A blog for Southern Baptists opposed to five-point Calvinism is shutting down indefinitely. An Oct. 30 posting on SBC Today, a news and opinion blog promoting what supporters call a “traditional” Southern Baptist view of predestination, announced the online forum…
CBF leader condemns ‘white nationalism’ after synagogue attack
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter voiced solidarity with “our Jewish neighbors and friends in cities and towns across the country” in the aftermath of Saturday’s mass shooting inside a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “We condemn ideologies of white…
Paige Patterson talks about his firing, social justice and #MeToo in Janet Mefferd interview
Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson said in a wide ranging radio interview this week that he believes his termination by trustees was unjust, but at age 76 he isn’t dwelling on the past.
Sex expert says Genesis not final word on gender roles
Sexologist William Stayton said biology doesn’t support a literal interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve to explain the difference between the sexes last week at a JUST SEX Conference sponsored by the Alliance of Baptists. Stayton, professor emeritus…
When it comes to sex, turn to Bible, not biblical interpretation, scholar says
A good starting point for understanding what the Bible says about sex is the Bible, an Episcopalian scholar said at three-day discussion of “just” sex arranged by the Alliance of Baptists Oct. 18-20 in Nashville, Tenn. Kelly Brown Douglas, canon…
Church once led by Herschel Hobbs calls first female pastor
After a decade as minister for young adults at the historic First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Rev. Sarah Stewart has been promoted to senior pastor. Stewart, 36, officially begins duties Nov. 19 as 19th pastor of the…
Women’s studies professor out at Southwestern Seminary
Candi Finch, an assistant professor of theology in women’s studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, reported on Twitter she has been fired by seminary trustees.
Judge dismisses 5 of 8 claims in Pressler lawsuit, citing statutes of limitations
A Texas judge has dismissed most of a sexual assault lawsuit against former Southern Baptist leader Paul Pressler due to statutes of limitation. Houston Judge Ravi K. Sandill signed an order Oct. 15 granting summary judgment in favor of Pressler…
Atlanta agrees to pay to $1.2 million to former fire chief Kelvin Cochran
The city of Atlanta has agreed to pay a former fire chief fired for writing a book critical of homosexuality $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit claiming religious discrimination.
Editor Bob Terry, a founder of Associated Baptist Press, celebrates 50 years in Baptist news
An instrumental figure in the formation of Associated Baptist Press – a forerunner to Baptist News Global – is stepping down at yearend after a half century career in Baptist journalism. About 225 people gathered Oct. 5 in Birmingham, Alabama,…
Celebrating 25 years in job, seminary president remembers rocky start
Celebrating Albert Mohler’s 25th anniversary as president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, former Southern Baptist Convention president James Merritt recalled the journey’s rocky start. “When he came here, there were very few exceptions, almost everybody hated Dr. Mohler,” Merritt, lead…
Bible student turned ‘cold-medicine killer’ pleads guilty in North Carolina court
A high-profile murder case involving a one-time Bible college student and prospective minister who claimed he killed his wife after taking too much cold medicine came to a close Oct. 5 with a guilty plea. Matthew Phelps, 29, pleaded guilty…