James A. Forbes, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr.  is known as the preacher’s preacher because of his extensive career and his charismatic style. In 1995, Newsweek recognized him as ‘one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world.’  Dr. Forbes was featured on Bill Moyers’
Speaking to Power in 2003 and in 2004, keynoted the Let Justice Roll tour sponsored by the NCCC.  Dr. Forbes addressed the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

He earned his degrees from Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, and Howard University, and has been awarded many honorary degrees, as well, having spoken at Harvard, Yale, and the White House.

Dr. Forbes is Senior Minister of The Riverside Church of New York City, and host of “The Time Is Now” on Air America Radio. He is the first African-American to serve as Senior Minister of this 2,499-member, multicultural congregation.   Prior to that, Dr. Forbes was Professor of Preaching at Union Theological Seminary.

Dr. Forbes is married to Bettye Franks Forbes. They have a son, James A. Forbes III.