As their denomination splinters over sexuality and gender issues and as their state elected officials debate new restrictions on transgender citizens and their families, a group of 650 United Methodist clergy and laity published an open letter supporting International Transgender…
Boy Scouts closer to settling abuse claims, but challenges remain
A proposed settlement plan for more than 80,000 abuse cases filed against the Boy Scouts of America came one step closer to reality March 28 when a federal judge affirmed a $2.46 billion settlement plan, overriding objections by some insurers…
Oral history archive explores relationship between faith and forced migration
“Is there any worship community here? How can I join a church or a mosque or a temple?” According to Napoleon Akeyezu, a case manager for a refugee nonprofit in Kentucky and a refugee himself from Rwanda, this is the…
Are Americans attending church more or less than before the pandemic? It’s complicated
The relationship between Americans and worship attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic is complicated, Pew Research Center found in a new study. The project compiled statistics from five surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022 and found a steady share of U.S….
Transitions for the week of 3-31-23
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Samuel Acevedo, to Lion of Judah, Boston, Mass., as associate pastor. Jeff Allen, to First Baptist Church, Mount…
Northern Seminary trustees respond to student complaints
Trustees of Northern Seminary issued their first official correspondence with students since one-third of the student body signed a letter of no confidence in the board and called for the resignation of any trustees who could not sign a public…
Baptist church jumps into service as reunion point for Covenant School children and parents
Senior Pastor Nathan Parker said he immediately recommended the sanctuary when police requested space at Woodmont Baptist Church for reunions between parents and survivors of the mass shooting at nearby Covenant School in Nashville. “A sanctuary is a holy place,…
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…
Antisemitic-motivated assaults at record levels
For the third time in five years, the Anti-Defamation League has documented record-high cases of assault, harassment and vandalism targeting Jewish individuals, congregations and institutions. “In 2022, ADL tabulated 3,697 antisemitic incidents throughout the United States. This is a 36%…
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,…
Ministry jobs and more
Baptist News Global provides a free listing of ministry-related jobs for Baptist churches, theological institutions and organizations across the United States. Each free posting is for 30 days and is limited to 150 words. Postings may be extended another 30…