The ongoing break-up of The United Methodist Church escalated in mid-July to a public legal feud that appears further to damage the troubled denomination’s reputation. The latest episode erupted July 14 when 106 local congregations, most located in rural areas…
Want to lower grocery prices? Urge Senate to pass Farm Workforce Modernization Act, panelists say
Those who think immigrants are stealing American jobs not only are wrong but are imperiling the American economy with their unsubstantiated views, a panel of agricultural leaders said July 27. “Each year, we see the end of generational farms because…
Transitions for the week of 7-29-22
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Christopher Adams, concluding his tenure as pastoral assistant at Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas. He has been…
Half the world says they live in a ‘good place’ for gays and lesbians
The world is getting better for gays and lesbians, according to a new Gallup World Poll survey. Last year, 50% of adults worldwide indicated their community is a “good place” for LGBTQ people to live, Gallup announced. That percentage doubles…
Federal program could provide relief to COVID-ravaged churches
Many U.S. churches jumped at the chance to utilize the Payroll Protection Program, or PPP, to cover payroll costs and benefits during the darkest stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic. But fewer congregations and other nonprofit organizations have been as quick…
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…
Public education declined in U.S. eyes, new survey shows
American confidence in public schools spiked with the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, but it has dropped to nearly an all-time low, according to a new Gallup poll. The survey reported 28% of U.S. adults expressed “a great deal” or…
Christian Athlete Circles provides alternative space in sports
Georgia McKee excelled at sports throughout childhood and played Division I college softball, which enabled her to know some of the nation’s best athletes. But she also encountered what she recognized as some of its most dysfunctional religious attitudes, practices…
Filmmaker searches for vanished Black graves in Canadian cemetery
James Russell is dismayed by an apparent lack of commitment to preserve Black grave sites in Canada. He’s so disturbed, he has taken it upon himself to secure their dignity. ‘What bothers me is this ground has no markers on…
Iran continues ‘egregious violations of religious freedom,’ watchdog reports
Religious repression remains widespread in Iran, according to a new report released by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Minority faiths — even including some Muslim sects — and women are most vulnerable to persecution in the predominantly Islamic…
Update: ‘ReAwaken’ tour reschedules New York event, denies racism
A nationwide speaking tour featuring prominent white Christian nationalists has rescheduled a stop in New York state after pro-democracy advocates succeeded in urging a venue in Rochester, N.Y., to cancel a mid-August event. Main Street Armory a former military facility…
Fletcher Seminary launches this fall, offering 2 graduate ministry degrees
Jesse C. Fletcher Seminary, a ministry-training school launched in the wake of Hardin-Simmons University’s 2020 decision to close its Logsdon Seminary, will begin offering two graduate degrees this fall. Fletcher Seminary is based in San Antonio in facilities of Baptist…