Judge Neil M. Gorsuch’s “one-sided view of religious freedom” makes the Supreme Court nominee a dangerous choice, said some religious liberty advocates after President Trump announced his choice to fill a vacancy on the top court Jan. 31.
Travel ban weakens protections, says Muslim interpreter for refugees
Banning Muslim refugees from entry into the United States — even those vetted through a rigorous, 18-month process — is “really bad for our protection,” says an American Muslim who works closely with Christian churches in resettling refugees.
For Syrian refugees, recruiter’s call signaled time to flee
After President Trump’s executive orders, the future of U.S. refugee resettlement programs is uncertain. This is the first in a series on what that might mean for Syrians fleeing their war-torn country. Tomorrow: Volunteers in refugee programs fulfilling biblical mandate to care for strangers
Refugee resettlement programs are endangered, thanks to Trump. How do they currently operate?
After President Trump’s executive orders, the future of U.S. refugee resettlement programs is uncertain. This is the last in a series on what that might mean for Syrians fleeing their war-torn country.
FDR: When an appeal to Scripture united a divided nation
Franklin Roosevelt’s powerful biblical imagery brought hope to a nation in the depths of an economic and social crisis, and instilled support for his progressive social vision. Could it happen today?
Baptists weigh in on Muslim travel ban
As protests spread across the country over President Trump’s executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority states from entering the United States, prominent Baptists joined other religious voices speaking out in opposition. Amanda Tyler, the new executive director of the…
‘Black sheep Baptist’ explores inspiration, path to newfound spiritual identity
Justin Cox is a first-year student at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, a Cooperative Baptist Leadership Scholar, and minister to students at First Baptist Church in Statesville, N.C. Not bad for a guy who’s only been Baptist for just…
Missing Burmese pastors in police custody
Two Burmese Baptist pastors missing since Christmas Eve are in police custody and face prison if convicted under a law banning “unlawful association” left over from the era of British colonial rule. The Irrawaddy, a website founded in 1990 by…
More projects, less meetings, a better draw for churches
Closing churches and the rise of the religiously unaffiliated seems like pretty strong evidence that Christianity is going through some pretty dark times. But Kennon Callahan doesn’t buy into that conclusion. “This is a new time,” said Callahan, author of…
Tea Party politician tells Trump opponents to ‘harness their fear’
A Tea Party activist elected as Kentucky’s first African-American lieutenant governor told students at a Baptist university that Christians fearful of the Trump administration are getting a taste of how many conservatives felt under eight years of President Obama. “I…
Transitions for the week of 01.27.17
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Gina M. Brock, to Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., as associate pastor. Gerson Garros, to Trinity Baptist Church,…
Supreme Court to consider government funding for faith, and BJC weighs in
Church-state issues can be emotionally, and legally, challenging subjects. They can influence the direction a municipality, state and nation can take on matters of faith and government. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case on church-state…