An Oklahoma pastor who is the chairman of the state’s Republican Party authored a Facebook post last week that compared COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the persecution of Jews in the Holocaust. The sentiment expressed by John Bennett, pastor of Lee…
If you think racial equity exists in America today, you’re in the minority
Americans who contend there’s a level playing field for Blacks and whites today are in the minority of public opinion, according to new research by Gallup. The polling firm finds a growing number of Americans believe non-white people are subject…
Poor People’s Campaign marches on Texas Capitol with demands for voting rights
A civil rights demonstration at the Texas State Capitol July 31— that included country music legend Willie Nelson and former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke — was intended to warn Americans about the dangers of nationwide voter suppression efforts and to…
Senator criticized for asking nominee, under oath, whether he ‘believes in God’
Religious liberty watchdogs cried foul July 28 when a United States senator during a confirmation hearing asked the candidate under oath whether he believes in God. The U.S. Constitution plainly states: “No religious test shall ever be required as a…
Post-pandemic, Black churchgoers are more interested in hybrid worship while pastors are resistant
Fresh research shows a significant minority of Black Christians favor a mix of online and in-person church options going forward, but a minister known as an expert in hybrid faith expressions predicts the demand will grow as the benefits become…
Good news on vaccines: Faith-based approaches are leading more to take the shot
Aversion to COVID-19 vaccines is declining in the U.S. in part because faith communities are influencing some skeptical Americans to reconsider their opposition to vaccination, new research shows. A survey conducted in June by Public Religion Research Institute and Interfaith…
Transitions for the week of 7-30-21
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Moses Aleman, to First Baptist Church, Inman, S.C., as interim worship leader. Kristin McAtee, to Spring Creek Baptist…
Despite the challenges, Americans still favor immigration
A surge in U.S. southern border crossings and apprehensions in 2021 and heated debates about the continued expulsions of asylum seekers, the detention of unaccompanied child migrants and the fate of the DACA program have not dissuaded most Americans from…
Blind guy travels … and sings, and plays accordion, and makes Legos more accessible to the visually impaired
Ask Matthew Shifrin about the one thing he won’t do, and his answer is simple: Live alone. That’s because Shifrin is blind. “Things like living on my own — can it be done? Absolutely,” he said. “But does that mean…
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…
Disputes between bishops and dissidents roil United Methodists
Some 13 months before the United Methodist Church’s top legislative body, the General Conference, decides whether to break up the worldwide denomination, pitched battles are taking place between church authorities and dissident congregations and groups at both ends of the…
Not all churches are back to indoor or in-person worship, and those that are have some questions
While many American churches have returned to in-person gatherings since — or even before — COVID-19 vaccines became widely available earlier this year, others have chosen a slower, more cautious route through the pandemic and are learning some hard lessons…