Not to be outdone by themselves, Louisiana’s culture-war politicians recently passed a new law making the state the first in the nation to permit surgical castration for some people convicted of sex crimes against children. When the act goes into…
Dispelling myths about HIV/AIDS is part of this center’s faith calling
Major stereotypes about HIV/AIDS and its victims persist despite decades of advancements in the knowledge and treatment of the virus and disease, said Stacy W. Smallwood, new executive director of the Faith COMPASS Center at Wake Forest University Divinity School….
Call to prayer issued for minority religions in Republic of Georgia
American Baptist leaders in Wisconsin have launched a prayer and social action campaign to support beleaguered faith, humanitarian and LGBTQ groups in the Republic of Georgia. The effort follows the May passage of a law requiring Georgian organizations that receive…
Supreme Court says cities may fine or arrest homeless people for sleeping
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling frees municipalities to fine or arrest homeless people who camp on sidewalks or in parks and other public spaces. Justices ruled 6-3 along ideological lines that an ordinance in Grants Pass, Ore., prohibiting public…
The starting point for discussing immigrants is Scripture, CBF field personnel say
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…