The plan to withdraw all American forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 has become increasingly problematic for the Biden administration, which is faced not only with gradually and safely returning military personnel to the U.S. but also grappling with the…
Family and friends do have influence in vaccination decision
Americans’ attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination remain largely unchanged since January, but about one-fifth of those who said they would not get vaccinated have changed their minds and taken the jab. A common reason for changing their minds is seeing family…
Ecumenical network seeks to address causes of migration at the source
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has joined “As Born Among Us,” an ecumenical and international network intent on more comprehensively and compassionately ministering to migrants and potential migrants in the United States, Mexico and the Northern Triangle of Central America —…
While Americans reject COVID vaccines, other parts of the world beg for access
To understand the problem of global COVID vaccine inequity, consider these statistics: “We have crossed the figure of 3 billion vaccine doses administered (globally), and still only 0.3% of those have gone to low-income countries. Of the 2.6 billion tests…
At this conference, religious minorities told each other’s stories of persecution
Imagine the conflicts that could be ended and prevented if the world’s faith leaders got to know one another and began to advocate for those experiencing religious persecution everywhere, said Sam Brownback, the former U.S. ambassador for international religious freedom…
See America’s religious diversity in nine charts
If you’re looking for the most religiously diverse counties in America, head to New York. If you’re looking for the least religiously diverse counties in America, head to Mississippi and Alabama. That’s the top-line takeaway from the most comprehensive documentation…
18 immigration organizations unite in effort to help the undocumented get ready to stay legally
Eighteen national immigration organizations have formed a new coalition to help undocumented immigrants obtain legal services and resources needed to access residency programs that could lead to citizenship. Organizers say Ready to Stay will tap into grassroots communities, including faith-based…
Transitions for the week of 7-16-21
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Amy Strader Andrews, to Cedarbridge Baptist Church, Greenville, N.C., as pastor. Linda Bergeon, to Atwater (Calif.) Baptist Church,…
Cornell West’s fiery departure from Harvard Divinity shines a light on the issue of faculty tenure
Cornell West may be the best-known Black academic and social activist in America, so his scathing resignation letter from Harvard Divinity School July 13 immediately went viral online. His departure from Harvard to Union Theological Seminary highlights a national debate…
More Christians believe America is a ‘Christian nation’ that has not oppressed minorities and is chosen by God
An increasing number of American Christians believe strongly that the United States is a Christian nation, that it has not oppressed minorities and that it has been specifically chosen by God to lead the world, according to a recent Barna…
BNG plans three-day event to explore hidden history of racism in Virginia
Baptist News Global will offer a three-day interactive educational event in Virginia this September focused on exploring the hidden history of racism in America. The event is open to all BNG readers. Participants will engage with BNG Executive Director Mark…
Desire to validate the Bible makes Christians easy prey for archaeological forgeries
The early morning air breathes hot on her face as archaeologist Cynthia Shafer-Elliott picks up her trowel to begin her work she describes as “not for the fainthearted.” Before her stands a mound of dirt, otherwise known as a “tel,”…