Nashville is a city infused by religion, music and history, so when a tragedy like the school shooting at The Covenant School March 25 happens there, connections ripple across well-known names and places. And in this case, also across some…
Part of former student’s case against Patterson and Southwestern dismissed by judge
This headline and story have been updated to reflect the fact that one part of the case was not dismissed. Just six days before a long-awaited trial was to begin on allegations from a former student that Southwestern Baptist Theological…
Peter James Flamming, ‘bridge-building’ pastor in Texas and Virginia
Peter James Flamming, one of the best-known “moderate” Southern Baptist preachers of the 20th century, died in Richmond, Va., March 27, at age 89. In 1986, Flamming joined the Southern Baptist Convention’s Peace Committee to fill the spot vacated by…
New court documents show First Baptist Houston leaders knew of allegations against Pressler in 2004
Leaders of First Baptist Church of Houston knew about Paul Pressler’s alleged inappropriate sexual activity with young men in 2004, according to correspondence from the church to Pressler obtained by the Texas Tribune. Journalist Robert Downen, writing for the Tribune,…
Two Baptist seminaries among six ‘recommended’ by new Global Methodist Church
Two Baptist-affiliated schools are among six “recommended educational institutions” approved by the new Global Methodist Church. The GMC is a breakaway group from The United Methodist Church created largely over disagreements about LGBTQ inclusion and acceptance. The UMC is perceived as…
Advocates for constitutional ban on female ‘pastors’ in SBC publish a list of 170 churches they deem in violation
A proposed constitutional amendment to bar any Southern Baptist Convention church from giving a woman the title “pastor” gained steam — and opposition — this week with publication of a list of 170 SBC churches said to have women serving…
Former staff at Knoxville church see a familiar pattern in Northern Seminary’s complaints about Shiell’s leadership
When former staff members at First Baptist Church of Knoxville, Tenn., read accounts of how faculty and staff at Northern Seminary said they had been mistreated by President Bill Shiell, they recognized a cautionary tale they wish all congregations and…
One-third of Northern Seminary students express no confidence in trustees
More than 100 students at Northern Seminary have signed a letter stating they have no confidence in the board of trustees to manage the Chicago-area school in light of recent events with former President Bill Shiell. That represents one-third of…
Karen Swallow Prior to leave Southeastern Seminary
One of the highest-profile faculty members at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary announced via Twitter March 20 she will resign at the end of the current semester and has no other job lined up. Karen Swallow Prior, research professor of English…