Baptist News Global

Kyle Reese and Joy Carol extol the blessings of interfaith relationships

Kyle Reese believes he is a better Baptist and pastor because of the years he has spent cultivating interfaith relationships. “Interfaith makes me a better practitioner of the Christian faith because I have engaged with people from other faith communities…

The messiness of Christmas

Often, Christmas is a time of making sure everything is just right. We sing of joy coming to the world, we read poetry of how stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and we mail Christmas cards imprinted with…

Ministry jobs and more

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…

Israeli military bombs only Catholic parish in Gaza, and snipers slay two women leaving mass

The only Catholic parish in Gaza and a convent serving nuns associated with the order of the late Mother Teresa both were targeted by Israeli Defense Forces Dec. 16, leaving two women dead, others injured and the convent in rubble….

Vatican declaration approved by Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples, but not marriages

Less than a week before Christmas, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a theological declaration approved by the pope allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The document, titled Fiducia supplicans, outlines “the pastoral meaning of…

Most Americans believe democracy is at risk in 2024 — but for different reasons

Election-related pessimism, paranoia and predictions of political violence are among the key findings of the 14th annual American Values survey, author and pollster Robert P. Jones said. “One of the things we’re finding is that the political temperature in America…

A thrill of hope? Reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas with my sister

When my sister, Olivia, graduated from college in 2018, the former mayor of our hometown was the commencement speaker. As she sat in her graduation robe, bobby pins stuck in her hair to keep her graduation hat from falling off,…

GOP abortion laws are wildly out of step with many evangelicals’ convictions

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, 21 Republican-led states have passed restrictions and/or outright bans on women receiving elective abortions. The most stringent of these laws may be found in the state of Texas, whose state legislature…

What shall we bring the grieving, poor as we are?

My heart is heavy today for those who grieve at Christmas. Not just those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and planning funerals instead of parties — I’ve officiated five such services in the past two weeks, and…

‘Blue Christmas’ services aim to bring comfort, hope

It’s hard for to say the words “Blue Christmas” without hearing the late Elvis Presley’s rich baritone voice. Elvis isn’t credited with starting the liturgical trend with his 1957 hit song, but “Blue Christmas” services have increased significantly among United…

The tears of Advent

This is the last in a four-part series in which we seek to see anew the incarnation of Jesus through the eyes and body of a woman, Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary went through a great deal just…

SBC Executive Committee may not file amicus brief against McRaney

First, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee got the cart before the horse by filing an amicus brief opposing Will McRaney’ defamation case against the SBC North American Mission Board. Then the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied the…

Supreme Court slides into partisanship

Before the fireworks, be careful what you drink

The contemptible case of Clarence Thomas

The permanent paradoxes of Christian thinking about war