(RNS) Gospel artist BeBe Winans has written a new book about his 28-year friendship with Whitney Houston. In an interview, he talked about Houston's faith and why he won't rush to see her performance in "Sparkle," the movie that opens Friday (Aug. 17). By Adelle M. Banks.

NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) At the end of the day, those in pastoral and gospel circles say Marin Winans is a preacher and a good one who'll lean on the gospel to eulogize Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church here in Newark on Saturday. By Barry Carter.

NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) With TV trucks and camera crews clogging the streets and thousands of fans hoping for a glimpse of the event, Whitney Houston's family has decided that no one but invited guests will get near her church funeral on Saturday. By James Queally and Peggy McGlone.

“God allows a time for people to leave his Earth,” Newark native Jethro Townes said, recalling the recent death of Etta James and the loss of Michael Jackson in 2009. “But if you look at what has happened over the past few years, God has a great choir now.”

NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) Anyone who knew Whitney Houston understands that her talent came from one place, the God she served at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. This is where it all started for its daughter, where she was the darling of the choir as a child who left people speechless, belting outgospel songs and hymns. By Barry Carter.