Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes

The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes is the first African-American to serve as senior minister of the Riverside Church, one of the largest multicultural congregations in the nation. A riveting speaker, Dr. Forbes is internationally known as the preacher's preacher. His sermons are aired weekly on WLTW 106.7 FM in New York City, and he was twice hailed as one of America's greatest black preachers by Ebony Magazine.

Prior to serving at Riverside Church, Forbes was the Brown and Sockman Associate Professor of Preaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Dr. Forbes has earned three degrees and has been awarded 12 honorary degrees.In 1998 Dr. Forbes participated in the Department of Justice Round Table on Youth Violence at the White House. For over ten years, he has been co-chair of A Partnership of Faith, an interfaith organization of clergy among New York City's Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities. He also leads retreats and workshops for the National Council of Churches of Christ USA, the National Association of Campus Ministry, the American Baptist Churches, and other organizations.