White guilt will not move the country forward, directors of the Alliance of Baptists said in a newly released statement urging “meaningful action” to address systemic racism in the United States. The Alliance, a predominantly white organization for progressive Baptist…
Transitions for the week of 10.07.16
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Leonard Ezell, to Broadmoor Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, La., as pastor, effective Nov. 1. He comes from the…
CBF inks partnership with African-American denomination
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announced a new partnership Oct. 5 with the National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc., seeking to build new bridges between predominantly black and white Baptist churches in the United States. CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter…
Ozarks native gave up architecture dream to build pastors
As a young man, Robert L. “Bob” Perry wanted to be an architect, but believed his Ozark upbringing made that dream impossible. Instead, his Ozark qualities have made him an architect of innovation for church leaders and a promoter of…
Peace group urges white involvement in support for black lives
Leaders of a historically white Baptist peacemaking group are calling on white members to stand in solidarity with African Americans in condemning police violence against people of color in the United States. Board members of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of…
Former SBC officer says he and Alan Keyes — not Hillary Clinton — started the ‘birther’ claim
A former Southern Baptist Convention officer who ran as a fringe-party candidate for U.S. vice president in 2008 is disputing presidential candidate Donald Trump’s allegation that the so-called birther movement was started by supporters of Hillary Clinton. Wiley Drake, pastor…
Most Americans believe in supernatural healing. But do Baptists?
Most Americans believe the supernatural can heal physical illnesses and ailments, a new study shows. And evangelicals lead the way in that belief, Barna found. But determining where Baptists fall in those attitudes depends on whether they have adopted the…
CBF ‘Illumination Project’ prepares for listening phase
An ad hoc committee appointed in July is getting ready to enter a phase of listening to diverse voices within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship on matters of human sexuality, according to a report of last week’s meeting of the CBF…
Common missionary and military lives prepared Baptist chaplains for marriage
As a couple, Jim and Jo Kirkendall take the concept of “having things in common” to a whole new level. Both grew up overseas as children of missionaries with the then-Foreign Mission Board. Both became Navy chaplains – and met…
European Baptist leaders protest escalation in Syrian conflict
Leaders of the European Baptist Federation strongly condemned the recent increase in violence in Syria, as government forces and their allies push to reclaim rebel-held neighborhoods in Aleppo, once the nation’s largest city and a key battleground since fighting broke…
Alabama Baptist spokesman critical of ouster of Roy Moore
Alabama Southern Baptists’ public policy spokesman criticized the Sept. 30 suspension of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore for defying federal court orders on same-sex marriage, calling it part of a larger effort to silence Christian voices in the…
How a prayer meeting ‘accidentally’ turned into an intentional Christian community
In some faith circles, the term “living in intentional community” is a buzz phrase akin to “being missional” or “doing life together.” But what does the practice actually entail? And are Christians called to do it? For many in the…