“Pastor Sherwood Carthen was a powerful preacher, champion of multi-ethnic ministry, but more importantly a dear friend,” said Pacific Southwest Conference Superintendent Efrem Smith. “I will miss him greatly.”

Bayside of South Sacramento (BOSS), a satellite church that partners with Bayside Church in Granite Bay, opened in 2005.

Phil Oats, a minority owner of the Kings, released a statement saying, “[Bishop Carthen] was an outstanding preacher, but an even better friend to all. All of the Sacramento Kings extend their sincerest condolences to Charlene and their family, to BOSS and the Bayside Family, and to the many, many people and families he blessed.”

He was active in local and national issues. He founded Our Family Community Foundation, a para-church ministry specializing in wellness, wholeness and faith. He also serves as chair of stakeholders for the National African American Tobacco Education Network and led efforts to create Be Free Indeed: Tobacco Tools for the African American Church.

Carthen also served as president of Black Employees United for Equality, which was designed to assist African Americans and minorities with upward mobility. He also served two years as the vice president of the board of directors for Interfaith Service Bureau.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Carthen, and children, Anthony and Siobhan.