Staff changes, congregational news and more from across the nation.
CBF condemns racism, offers resource, in response to Charlottesville
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship leaders and pastors across the country released a statement Sept. 6 condemning individual and systemic racism and renewing the 1,800-church movement’s commitment to “seeking out authentic relationships across racial lines.” The statement, signed by more than 100…
‘Are we going to die?’: As immigrants faced rising waters in Houston, many found help from Baptist workers
For a couple days last week, Hurricane Harvey and its flooding pushed a Baptist who works closely with Muslim immigrants in Houston nearly to despair. “Most of these folks have never seen this. They are from desert areas. Flooding is beyond them.”
Cold medicine murder suspect graduate of Baptist school
A former missions and evangelism student at a Kentucky Baptist Convention-affiliated Bible college is charged with murder in a case drawing national attention because of an unusual defense blaming the death on cold medicine.
Harvey leaves communities, churches with physical, emotional and financial challenges
A recent ABC News headline may have been a shocker to Americans who haven’t lived through a hurricane: “Hurricane Harvey recovery will be ‘multi-year project,’ Texas governor says.” That’s a fact many religious organizations know all too well. In fact, it’s their specialty.
Book calls for faith and resistance in age of Trump
The election of Donald Trump reveals a side of America long known to people in marginalized communities, says ethics professor Miguel De La Torre in a new book calling for faithful resistance to systems that perpetuate social and economic injustice.
Response to Nashville Statement says the gospel not just for heterosexuals
More than 300 Christian leaders signed a statement released Aug. 30 declaring that God accepts LGBT persons as they are and not just if they vow celibacy or are willing and able to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Transitions for the week of 09.01.17
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Lane Bass, to Murfreesboro (N.C.) Baptist Church, as senior pastor, effective Nov. 7. Tom Baynham, concluding his tenure…
Ministry unfolds ‘on the cellular level’ for those in Harvey’s path
Don’t ask a Houston resident how the city is doing. Trapped on top of rooftops or in shelters, or in homes with no power, it’s likely they know little more than their own situations. Clergy there are trying to make contact with their congregegants by phone and social media.
‘Nashville Statement’ condemns LGBT Christians and those who support them
Top leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention joined other evangelical leaders in a statement Aug. 29 declaring homosexuality and transgender identity to be sinful and not something about which faithful Christians can agree to disagree. The Nashville Statement was discussed…
Here’s how you can help people impacted by Harvey
Faith-based and secular groups are appealing across the web for donations to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and its drenching aftermath. Here’s how you can help.
Black Christians call for closer look at white supremacy
More than 400 Christian leaders have signed a document condemning white supremacy beyond the “alt-right” brand of hate recently seen in Charlottesville, Va., extending to more subtle forms of racism including white privilege.