The Christian response to migrants must be shaped by Scripture, especially in “purple churches” home to both conservative and progressive believers, Greg Smith said during a recent webinar on biblical responses to immigration. “We start from Scripture and not from…
Bass, Tisby, Du Mez and Jones join forces for a Substack
Four of the nation’s leading observers of faith, culture and public life are sharing their latest research and writing in a new online space designed to spark thoughtful discussion about the most challenging issues facing U.S. democracy and society. Diana…
Don’t stop believing, Thompson urges Trailblazer luncheon
Christians involved in the struggle for racial justice must maintain a robust capacity for belief even when major resistance and setbacks are encountered, said Jacqueline A. Thompson, senior pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif. “Researchers say that…
CBF called to demonstrate power of diversity, Baxley tells General Assembly
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is called to testify to the wider church and society that diversity is a source of strength rather than a weakness to be feared, CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley said. “I believe that is an act…
Gov. Landry gets his wish: Louisiana Ten Commandments law to be challenged in court
The ink was barely dry on Louisiana’s brand new Ten Commandments law before four major civil and religious rights groups declared their intent to sue to prevent the state from posting the Decalogue in public classrooms by the fall of…
Human rights groups accustomed to condemning Biden praise his ‘family values’ action
Humanitarian rights groups accustomed to condemning President Biden’s immigration policies are extolling his June 18 order granting protections to Dreamers and to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The presidential action allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to grant…
New book makes a case for why conflict can be good for a church
Striving to avoid congregational conflict can backfire in churches where members feel unable to live and worship authentically within their own fellowships, according to the author of a new book on addressing divisions within Baptist churches. “What happens in many…
AWAB and CBF’s Affirming Network merge
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and the Affirming Network of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have merged, AWAB announced June 17. Moving forward, the consolidated organization will operate under the AWAB name and will strive to meet the rising…
America’s hard right is fine-tuning hate tactics, SPLC warns
The far right dedicated 2023 to fine-tuning and expanding hate-spreading tactics to fuel one of the most bitter and dangerous presidential contests in U.S. history, according to a new report by the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Extremists and those opposing…