In a plea agreement announced Oct. 2, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris pleaded guilty to five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Morris was given a 10-year sentence, but with the negotiated plea deal will serve…
New ABC resource helps pass the torch of church leadership
It is the responsibility of seasoned Christian leaders to recruit and prepare new generations to guide the church into the future, said Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies and Judson Press. That requires older members…
Panelists testify to unresolved pain in death penalty cases
Cynthia Vaughn spent years consumed with rage over her mother’s 1984 murder and felt no relief whatsoever when the killer — her stepfather — finally was executed in 2019. “I didn’t get the closure people think comes with an execution….
3 cases to watch as Supreme Court begins new term
The new Supreme Court term that begins Monday promises significant rulings on three of the country’s more divisive culture war issues: Can Colorado ban gay conversion therapy? Can New Jersey issue a consumer alert about deceptive advertising by a crisis…
Conservatives call for defunding, eradicating liberal groups
Officials say the man who killed Charlie Kirk acted alone, but conservative groups and some Republicans in Congress say he was part of a vast liberal conspiracy that should be investigated, defunded and eradicated. “He May Have Pulled The Trigger,…
Florida church ordains four women for ministry on same day
While some Baptist churches are actively running away from any hint of supporting women in leadership, a Florida Baptist church recently ordained four women as ministers on the same day. In a Sept. 21 service filled with pageantry, liturgical readings…
Ministry jobs
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…
Jack Martin, bringer of hope to Thai prisoners
Jack Martin, who pioneered ministry to prison inmates in Thailand during his nearly 35 years as a Baptist missionary, died Sept. 20 after a long illness. He was 90. Like many pioneers, Martin didn’t take no for an answer when…
Trump administration eliminates data gathering on US hunger
The Trump administration’s elimination of annual food insecurity reports will plunge the nation into the dark when it comes to feeding hungry Americans, nutrition advocates say. “Ultimately, this is a loss not just for data collection, but for the millions…
Louie Bailey concludes a 40-year legacy at Crescent Hill
As a pre-teen, future church musician Louie Bailey and friends from his Royal Ambassador group distributed brand-new copies of the 1956 Baptist Hymnal in their congregation’s pew racks. That day, Bailey held in his hands a book that would shape…
Mormon church shooter believed to be a MAGA supporter
The man who killed at least four worshipers at a Mormon church in Michigan Sept. 28 displayed a Trump sign outside his home and was known to wear MAGA gear. Authorities have identified Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Mich., as…
J. Alfred Smith remembered as giant among preachers and justice advocates
J. Alfred Smith will be remembered in services Oct. 9 and 10 as one of the most influential Black Baptist pastors of his generation. Smith died Sept. 19 at age 94. The congregation he served across four decades, Allen Temple…