The Los Angeles Times wrote about CRCC’s Passing the Mantle program.
But don’t count the old lions out. They now shepherd a USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture summer program called Passing the Mantle. Now in its fourth year, it recruits and trains 35 ministers each year to serve with social gospels that advocate political activism.
Its seasoned teachers and mentors are led by the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, 80, retired pastor of First AME Church, one of the oldest, largest and most prominent African American churches in Los Angeles.
Leaning forward in his office chair to make his points, Murray smiled and said, “My generation of ministers does not tire easily.
“Our concern is that many of the gospels being preached today are designed for the ear, not the human condition,” he said. “Our goal is to share our knowledge and experience to help the next generation of African American church leaders confront today’s challenges.”
