Fifty-eight years after a pastor at the Missionary Church of God in Christ urged him to play sax for the first time, Murray will perform at the Back Room on Friday.
Religion
Posted inArts
Between the lines: Berkeley author tackles church conversion therapy programs in new novel
Lucy Jane Bledsoe talked with Berkeleyside about her seventh novel, ‘Tell the Rest.’
Posted inCity
Oakland Catholic Diocese files for bankruptcy due to sex abuse claims
The Diocese, which oversees Catholic churches and institutions in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, faces hundreds of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering David Tabb, political science professor who lived in Berkeley for 50 years
Tabb, 83, was a family man with a gift for forging deep relationships. He taught at San Francisco State and was active in Congregation Beth El.
Posted inCommunity
Anti-Zionist Jewish activists claim credit for billboard defacement
Three billboards in Berkeley and Oakland defining anti-Zionism as antisemitism were defaced by a group of Jewish activists who say Zionism is racist against Palestinians.
Posted inCommunity
Church uses psychedelics to experience divine presence
Sacred Garden Community Church is not alone in using psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelic substances in its religious practice.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Dr. Norman K. Gottwald, preeminent scholar of the Old Testament
A longtime Berkeley resident, Gottwald was on the faculty of American Baptist Seminary of the West and Graduate Theological Union.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Fred Harvey, founder of Camp Elmwood, active in Berkeley’s parks, schools, neighborhoods
The son of vaudeville actors, Harvey was co-president of the Emerson PTA during integration and helped preserve the Elmwood Theatre.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Rev. Elizabeth V. Coleman, pastor at McGee Avenue Baptist Church
The Rev. Elizabeth V. Coleman had a passion for serving children and youth and brought restorative justice to the Berkeley Technology Academy.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Suspected arson at Black church in Berkeley prompts fear and anger
The fire was an act of terror, said Pastor Michael McBride, who leads the 48-year-old Way Christian Church. He questioned the “timid” response to the incident from Berkeley’s leaders.
Posted inCity
Indoor religious services once again prohibited in Berkeley because of rise in COVID-19 cases
New state rules go into effect today prohibiting indoor worship services.
Posted inCommunity
A virtual palm parade? Passover via Zoom? Religious groups get creative
With Ramadan, Passover and Easter all happening in April, Berkeley religious communities are adapting to spiritual life during a global pandemic.
