The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Governing Board adopted a process June 21 to guide the 1,800-church Fellowship through controversy amid renewed attention to the organization’s 16-year-old policy against hiring LGBTQ people since the June 15 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in…
Southern Baptist editor says Ali was no hero
A Southern Baptist newspaper editor said an editorial June 21 that he takes offense when he hears people describe boxing legend Muhammad Ali as an American hero. “Ali, who died recently, did some good things during his lifetime and he…
The ‘groaning’ and ‘growing’ of theological education in America
When Daniel Aleshire, whose organization accredits most U.S. seminaries, retires next year, he’ll have witnessed a quarter century of what may have been the most dramatic changes in clergy education in the country’s history. Informed ministry is superior to ignorant…
CBF launches task force on clergy sexual misconduct
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Governing Board approved a task force on clergy sexual misconduct June 21 in a final meeting prior to this week’s CBF General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C. The CBF will collaborate with Baptist Women in Ministry in…
Southern Baptists named to Trump advisory team
The Donald Trump campaign tapped two former Southern Baptist Convention presidents, a former agency head and a Dallas pastor who has prayed at several of his campaign events for a new executive board to advise the presumptive Republican nominee on…
CBF reaches 1,000th endorsee as chaplain, counselor ranks grow
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship passed a milestone recently when it named its 1000th endorsee — those ministers called to be chaplains or pastoral counselors. And Erin Lysse, the woman selected for the honor, said she felt encouraged by the honor. “There have…
Minister in Orlando church finds herself at center of response to shootings
Megan Currie was set to preach her first Sunday sermon June 12 at Joy Metropolitan Community Church in Orlando, where she is serving as a summer intern. But a gunman’s murderous rampage, just over a mile away, kept her out…
President denies Liberian seminary is for sale
The president of Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary is disputing reports on the Internet that long-respected school is up for sale. A labor court judge issued a writ of execution June 8 ordering sale of the property to raise money owed…
Advocates fault new SBC president’s record on child sex abuse
Advocates for survivors of clergy sex abuse say they are disappointed the Southern Baptist Convention has elected a new president once accused of shielding a child molester. “We’re disappointed that the Southern Baptist Convention just elected Bellevue Baptist pastor Steve Gaines…
Direct ministry, legislatures best tools in anti-hunger fight, advocates say
Combating hunger in the United States is a big job — but Christian leaders have identified two main strategies for that fight. And they know that when the victims of hunger involve young people, the motivation and creativity brought to bear…
SBC to consider joining National Association of Evangelicals
Traditionally known for avoiding ecumenical entanglements and limiting formal affiliations to other Baptist groups, a Southern Baptist Convention leader says it is time for American’s second-largest faith group behind Roman Catholics to consider uniting with the National Association of Evangelicals….
Southern Baptists debate resolution supporting Israel
The Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution June 14 criticizing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian lands despite objections by an Arabic pastor. Pastor Jamal Bishara…