Immigration advocates and human rights groups were appalled to learn Feb. 4 that the White House has decided to continue with Title 42, the Trump-era immigration policy that uses the COVID-19 pandemic as a rationale for immediately deporting asylum seekers…
Coker named to elite futurism cohort, benefiting Together for Hope
Jason Coker is setting the bar pretty high these days at Together for Hope, the rural poverty initiative launched by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to serve impoverished Americans in 301 of the poorest counties in the nation. In fact, the…
Debates about refugees need a dose of compassion, religious freedom panelists urge
Americans must add compassion to their debates about the world’s 26 million refugees, a Jewish leader said during a Feb. 2 webinar hosted by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. “The need is urgent for us here in the…
In Canada, The Gathering unites churches that often don’t see eye to eye
Nearing its 30-year anniversary, a small-but-determined Baptist organization in Canada continues its struggle for religious and congregational freedom in the shadow of an increasingly conservative denominational movement that demands submission to scriptural and theological uniformity, its leaders say. The Gathering…
The few remaining Christians in Afghanistan live in constant fear — even of their own families
Afghan Christians who failed to escape when their nation fell to the Taliban in August live in constant isolation and in fear that the fundamentalist Islamic government, and practically the entire society, is out to persecute them, according to the…
CBF Governing Board creates special teams related to Global Missions and congregational ministries positions
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Governing Board voted unanimously Jan. 28 to establish a transition team to conduct a search for the organization’s next Global Missions coordinator to succeed Steven Porter. Porter, who has led the ministry since 2014, on Jan….
Most Christians don’t feel adequate for sharing their faith or making disciples
Feelings of inadequacy or a case of the jitters seem to be keeping many Christians from sharing their faith with others, according to a new report by Barna Research. “Not feeling qualified or equipped (37%) is the main barrier” to…
America’s economy urgently needs more immigrant labor, experts explain
Supply chain delays, labor shortages, rising inflation and other economic crises facing the United States could be significantly reduced by increasing the number of immigrant workers allowed into the country. That’s the expert opinion of a panel of legal, business…
‘Spiritual vitality’ and willingness to change on the rise in U.S. congregations
After tracking a 20-year decline in American congregational vitality, researchers say they have documented a recent increase in the number of congregations that say they have resilience and are willing to embrace change and engage in their communities. And no,…
Panel of faith leaders will raise awareness of death penalty injustice
A Christian organization active in the nation’s death penalty abolition movement has created a panel of faith leaders charged with addressing the systemic issues that give rise to capital punishment and rationalize its continued use. “This is not a board…
White House cites STEM race as another reason to support immigration
Beyond the moral duty or biblical mandate to welcome immigrants, the Biden White House is touting the economic and intellectual benefits of allowing immigration. The White House said it will introduce sweeping initiatives to recruit and keep international talent to…
Most young people are unsettled in the new year but few plan to turn to the church for help
Young people in the United States are fearful about the new year but are not turning to churches or other faith communities for solace or guidance, according to a research group that tracks the spiritual lives and perspectives of Generation…