Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes
Senior Minister, The Riverside Church - New York, NY
Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. was installed as the fifth Senior Minister of The Riverside Church on June 1, 1989. Known in national and international religious circles as the preacher’s preacher because of his extensive preaching career and his charismatic style, Newsweek magazine recognized Dr. Forbes as one of the 12 “most effective preachers" in the English-speaking world. The Riverside Church is an interdenominational, interracial, and international 2,400-member church built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927. A pastor, educator, administrator, community activist and interfaith leader, Rev. Forbes is the first African-American to serve as Senior Minister of one of the largest multicultural congregations in the nation. He is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches and the Original United Holy Church of America.
Areas of Expertise:
• Religion and politics
• Poverty and social justice
• Interfaith cooperation
Recent interviews:
• Newsweek: “A Minister Confronts the Religious Right"
• CNN Live Today: Interview With Rev Forbes on speaking at the 2004 National Democratic Convention
• PBS’ NOW with Bill Moyers: James Forbes, Jr., Speaking to Power
Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes has expertise in the following areas. To find members of the Voicing Faith Media Bureau with similar backgrounds, click the relevant links below:
