As we navigate through Women’s History Month, I am compelled to pause and extend my heartfelt congratulations and profound respect to the women who form the backbone of our faith communities and the loyal readership of The Gospel Express Newspaper. Your strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to faith continue to inspire and transform our congregations, families, and communities.

For over two decades, this publication has strived to be a voice for all people of faith, but we recognize the particular importance of amplifying the voices, stories, and concerns of women in our community—especially women in ministry who continue to break barriers and reshape our understanding of divine calling.

The Gospel Express Newspaper reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting women’s rights and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women in our churches and broader society. This commitment is not merely a matter of editorial policy but a reflection of our core belief that the Gospel message is one of liberation and equality for all God’s children.

We remain dedicated to highlighting the achievements of women in ministry, documenting their theological contributions, and advocating for greater representation in leadership positions across all denominations. Our pages will continue to serve as a platform where women’s perspectives on scripture, ministry, and community building are valued and prominently featured.

This commitment feels particularly poignant in the wake of our recent loss. It is with a heart full of both sorrow and gratitude that I acknowledge the profound honor bestowed upon me by the family of Bishop Stephanie Riddle Green, who invited me to serve as the Eulogist at her homegoing service held at Second Baptist Church of Baldwin on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 7 PM.

Bishop Green embodied everything we celebrate about women in ministry—courage in the face of resistance, unwavering faith amid challenges, and a pioneering spirit that opened doors for countless others. Standing before the congregation to deliver her eulogy was one of the most humbling responsibilities of my ministry. To the Riddle and Green families, please accept my deepest thanks for entrusting me with the sacred task of helping to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of your beloved Stephanie.

The service at Second Baptist Church—where Bishop Green once served under Pastor Drinks before embarking on her historic journey at Joshua Baptist Cathedral—was a powerful testament to the far-reaching impact of her ministry. As I looked across the sanctuary filled with clergy, congregants, and community members whose lives she touched, I was reminded that when we create space for women to answer God’s call, the entire body of Christ is enriched.

As we move forward, The Gospel Express Newspaper pledges to honor Bishop Green’s legacy and the legacy of all women who have fought for recognition in sacred spaces by redoubling our efforts to:

1. Feature in-depth profiles of women leading congregations and faith-based organizations
2. Provide platform for female theologians and religious scholars
3. Report on issues affecting women in ministry, including ordination policies, leadership opportunities, and work-life balance
4. Highlight historical contributions of women to religious movements that have often gone unrecognized
5. Advocate for equitable treatment and opportunities within religious institutions

To our female readers: your stories matter, your ministry matters, and your voice matters. We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.

To the men in our readership: I invite you to join me in recognizing that our faith communities are stronger when we embrace the full participation and leadership of women at every level.

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let us remember that honoring women’s contributions isn’t just about looking back—it’s about committing ourselves to a more inclusive future. In the words Bishop Green often shared from her pulpit, “Faith doesn’t just believe in what was; it believes in what can be.”