Former Burmese refugee Van Lian Kio said he has been tormented by the flood of social media reports, news accounts and images of brutal military repression of fellow Baptists and other religious minorities in his native country, now known as…
Pavlovitz seeks to create ‘safe spaces’ for hard conversations through his blog and books
American Christianity must provide safe spaces for theological and social reflection if the nation’s growing population of “nones” and disenfranchised believers are to be engaged and served meaningfully by the church, author and blogger John Pavlovitz said during a Nov….
Tips for having a Thanksgiving Dinner conversation about immigrants without choking
Christians compassionate toward migrants and refugees can prevent or de-escalate heated arguments during holiday gatherings by developing empathy for disagreeable relatives and staying out of lecture mode, an immigrant advocate and former college debate coach advises. “Your loved ones did…
The church cannot speak against sex trafficking until it admits its own abuse problems, author says
The church can play a major role in eliminating sex trafficking worldwide, but only after it confronts and heals the scourge of sexual sin consuming it from within, said Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good, an educator, author and advocate on issues…
Ending capital punishment in Ohio should be a ‘pro-life’ ideal, evangelical speakers declare
Evangelicals must put their political and spiritual weight behind abolishing the death penalty because supporting the practice is tantamount to playing God, an evangelical preacher said during an online rally held to end executions in Ohio. “I never want to…
Belief that America has divine favor with God is on the decline
The notion cherished by Christian nationalists that the United States enjoys divine favor is not shared by most Americans, according to new research from Public Religion Research Institute. Among a myriad of topics covered by PRRI’s 12th annual American Values…
Terrorism experts say U.S. faces even greater danger from domestic religious extremism
The United States is in greater danger of politically, religiously and racially fueled violence now than it was when supporters of Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol in January, a panel of security experts said during a recent webinar. “I’m…
Baptism is a call to social action, not a genteel ceremony, Braxton says
Baptism services should not be polite affairs or genteel ceremonies. Instead, they should be provocative political statements that agitate more than comfort and call believers to action, according to Brad Braxton. “Baptism services should not be polite. On the contrary,…
Louisiana College changes name to boost academic reputation while hosting creationist conference
A Louisiana Baptist institution preparing to host a conference by creationist Ken Ham has announced a new name intended to boost its academic reputation and Christian witness. Louisiana College is set to become Louisiana Christian University, the Baptist institution announced…
Lifelong calling leads Merritt Johnston to lead BWA Women
Merritt Johnston surrendered her life to ministry as a high school senior, although her options may have seemed limited, growing up in a small-town Baptist church in Texas. “On that day, I had people asking me, ‘Does this mean you…
Georgetown College president fired over assault allegations
Georgetown College trustees fired the school’s president, William A. Jones, Nov. 1 following accusations of sexual assault. “On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31, the college was informed of allegations of a sexual assault of a female college employee, inappropriate behavior with…
Afghan refugees are being screened safely, security experts assure governors
National security experts have urged American governors to disregard conservative news reports denigrating the vetting process for Afghan allies resettling in the United States. Instead, they asked governors to trust screening procedures for arrivals and to welcome the evacuees into…