By Bob Allen After losing a copyright infringement lawsuit to prevent the posting of videos alleging contradictions in different versions of his once famous “Jihad to Jesus” testimony, a Georgia Baptist college president now must pay more than $34,000 in…
SNAP leader says police should investigate alleged abuse cover-up by DOM
By Bob Allen An advocate for clergy abuse victims said July 2 that police should investigate whether a Southern Baptist director of missions concealed molestation by the youth minister at a church he previously served as pastor. Mack Allen Davis,…
From minority to majority: Are Baptists living up to their heritage?
By Ken Camp When Baptists constituted a minority sect in America, bold spokesmen such as John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes and James Ireland took courageous stands for religious liberty, historians agree. Baptists like John Leland led in calling for separation of…
Is — or isn’t — religious liberty under siege?
By Ken Camp Some Americans warn that an overreaching federal government threatens religious liberty, while others worry a secular culture that values political correctness over truth imperils freedom of religion. Yet others say it’s a matter of perspective. “I would…
Judge dismisses Sovereign Grace appeal
By Bob Allen Eleven plaintiffs seeking a day in court to prove that leaders of an evangelical church-planting network conspired to cover up sexual abuse of children were dealt a blow June 26, when a Maryland Court of Special Appeals…
Judge strikes down Kentucky gay-marriage ban
By Bob Allen A gay Baptist minister who recently joined a lawsuit challenging Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage welcomed Tuesday’s ruling against the law as a step forward “in our continuing struggle to bring about equality.” Senior U.S. District Court…
Seminary cuts ties with embattled SGM
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist Convention seminary has broken off its formal relationship with a church-starting network that has become a lightning rod since a former leader admitted under oath that he failed to report child sex abuse to…
Judge OKs settlement of Baptist home lawsuit
By Bob Allen A federal judge ruled June 30 that a Kentucky Baptist ministry cannot prevent settlement of a long-running legal battle over the establishment of religion simply because it has benefitted from state contracts in the past. U.S. District…
Longest-serving CBF staff member retires
By Bob Allen Clarissa Strickland, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s longest-serving staff member, retired June 30 after 23 years of service. Strickland — legendary in CBF life both as a speaker at retirement banquets for her “Dare She Scrolls” tributes delivered in…
Third Way pastor invited to White House
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist pastor under fire from his denomination for reaching out to gays was invited to a White House reception June 30 celebrating LGBT Pride Month, according to blogs offering both condemnation and praise. Friends of…
Black Baptist group elects president
By Bob Allen A Louisiana pastor was elected the 15th president of the National Baptist Convention of America, International, Inc., at the group’s June 23-27 annual meeting in Memphis, Tenn. Samuel Tolbert, pastor of the Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist…
Hobby Lobby wins contraceptive case
By Bob Allen The U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 30 that the Baptist owners of Hobby Lobby cannot be forced by the government to provide employees with health insurance that covers methods of birth control that they believe cause an…