ABOUT PREACH TO CHANGE THE WORLD
The Preach to Change the World initiative is made possible by a grant from The Murdock Charitable Trust to the Hampton University Office of Religious Affairs. The Murdock organization believes that, “It is only when the voices of all people are heard and everyone is represented that we can truly work toward the common good.” This project fits neatly into Murdock’s push to promote civility and democracy. To that end Hampton University has gathered a series of prominent African American pastors and had them record sermons specifically for this project. The aim is to bring these substantial voices to a wider audience. Topics such as Freedom to Dissent, Hospitality to the Stranger and A Humble Yet Honest Pursuit of the Truth will be included in this repository. One sermon will be added each month in 2021 and then will remain here in perpetuity.
ABOUT THE MURDOCK CHARITABLE TRUST
In 1975 the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust dedicated itself to providing support to nonprofit organizations. Since then the Trust has given over $1 billion to help groups achieve their civic enhancement goals. Grants have been made in areas like education, the arts, scientific research, culture and health among others. It is recognized around the world as one of the most impactful charitable funds.
ABOUT THE Hampton University OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
The Office of Religious Affairs serves three primary functions at Hampton University. It organizes and hosts the annual Ministers’ Conference, he largest gathering of interdenominational African American clergy in the world, it manages a robust religious studies program and it serves as the spiritual beacon for the Hampton University and surrounding communities. Led by Rev. Debra Haggins, the office has established a number of outreach and on-campus ministries that serve those in need.
ABOUT THE MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE
Billed as the largest gathering of interdenominational African American clergy in the world, the annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference held it’s inaugural event in 1914 with a total of 40 ministers. Attendance has grown since then to well over 7,000. Many well-known speakers have graced the stage at the conference over the years including Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barak Obama.