The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who died Tuesday at the age of 73, was a powerful and polarizing figure in both the religious and political arenas.

It was Jerry who led an entire wing of Christianity — the fundamentalist wing — away from isolation and into a direct confrontation with the culture. In the late 1970s, he began making it respectable for Christian pastors to talk from the pulpit about the evil of abortion, simply because he did so on his television program and in his printed communications. Until he led the way, the common response from conservative pastors was to say that abortion is a matter best left to a woman and her doctor.

Jerry also led the conservative church in grassroots organizing by starting the Moral Majority in 1979, as a means of putting wheels on his deeply held beliefs. The organization was key to Ronald Reagan winning the White House in 1980, and the Moral Majority suddenly came to the attention of the national press corps.

Because Jerry and his Moral Majority were the first ones out of the trenches in the culture war, they got shot at repeatedly by the national media and by liberal church leaders. But he always weathered the onslaught, permanently stamping the conservative American church with respectability on social action.

It was my honor to share the front lines with him in the battle for righteousness in our nation. We will continue that fight, in his honor, until our mutual goals are achieved."

Below are reactions to Falwell's death from religious and political leaders.

President Bush

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Jerry Falwell, a man who cherished faith, family, and freedom. As the founder of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, Jerry lived a life of faith and called upon men and women of all backgrounds to believe in God and serve their communities. One of his lasting contributions was the establishment of Liberty University, where he taught young people to remain true to their convictions and rely upon God's word throughout each stage of their lives.

Today, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Macel, and the rest of the Falwell family.

Hustler Magazine Founder Larry Flynt — Falwell brought a landmark libel case against Flynt

"My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. … I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling."

The Rev. Al Sharpton:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell. Though he and I debated much and disagreed often, we shared a very cordial and warm friendship. I visited him in Lynchburg, dined with him, and even talked with him during personal crises. Though we were as politically opposite as two people could be, I truly respected his commitment to his beliefs and our mutual belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I stated to my nationally syndicated radio show, I pray for the Falwell family and join the nation in mourning the passing of this religious leader."

The Rev. Billy Graham:

"Jerry Falwell was a close personal friend for many years. We did not always agree on everything, but I knew him to be a man of God. His accomplishments went beyond most clergy of his generation. Some of my grandchildren have attended, and are attending, Liberty University. He leaves a gigantic vacuum in the evangelical world.

I am praying for his family, and especially the university that he headed."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"We regret his passing. He's certainly been a prominent figure in American religion and politics for the last 20 years. And I know he'll be greatly, greatly missed."

Former Sen. Fred D. Thompson

"America has lost a man of great faith, and a leader dedicated to defending the rights of all Americans to express their faith in the public square. Jeri and I wish to extend out deepest condolences to the Falwell family, and we will keep them in our prayers."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"I never met Rev. Falwell. I'm certainly sorry about his death. I extend my condolences to his family and his parishioners and those people around the country who care so much about him."

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.:

"I join the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Rev. Jerry Falwell.

"Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell's family at this difficult time."

Christian evangelical leader and chairman of Focus on the Family, James Dobson

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Jerry's wife Macel, his children Jerry, Jonathan and Jeannie, and his church. This is a tragic loss for them — and for all Americans. Jerry's passions and convictions changed the course of our country for the better over the last 20 years — and I was proud to call him my friend.

Muhammad Ali, Angela Bassett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kerry Washington and Former Mayor David Dinkins Named Host Committee Members; Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Named Artistic Directors

All-Star Line Up at Legendary Radio City Music Hall on September 18, 2007

(Washington, DC, May 15, 2007) The Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. announced today that Tommy Hilfiger, Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones, Joel Horowitz, David Stern and Edgar Bronfman, Jr. will spearhead a one-night only concert to benefit the building of Dr. King’s Memorial on the National Mall. The Dream Concert will be an historic gathering of all-star musicians to be announced in the near future. Music icons and Grammy Award winning songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have come on board as artistic directors, while Muhammad Ali, Angela Bassett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kerry Washington and former Mayor David Dinkins are lending their support to the concert’s Host Committee. The Dream Concert will be held at the iconic Radio City Music Hall on September 18, 2007, with tickets available to the general public this summer.

The Dream Concert will embody the ideals of hope, love, democracy, and justice for which Dr. King stood. The concert will capture the essence of his lasting teaching by joining together musicians from across genre lines, featuring unique musical combinations not usually found on the same stage. The Memorial Foundation has already raised $79 million of the $100 million needed to complete and maintain the memorial, and this event will help secure the additional funds.

“I’m honored that such a diverse and committed group of leaders have come together for a concert to help raise the remaining funds,” said Harry E. Johnson, Sr. President and CEO of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project, Inc. “I am pleased to add our dedicated co-chairs to the growing list of citizens who already support the memorial.”

Last November, a series of national icons joined the Memorial Foundation to participate in the Ceremonial Groundbreaking. This distinguished group of individuals included: President George H. Bush, President William Jefferson Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Senator Barack Obama, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Congressman John Lewis, Former United Nations Ambassador Andy Young, and Dorothy Height.

Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Memorial will be situated adjacent to the F.D.R. Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, DC. The Ceremonial Groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006 and the Memorial is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

Gospel Music fans who witnessed the 2007 Stellar Awards will be elated as the 23rd Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival showcases multiple award winners Donald Lawrence & Co., Myron Butler and Levi and Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson. The festival runs June 1-3, 2007 in Millennium Park and includes performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Gospel Youth Tent on the North Promenade and the Walgreens Day Stage on the South Promenade.

This year the event welcomes the soulful, high-energy vocals of Myron Butler and Levi on Friday evening. The ensemble received 2007 Stellar Awards for Group/Duo and Contemporary Group/Duo, plus Myron Butler was named best New Artist of the year. They appeal to many with their musical elements of traditional Gospel music, funk, rock, hip-hop, and smooth-as-silk balladry. Butler created this group with the goal of attaining the creative and dynamic sound for which the group is now famed.

New Yorker, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson is indeed a wonder as he rejuvenates the idea of the quartet with his distinguished sound of traditional Gospel music fused with jazz, R&B, rock and country. As a writer, vocalist, entertainer and minister, his passion for Gospel music earned him two Stellar Awards in 2007, and makes him an excellent compliment to this year's festival line-up.

On Saturday the festival will feature "An Evening of Gospel Elegance" and "The Professor Thomas A. Dorsey Tribute" with The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir, The First Church of Deliverance Choir, and special guest The Divine Divas. Pam Morris, Festival Coordinator for the event, describes Saturday's evening as "three dynamic Chicago choirs and three divine gospel divas add a special touch at this years Festival honoring Professor Thomas A. Dorsey's song Precious Lord which is 75 years old."

Gospel Music is all about bringing families together, and what better way to celebrate family than with an "All in the Family: Brothers & Sisters" segment. Showcasing brothers in Gospel Music Ray and Percy Bady and sisters Vanessa, Phyllis, Lavette, Adrienne and Andrea Brown.

Headlining Saturday evening is acclaimed Gospel Music artist Donald Lawrence & Company. Beginning 2007 with six Stellar Awards and three Grammy Nominations, Lawrence and his company bring their energy on the road to the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. As a Gospel singer, songwriter, director and producer, his diverse repertory is enhanced by his original sound that illustrates dedication to excellence in Gospel Music.

On Sunday the festival will offer tribute to "Chicago's Gospel Pioneers." These icons in Gospel Music for more than 50 years will include Dr. Lucius Hall, Reverend George Jorgan and Eva J. Purnell. Sunday will also include a "Tribute to Marvin Yancy" featuring his brother Kevin Yancy and Gospel Music greats Pastor Lamont Lenox and Tyrone Block & LSD (Love, Salvation, Devotion).

Other performers include The Chicago Mass Choir and Stellar Award winners The Canton Spirituals. The event will offer a quartet series on Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage, with a preview at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday evening featuring The Selvy Singers, The Mixon Singers, and The Strong Family.

Gospel enthusiasts are invited to enjoy uplifting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage and the Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Gospel Youth Tent. Performances will feature local choirs, Quartets and more with gospel music sounds sure to make this weekend one to remember.

The festival hours are:
Friday, June 1, 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 6 p.m.);
Saturday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 5:00 p.m.)

The Chicago Gospel Music festival is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events with many other additional sponsors including: Walgreens, Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge, Clear Channel, Communications Direct, Connie's Pizza, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, Hanes, Hinckley Springs, Inspiration 1390, La Grou Distribution System, the Palmer House Hilton, Pepsi-Cola, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, Southwest Airlines and WGN-TV.

The Mayor's Office of Special Events encourages taking public transportation to all lakefront festivals. Call (312) 836-7000, TTY (312) 836-4949 for information on RTA, CTA, PACE and Metra. Lakefront parking is available at the Millennium Park Garage, as well as at East Monroe, Grant Park North and Grant Park South parking garages.

The city of Chicago does not endorse or promote any religious messages expressed by the performers. For great hotel rates, call 1 (877) CHICAGO.

The Path MEGAzine attended this years 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration held in Miami, FL. The Co-host of the event was Cedric The Entertainer, sharing the duties with Dr. Bobby Jones. In the press conference, Cedric faced questions dealing with his relationship with Christ. In a rare occasion, we see the serious side of funny man Cedric. Well, at least for a second anyways!

The event was held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Miami’s James L. Knight Center, SBGC attracted thousands of fans of Gospel music and professional football. Event attendees were treated to one of the most dynamic shows in the history of the SBGC, which is the first and only Gospel music concert sanctioned for Super Bowl weekend by the National Football League (NFL).

Award-winning artists Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Hezekiah Walker, J Moss, Tye Tribbett and Jaci Velasquez shared the stage with a host of NFL icons to create an evening filled with powerful performances marked by inspirational messages. Comedian Cedric The Entertainer and Dr. Bobby Jones, host of BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” wowed the crowd as co-hosts.

Presented by Sam’s Club, the show featured special guest appearances by Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, and retired NFL legends, John Elway and Jerry Rice. Other participants from the NFL included: Mike Adams (49ers), Marcus Colston (Saints), Andre Davis (Buffalo Bills), Derrick Dockery (Redskins), Jamin Elliott (Falcons), John Elway (Retired/Denver Broncos), Demetric Evans (Redskins), Michael Gaines (Panthers), Tommie Harris (Bears), Michael Lehan (Dolphins), Mike Lewis (Saints), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Mason (Ravens), Jerome McDougal (Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Vikings), Ovie Muhelli (Ravens), Jeffery Posey (Redskins), Allen Rossum (Atlanta Falcons), Richard Seymour (Patriots), Will Smith (Saints), Donnie Spragan (Dolphins), Donte Stallworth (Eagles), Max Starks (Steelers), Troy Vincent (Redskins), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Ty Warren (Patriots), Ben Watson (Patriots), Roddy White (Falcons), Roland Williams (Rams), and Quincy Wilson (Bengals).

“This show was one of our best to date,” said Melanie Few president, Results, Inc. and SBGC founder/executive producer. “Through the support of the NFL, our sponsors, South Florida’s civic partners and the local community, we were proud to have presented such a high caliber event as part of Super Bowl XLI.”

The 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was sponsored in part by Greater Fort Lauderdale and Inspired By…The Bible Experience. Media partners include Ebony Magazine and Sheridan Gospel Network. For more information on the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration visit www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com

The Path MEGAzine caught up with Christian comedian Rod-Z, after a performance at the Upper Room Gospel Lounge in Orlando, Florida. As a staff we were very familiar with his comedy, and had even owned a couple of his DVD’s. The man is hilariously funny. Rod-Z does only clean comedy, and has been doing comedy for over 10 years. Rod-Z currently performs at churches and gospel events across the country. We predict that this laugh out loud performer will be a household name in years to come. Listen to the interview and comedy samples on PathVision.

More on Rod Z:

With a desire to touch lives through the medicine of laughter Rod Z has penned another comical gem. Yet again, the comedic stylings of this "funny Man" shine in this sophomore compilation, 'I Ain't Lied Yet'. This project exudes with energy as he connects and captivates his audience. A collection of witty truths, this amusing outlook on life is refreshing. 'I Ain't Lied Yet' will be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Booking Contact: Garrett M. Johnson
Underground Sound Artist Management
2003 S. Victoria Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tel: 323-732-6474, 914-663-9122
Fax: 323-732-6715
E-Mail: gjohnsonmgt@earthlink.net

A landmark decision by the Supreme Court announced Wednesday upholds a nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure.

Pro-life advocates are hailing the 5-to-4 ruling that a ban on partial birth abortion does not violate a woman's constitutional right to choose.

"It's been a long time coming, and make no mistake about it, this decision is the beginning of the end of Roe. V. Wade, and it's the start of a new era for the respect of our God given right to life," said Rev. Robert Schenk of Faith and Action.

Pro-choice groups are calling this legal defeat a dangerous rollback in women's rights.
"We are going to see a whole new onslaught on restrictions on abortions coming out of this decision," said Nancy Northup of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The Partial Birth Abortion Act signed by President Bush in 2003 outlaws the procedure critics call infanticide.

Clinically called "dilation and extraction," it is performed in the second and third trimesters.
The surgeon uses forceps to pull a fetus out of the birth canal, partially delivering the body up to the head.

Scissors are then forced into the base of the skull to make an opening and a suction catheter is inserted to evacuate the contents, before removing the fetus from the patient.
The narrow decision reveals a shift in the court's direction.

Liberal justices were pitted against conservatives, with the majority hinging on Bush appointees Chief Justice John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy voiced concern over patients not getting information on "the way the fetus is killed."

He wrote " medical profession… may find different and less shocking methods to abort the fetus in the second trimester."

Writing in the minority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg called the decision "alarming , " saying it "applauds federal intervention to ban a procedure found necessary in certain cases."

Republican presidential candidates overwhelmingly support the ruling with Mitt Romney saying it "reaffirmed the value of life. by upholding a ban on a practice that offends basic human decency."

Sen. John McCain also weighed in calling "Partial birth. one of the most odious aspects of abortion."

But Democratic frontrunners were sharply critical.

It's "a dramatic departure from four decades of Supreme Court rulings that upheld a woman's right to choose." said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Barack Obama was concerned it would "embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade."
Bush praised the decision saying he would "continue to work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law."

The high court's decision only highlights the significance of presidential appointments to the bench, and the significance of the 2008 election in a highly-charged debate over the 'right of a woman to control her own body' versus the 'right to life of the unborn.'

38th Annual GMA Dove Awards – Recipients