Christmas week brought more twists and turns to the legal battles in California over coronavirus-forced closures of in-person worship, while the spike in COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths skyrocketed. In contrast to a few pastors and churches that have made…
The best way to finish this dreadful year is with lavish generosity
Thirty-six years ago this month, I learned a lesson in generosity that inspires me to this day. I was 23 years old, had just completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of New Mexico and was heading to…
Southwestern president says SBC seminary leaders have been ‘misunderstood’ and ‘misconstrued’
Condemnation of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminary presidents for their Nov. 30 statement against Critical Race Theory is the result of misunderstanding and misrepresentations, according to one of the six presidents. Adam Greenway, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary…
SBC leaders cautiously wading into the conflict created by seminary presidents on race
Nearly three weeks after presidents of the six Southern Baptist Convention seminaries issued a controversial statement on systemic racism, other elected leaders within the SBC began to respond to the criticisms — although not with the same clarity with which…
Two campaigns launched to ban ‘conversion therapy’
Two faith-based efforts to ban so-called “conversion therapy” for members of the LGBTQ community launched last week, one in the United States and the other a global effort based in the United Kingdom. Conversion therapy is a widely discredited attempt…
Why you should cancel your in-person indoor Christmas Eve service
I’ve heard all the arguments and understand most of the data. Yes, I know there are regional differences and special circumstances from community to community. And I understand that you think your bubble is safe, that you are the exception….
Another prominent Black Baptist pastor publicly quits the SBC
For the second time in two days, a prominent Black pastor has publicly quit the Southern Baptist Convention over its seminary presidents’ campaign against Critical Race Theory. “I keep hearing the words of Harriet Tubman: ‘We out,’” said Charlie Dates,…
Judson College needs $1.5 million or will be forced to close in January
An Alabama Baptist college that is the last remaining all-women college in the state needs to raise $1.5 million in gifts and pledges in order to remain open for the spring semester, its president told alumnae and donors Dec. 15….
Houston pastor quits Southwestern and SBC over seminary presidents’ statement on race
Another prominent Black Baptist pastor has challenged the six Southern Baptist Convention seminary presidents for their critique of Critical Race Theory, saying as a result he is abandoning doctoral studies at one of the seminaries and disassociating with the SBC…