South Florida Times – Almighty Debt, the most recent CNN documentary in the network’s series on African-Americans, related how severely debt imposes complex, real-life financial challenges, whether the issue is foreclosure, long-term unemployment or financing higher education. Central to the documentary was Rev. DeForest Soaries Jr. of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, N.J., whose congregation members were also featured.
The stories of debt were heart-wrenchingly true but they also connected the pivotal role and considerable influence that African-American clergy have when it comes to matters of debt. Rev. Soaries is not alone. In other states and locales, there are more pastors, congregations and alliances that have made a serious commitment to both economic justice and financial literacy.
In fact, these clergy view economic empowerment and justice as an essential part of their clerical duties. Theirs is not a choice between serving the church or its community but, rather, the divine power that has dominion over both.
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See the series “Almighty Debt” at CNN.com
