Late last month, Reverend Gina Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, made history as the first woman to ever preach at the National Baptist Convention (NBC). The organization traces its roots to the Jim Crow South in the late 1800s. It was birthed to provide leadership among Black Baptist churches seeking refuge and liberation from the pervasive racism and discrimination that extended even into sacred church spaces. Now one of the most powerful denominations for Black Baptists in the country, it has also been known for the exclusion of female preachers and homophobic rhetoric that emanates from its pulpits.

Rev. Stewart’s historic and prophetic sermon entitled, “What are we gone do with Jesus of Nazareth'' probed the story of the Roman governor, Pilate, and his decision to crucify Jesus due to his opposition to the government’s orders. Derived from Pilate’s question in Mark 15:12-15 (NIV), Rev. Stewart called the Church to live up to and into the words and actions of Jesus, at one point saying, “Stop using spirituality as a smokescreen. If you’re prejudiced, just say you’re prejudiced. If you’re a sexist, say you’re a sexist. If you’re a racist, just say you’re a racist. If you’re homophobic, say you’re homophobic. Stop using your spirituality as a smokescreen.” 

While Rev. Stewart was invited to preach, the president of the organization was notably absent from the service, and when she rose to the pulpit, several male clergy walked out of the venue. Yet, she preached the Gospel which necessitates justice for and inclusion of all of God’s children, and demonstrated a kind of prophetic courage that is very necessary for our time. Unfortunately, her sermon was scrubbed from the convention’s website and social media accounts immediately following the service. Only after public outcry did the organization release a statement with an apology, claiming they had been hacked. Interestingly enough, the sermon, which was also streamed through other sources, has combined views of over 100,000 on YouTube at the time of this writing. Because of the controversy, the message has reached an audience that might not have otherwise heard this prophetic message. 

May this historic message signal a holy shift, not just for the organization, but for the entirety of the Body of Christ. May this movement help us to be aligned with the truth that the Gospel belongs to us all and our liberation is indeed bound together. 

– Reverend Ronné Wingate Sims

Join University Chaplain Donal Godfrey, S.J., on a Lenten visit to pray at Grace Cathedral. We will visit the AIDS Memorial Chapel and the labyrinth and end by joining other worshipers at a Lenten Choral Evensong. Please register directly with Fr. Donal Godfrey via email.

Take a walk as we reflect and learn about the Lent journey through reflections, poem readings, music, scripture, and more!

Lenten Footprints will be held on Feb. 16, March 1, and March 15.

Open to all faculty, staff, and students. Registration is required.

Register Today »

University Ministry has created a virtual Way of the Cross that is accessible 24/7 for your personal prayer. 

As we embrace the season of love, we're excited to share our specially-made valentines with our USF community. Join us in spreading the love by downloading and sharing a valentine with your USF friends! While Valentine’s Day may be a single day, the support and love we have for each other persists throughout the year. 

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