It may now seem surprising to many United Methodists, and even more Baptists, that for most of our histories in the United States, all Methodists and Baptists were regularly designated as evangelical denominations. The most important reason is that both...
An unconventional Christmas tree sits in our living room this year. Sparkly pink trimming wraps around its breadth. Green and white striped candy canes hang from the branches, and twinkling jade lights glow in their midst. A thin gold ribbon…
The Trump administration has suspended federal funding to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged “incomplete and inaccurate” record keeping by the faith-based agency. The ongoing review also could result in a period…
Christmas Eve is one of my favorite services of the year. As a pastor, I’ve had a few more verbal gaffes than I care to admit. It’s a busy season for everyone, including church staff. For some, in addition to…
ICE came to Baton Rouge for Christmas, and at least one Southern Baptist pastor welcomed them. Lewis Richerson, pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, told The New York Times, “I would not knowingly extend Communion to an illegal immigrant who is…
Christmas carols I have been enjoying at church, on my devices and in my car are lifting my spirits once again. The familiar lyrics and melodies blanket my consciousness like a snow shower I wish we could experience in my…
It tends to be the same every year: Soon after the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers is consumed, I sit down at the piano to plunk through an archaic collection of Christmas carols. Without fail, “O Holy Night” has long…
Ask me what my superpower is and I’ll answer with no hesitation: It is gratitude. I have a rich spiritual life supported by many practices including labyrinth-walking, prayer, Scripture memorization, active participation in my faith community, and meditation — especially…
Editor’s note: This column includes strong language near the end that may be offensive to some readers. Of all the four themes of Advent, love is the one that seemingly ties a bow around the others — both positively…
Faith groups in Louisiana are mobilizing along multiple fronts in response to an ongoing surge in federal immigration actions targeting New Orleans. Clergy and congregations from across the religious spectrum are organizing protests and know-your-rights training for citizens as more…
Following this past year’s passage of Trey’s Law in both Texas and Missouri, Sen. Matt Woods and Rep. David Faulkner have pre-filed legislation to make the law apply in Alabama. Filed as SB-30 and HB-93, also known as “Trey’s Law,” the legislation…
The expansion of President Donald Trump’s travel ban will subject more refugees and immigrants to grave danger and diminish opportunities for foreign professionals and students to work and study in the U.S., immigration and education advocates warn. “With the U.S….
A federal court ruling temporarily blocks the Trump administration from preventing members of Congress from conducting unannounced inspections of immigration detention facilities. U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb in Washington D.C. ruled Dec. 17 that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
