Thursday night.
Bakari Sellers' new memoir, "My Vanishing Country, offers something so authentic that it caught me off guard.
The Charleston Symphony has been largely silenced by the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced concert cancellations and other changes. But as protesters in recent weeks decry the treatment of African Americans at the hands of the police and shed light on systemic and institutional racism, …
These past few weeks, our nation, even our world, was consumed with the tragic news of George Floyd, the unarmed black man killed when ex-policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck during an arrest. As a columnist, I would like to voice my strongest protest of what can only be described as murder. However, as a person of faith, my protest must begin by searching my own heart.
The ancient tradition of singing as a means of glorifying God and comforting the soul stretches back thousands of years.
Mitch Carnell, a layman at First Baptist Church of Charleston, has asked me to convey a national message to my readers. The church seeks others to join with them in setting aside the first Sunday of every June as “Say Something Nice Sunday.”
Today, choral singing is under threat from a microbe that has made a mockery of the natural human inclination to congregate and cooperate with one another.
Starting at a downtown church that once used religion to oppress enslaved Africans, Lowcountry faith leaders walked throughout downtown Charleston as they prayed and denounced the ugly sin of racism that still stains the Holy City.
If there’s a heavenly version of the Medal of Honor, this old vet may surely have one by now.
Randy Hinton is one of many parents who've lost children to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a rare and aggressive tumor with a low survival rate. In effort to raise awareness, dozens of states, including South Carolina, recently joined a national effort in recognizing May 17 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day.
Houses of worship never had to close in South Carolina, though most did so voluntarily. What services will look like when the doors open again will vary by denomination and congregation.
As churches resume Sunday services, officials are insisting on social distancing, enhanced sanitation and more. The Holy Eucharist also is subject to change. But the change is not universal. Various denominations will implement different rules and recommendations. Often, the details of any new practice will be determined at the local level.
During this year’s Memorial Day remembrance, I hope you will give sacred thanks for the men and women who’ve made the supreme sacrifice. Please say their names aloud and sing "Amazing Grace." Voice your prayers and gratitude for the survivors: wives, parents, children and friends.
President Donald Trump said Friday that he has deemed churches and other houses of worship “essential" and called on governors across the country to allow them to reopen this weekend despite the threat of spreading the coronavirus.
Now, two months later as COVID-19 spreads, I wonder if Maria is even able to eat, much less enjoy her books. She, like two out of three Hondurans, experience a hand-to-mouth existence. Quarantine there means that her family will likely see their food chain greatly impaired.
“Black Carolinians Speak: Portraits of a Pandemic” launched quietly on May 1 to tell the stories of African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ask some local musicians about Stephen Washington, and you will hear about the fluidity of his musical direction on stage, his love of all kinds of musical styles and his versatility. But why exactly is he so good, so unusual?
From making homemade face masks to covering utility expenses, congregations across the Palmetto State are putting their faith into action as they continue to focus on meeting community needs.
I found the new mother in her wheelchair outside the NICU. Between sobbing breaths, she began recounting the dire predictions doctors made all through her problem pregnancy.
The online event will take place 10 a.m. Thursday via the chaplaincy's social media page at facebook.com/coastalcrisischaplain.
God is in the waiting room with us. He waits while we wait. He hurts while we hurt. He grieves while we grieve. He offers clarity to the caregivers and comfort to the dying.
In the predominately Muslim nation of Pakistan, marginalized groups include Christians, who work lower-paying jobs and are turned away from social services.
Today, the news couldn’t be scarier, because helpers are in trouble. Thankfully, some of us are in a position to assist.
These spiritual leaders in the Charleston area who’ve willingly lived in seclusion offer spiritual guidance and practical steps to those still struggling to make the transition.
Similar to Jews and Christians who've adjusted worship practices for holy observances during the coronavirus pandemic, Muslims will have to adjust Ramadan practices this year, since assembling in mosques for prayers and feasts isn't possible.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced houses of worship to suspend normal in-person worship experiences, but some good is coming out of the crisis. South Carolina religious institutions are reaching hundreds, if not thousands, more people through online worship experiences.
Bishop Steve Wood spent 10 days on a ventilator fighting COVID-19. He was in his 50s and healthy. What happened?
If you depend on practicing your faith by assembling in person, you’re probably finding it frustratingly hard to follow the biblical admonition to “not give up meeting together.”