Drew Erickson, lead teaching pastor at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, resigned suddenly March 5 after he was arrested in Tarrant County two days before on suspicion of carrying an unlawful weapon and driving while intoxicated with…
In South Africa; money marks churches, mosques as soft targets for armed robbery
It’s a shameless new trend, faith leaders say. It was not usual for armed criminals to storm faith services, rob churches and mosques in South Africa — until now. “There is no holy cow anymore,” said Pastor Drewmore Sikhosana, a…
After three years of turmoil, Fort Lauderdale church’s finances under ECFA scrutiny
A Florida Baptist church that has been embroiled in three years of internal controversy has been suspended from membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability pending a review of compliance with membership standards. ECFA is a nonprofit organization open…
BJC acquires Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation
Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has acquired the Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation in an effort to expand its work promoting racial and religious freedom. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler said the move announced March 6 also will…
Her ‘Damascus Road’ led to campaign against the death penalty
Joia Erin Thornton underwent a self-described “Damascus Road experience” that altered her career track from magazine writing to criminal justice policy work, community organizing and anti-death penalty advocacy. “I was living and working in New York, and I had this…
Pokluda apologizes for ‘hurting’ women with sermon illustration
A Texas pastor who was roundly criticized for objectifying women in a sermon has apologized for hurting women with his sermon illustration. Jonathan Pokluda, pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in McGregor, southwest of Waco, gave the apology at the…
Key witness offers damning testimony against Ezell as NAMB gets McRaney trial delayed two months
Depositions are currently under way for the upcoming trial against the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board based on allegations by plaintiff Will McRaney — and at least one deposition includes harsh allegations against NAMB President Kevin Ezell. In…
There’s a better metaphor for America than the ‘melting pot,’ author says
Author, minister and scholar Jonathan Augustine suggests replacing the “melting pot” metaphor for American religion and society with one taken from a stew famous in his hometown of New Orleans. “I think about the ability of people to be like…
Former Ridgecrest staff invited to June homecoming
All former staff members of Ridgecrest Conference Center are invited to an “alumni homecoming” June 1-4 at the North Carolina retreat. Ridgecrest is an 1,100-acre retreat center near Black Mountain, N.C., that holds precious memories for thousands of Southern Baptists…
Coalition of Atlanta faith leaders plans action to ‘Stop Cop City’ and defend a forest
A coalition of faith leaders in Atlanta has joined the protest to stop construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by the Atlanta Police Foundation and the City of Atlanta. The planned facility has been nicknamed Cop City. Stop…
Most congregations exiting the UMC are white and located in the South
The shape of the current and future United Methodist Church took on clearer lines after events in the past month, topped by results from an analysis of the characteristics of departing churches. Disaffiliation developments included nine decisions and a memorandum…
Florida Immigrant Coalition denounces DeSantis plan as ‘draconian’
Immigration advocates say a new legislative proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis could criminalize ministries, businesses, cities and individuals that serve immigrants in Florida. “DeSantis is leading the way in turning back the clock on human rights and descending us into…