Every day, it seems, we are confronted with unspeakable acts of violence. Yet, as people of faith, we uphold God’s love, mercy and justice. Contradiction? Wishful thinking? We are all still unbelievably broken hearted for those in Newtown who died at the hands of evil and grieve for the parents, grandparents, and families of those [...]

By Larry Lloyd Special to The Commercial Appeal The Memphis Leadership Foundation is celebrating its 25th year of service. When I’m asked to explain the foundation’s mission in Memphis, I refer people to this Biblical passage from Jeremiah 29:7: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray [...]

What is your favorite verse of holy scripture and why? Also, seek(H) the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray(I) to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7. Jeremiah is writing a letter to the Israelites who had been exiled to [...]

What is your reaction to the Freedom from Religion Foundation suing the Memphis City Council? President’s Lincoln’s proclamation for a day of prayer and humiliation is instructive (see below), not only for our nation, but our city, county and state. Opening City Council meetings with prayer is wise and needful. We want our leaders to recognize [...]

Memphis City Council member Shea Flinn wants the the city to study the idea of creating an ‘adult entertainment district’ for strip clubs and other sex-oriented businesses. He wants a committee to look into a possible location as well as answer the question whether “this is the right thing to do.” Is it the right thing [...]

Lack of good jobs in Memphis is more than an economic problem, says Dr. Chris Scruggs of Advent Presbyterian Church. “It’s also a spiritual problem. If we do not create an environment in which people can find good jobs, we deprive our children of the opportunity to use their unique God-given talents, gifts and abilities. We [...]

Times are tough. Money is tight. Unemployment is high. Consumer debt is high. It’s hard to save and harder to give. Offer our readers some faith-based financial counsel. What do you tell people about spending and debt and consumerism? What do you tell them about saving and giving? What are some faith-based principles for dealing with [...]

Memphis is a blessing, not only to all of us living here, but to the world as well. We are one of America’s most generous cities year in and year out. We have many world-class institutions and enterprises like St. Jude and LeBonheur, Methodist and Baptist Hospitals, FedEx and AutoZone, the National Civil Rights Museum, [...]

What do you think of the mayors’ Faith-based Partnership to End Homelessness? Will your congregation participate? Will you encourage your congregation to do so? Is this a good approach? The best approach? The Faith Community has a mandate to care for the poor. Throughout history, the Church has done so. Today is no different. The Mayors’ [...]

What concerns you most about Memphis? I am concerned that so many Memphians have such a pessimistic view of our city…we are our own worst enemy at times. I have had the wonderful opportunity of visiting a lot of major cities and I wouldn’t want to live and work anywhere else. I am concerned about the [...]

Does God care who wins football games? And what do you think of Tim Tebow and his public displays of devotion? God and Football. Well, it is interesting that Jesus chose 12 disciples, one of whom got sidelined, leaving a pretty skimpy lineup for today’s football. They were pretty defensive minded at first, stayed close to [...]

Religion has been a major and hot topic among Republican presidential contenders. It also was a major topic in the 2008 campaign. What do YOU want to know about a presidential candidate’s faith? What do you NOT want to know? I for one get weary of one candidate trying to out ‘religion’ the other. Frankly It [...]

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less? I love our city. I am so thankful I grew up here. I am thankful for Memphis City School that provided a great education my wife and me and our four [...]

Tell us a funny faith-related story. Make us laugh.

One day after I gave what I thought was an inspiring sermon, but I admit was a bit long, someone came up to me and said, “Those were the best three sermons I’ve ever heard in one sitting!”

What was (or is) your reaction to this photo? What are your hopes (or prayers) for the new board? My hope for the new board and the new school district is that these public servants would seek the best for our children and thus our city. The future of public education in the Memphis area hangs [...]

Serious offenses by juveniles are down nearly 10 percent this year in Shelby County. Some numbers are even more encouraging. This year, FOUR minors have been charged with murder; 15 years ago the number was 50. How do we explain this? Why do you think we’re experiencing such a dramatic decline in youth violence? Obviously, a [...]

In 140 characters or less (Twitter’s limit per Tweet), can you sum up your personal faith? In other words, Tweet your faith to Memphis. Or Tweet your faith message to Memphis. At 18 & impacted by the Civil Rights Movement I realized how radical Jesus was compared to the environs I was reared in. I’ve followed [...]

Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. How has America changed since then? How did 9/11 change faith in America? What impact did 9/11 have on the soul of America? The events of 9/11 shook our nation’s heart and soul. This can’t happen to us! But it did. In the aftermath, we saw the best [...]

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial will be dedicated Sunday in Washington. It will be the first monument on the National Mall to honor a non-president. What is Dr. King’s religious and spiritual legacy? How did his ministry influence your own? I was in high school the day Dr. King was assassinated. At the time, [...]

On Monday, the Shelby County Commission restored funding for the Office of Early Childhood and Youth this week after first voting to cut the program, which works to reduce infant deaths and teen pregnancies. Commissioners Wyatt Bunker and Terry Roland spoke against funding the program, arguing that churches and civic organizations — not…[Read more]