A Baptist minister and author who shocked British evangelicals when he came out in support of same-sex marriage in 2013 now says Christians talk too much about Original Sin and not enough about humanity’s inherent goodness and worth. Steve Chalke,…
In emerging partnership, retreat center aims to end social and economic isolation of inner-city children
The National Baptist Convention of America International has purchased property near Louisville, Ky., for what Simmons College of Kentucky President Kevin Cosby says will be the only retreat and conference center in the state run by African-Americans.
Former SBC official defends White House prayer described as ‘spiritual malpractice’
One of the ministers photographed last week laying hands on President Trump and circling him in prayer has taken exception to a civil-rights leader’s labeling the viral image as “theological malpractice bordering on heresy.”
Transitions for the week of 07.21.17
Staff changes, congregational news and more from across the nation.
Are state constitutions’ prohibitions on aid to churches legal?
A recent U.S. Supreme Court case may put such restrictions on shaky ground, say some legal observers.
BJC head warns Johnson Amendment rollback would divide churches
A church-state specialist says language in a U.S. House spending bill limiting the ability of the IRS to deny tax-exempt status to churches for violating a ban on endorsing candidates makes them easy prey for political campaigns hunting for votes.
Popular evangelical author signals support for marriage equality, then retracts comments
Eugene Peterson’s initial response and his reversal a day later both generated criticism from fans of his many books, including his idiomatic translation of the Bible called “The Message.”
UPDATED: Evangelical author’s support for marriage equality draws fire from opponents
Southern Baptist fans of Eugene Peterson are questioning his salvation after he said in an interview he thinks it is possible to be both Christian and gay and, if asked, he would be willing to officiate a same-sex wedding. The next day the author retracted his statement.
Transitions for the week of 07.14.17
Staff changes, congregational news and more from across the nation.
After three decades of defending Baptist principles, Texas Baptists Committed closing its doors
Texas Baptists Committed — an organization formed nearly 30 years ago in a failed effort to stop a rightward shift in the Southern Baptist Convention before successfully slowing that tide in the Baptist General Convention of Texas — is closing its doors.
Samford forfeits Baptist funds but pulls plug on student gay-straight alliance
After forfeiting $3 million a year in institutional funding from the Alabama Baptist State Convention, the president of Samford University announced he will not seek formal recognition of a student group dedicated to the discussion of LGBTQ issues and human…
Pick your reaction: Facebook’s rainbow flag emoji rankles some; their response worries others
When Facebook briefly rolled out a new Pride Flag emoji last month as a reaction option on users’ posts, some adopted it enthusiastically. Others asked for additional emojis — including a Christian cross.
Human rights and religious liberty advocate elected to lead Baptist World Alliance
The Baptist World Alliance tapped a U.S. human rights and religious liberty advocate as its new general secretary. At 36, Elijah Brown is the youngest person to lead the global organization.
Want your church to talk better about sex? This scholar’s project might help.
Baptists have consistently said two things about sex — “don’t do it, at least not until marriage” and “don’t talk about it” — a gender and sexuality scholar said last week. She thinks they can do better.