Source: The Christian Science Monitor
On January 25, 2001, The Christian Science Monitor reported that "the Faithful Central Bible Church's recent purchase of the Great
Western Forum - the 17,600-seat arena that once housed the Los Angeles Lakers -offers a window into the triumphs and challenges facing black churches today. The $ 22.5 million purchase comes as black churches...are attracting record numbers, becoming major players in urban renewal, and wrestling with their missionary mandates to revitalize both individuals and the communities in which they exist."
But there is some concern that the economic moves of the church are coming "'at the expense of the social gospel,' says Najee Ali, a black Muslim minister from South Central Los Angeles." He and his fellow critics wish the church were more tied to its roots of political protests from the days of Martin Luther King, Jr. Questions abound about selling the naming rights to the building and whether the church can retain a spiritual focus in so obviously commercial a venue. Church officials respond that far from abandoning their social mission, they are increasing it by offering larger services.