• Gospel Vocalist Sharon Jones Sang Hymns in Hospital Before Dying

  Sharon Jones' contribution to music wasn't the only legacy she left after passing away at the age of 60; the "neo-soul" singer also will be remembered for open proclamations of her faith in Christ. She lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on Nov. 18, with her last breaths in the hospital devoted to hymns, particularly "Amazing Grace."

  

• Charleston Church Shootings: Accused 'Hate Crimer' Dylann Roof Found Competent for Trial

  Dylann Roof, the white man accused of killing nine African-Americans in a Charleston, S.C., church has been declared competent to stand trial by Judge Richard Gergel around 9:30 a.m. Friday. Jury selection for this matter is scheduled to begin Monday.

  

• 'Remind God About Our Verse,' Tweets Football Player Who Fatally Shot Cheerleader

  An 18-year-old Maryville College football player was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a high school cheerleader in Knoxville, Tenn. Acquaintances said the two had been a couple, but had broken up recently. On Tuesday, after the shooting, the alleged killer tweeted: "That's my beautiful Emma. Rest easy now sweetheart. 1 Corinthians 13:8. Be sure to remind God about our verse. I love you. Forever and always."

  

• ‘Sanctuary Churches’ Promise to Shield Immigrants From Trump Ousting

  Leaders of religious congregations, including churches and synagogues, now are declaring themselves "sanctuaries" for immigrants fleeing deportation based on President-elect Donald Trump's threats to crackdown. These steps are being taken after New York, Chicago and Seattle mayors declared their cities "sanctuaries," as well as students, professors and alumni at elite universities, including Harvard, Yale and Brown, signed petitions asking their schools to protect undocumented students from any

  

• 'Jesus Christ is Key of All Keys,' Declares NCC Pastor Mark Batterson In DC

  "The only explanation for everything God has done at NCC over the past 20 years is five words that Jesus declared 2,000 years ago - I will build my church," declared Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., as congregants celebrate two decades of existence this year. NCC, referred to as "the theater church, is one creative church in eight unique locations in the DC metro area; it started from three people on the first Sunday service in 1996 to now a large gro