The Respect for Marriage Act — headed toward passage in Congress as early as this week — will inflict “undeniable harms” on “countless Americans,” according to an opinion piece in World magazine tweeted out by Al Mohler over the weekend….
Hardin-Simmons and McMurry reach agreement on nursing school
A dispute between Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University — both located in Abilene, Texas — over the future of a shared nursing school has been resolved, according to a joint news release. Hardin-Simmons, a Baptist school, will establish its own…
Panelists say supporting Respect for Marriage Act is a matter of faith
Advocating for same-sex marriage and encouraging LGBTQ couples and parents is an act deeply rooted in religious values for many Americans, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline said. He spoke during a Nov. 17 interfaith rally to promote the Respect for…
Amazed by its win against the U.S., Nigeria’s U-17 soccer team ascribes its victory to God
In the usual post-match analysis of soccer matches, many players and coaches like to ascribe their team’s success to tactics and skills. Some openly talk about God’s influence. One such team is the Nigerian Women’s U-17 soccer team that participated…
Many people who watch Jeopardy know the Bible better than the show’s writers
Question: This show’s writers made an enormous biblical blunder by assuming the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews and that it is an epistle. Answer: What is Jeopardy? The popular game show best known for its backward syntax on…
Virginia Baptists make history with Faison’s election as executive director
The Baptist General Association of Virginia made history Nov. 16 when it elected Wayne Faison executive director. Faison, who is Black, is the first executive director in the BGAV’s 200-year history who is not a white male. He was elected…
Occupation of historic Ottawa church tied to Canada’s Christian Right
Until late September, William Komer and his United People of Canada fringe grouping (known as TUPOC) vowed not to vacate St. Brigid, a historic deconsecrated church in Canada’s capital. Residents fumed that the type of crowds Komer’s group attracted hints…
After the pandemic, ask where you’re going, not where you’re leaving, author advises
Jeff Henderson wants to be known by what he’s for rather than what he’s against. That’s why his 2019 book was titled Know What You’re For: A Growth Strategy for Work, an Even Better Strategy for Life. It’s also why…
Words matter, even when talking about those you hope to empower
Movements for racial and social equity cannot succeed as long as their members and supporters use stigmatizing language about the challenges they face, social entrepreneur Trabian Shorters said recently on the “Interfaith America with Eboo Patel” podcast. Even when the…
Bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriage now appears likely to become law
In a rare example of bipartisan cooperation, the U.S. Senate advanced the Respect for Marriage Act Nov. 16, clearing the way for likely passage of a bill that would protect same-sex marriage beyond future court challenges. By a 62-to-37 vote,…
Transitions for the week of 11-18-22
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Alyssa Aldape, to Commonwealth Baptist Church, Alexandria, Va., as minister of faith formation. Laura Ayala, to Cooperative Baptist…
‘Jesus was in the streets,’ Louisville pastor says in urging new ministries
Churches cannot remain places solely dedicated to worship and congregational fellowship if they are to answer the calling to serve their neighbors, United Church of Christ minister and activist Jamesetta Ferguson said during the 2022 Coldwell Lectures at Louisville Presbyterian…