Economic boost expected amid religious conventions

DETROIT (AP) - More religious conventions are planned in Detroit and officials say they're expected to provide an additional economic boost to the area.

The Detroit Free Press reports the Romanian Pentecostal Church of God Convention heads to Cobo Center in September. Next year, thousands are expected for an annual gathering of the Church of God in Christ, a Christian group.

Recently, thousands of Christians visited for the 100th annual convention of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Prior to that, about 30,000 youth came with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. And in June, thousands attended a National Baptist Convention USA gathering.

Bill Bohde, senior vice president of sales and market at the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, says Detroit has "a great history of hosting religious conventions."

Published: Tue, Aug 04, 2015