By Bob Allen Leaders of two Baptist groups were among 34 interfaith leaders across the United States sending a letter to Congress in light of the pope’s visit and his call for action to fight climate change. Paula Clayton Dempsey,…
Joining Muslim and Christian hearts and hands
“Tell me,” she asked, “what is the essence of your religion?” “Loving God and loving one another, “ I replied. “And we demonstrate our love for God and neighbor by working to assure dignity, equality, freedom and justice for all,”…
Baptists reflect on fellowship as ‘nones’ seek their own brand of community
By Jeff Brumley They may be leaving or avoiding organized religion in droves, but the nation’s “nones” are still craving community — otherwise known as fellowship — recent reports suggest. Known also as the religiously unaffiliated, this growing segment of the U.S….
Project seeks to get churches talking about issues of sex and racism
By Bob Allen A progressive Baptist organization committed to social and economic justice has launched a program to help churches begin conversations about LGBT inclusion and racial justice. Last fall the Alliance of Baptists received a $104,400 Arcus Foundation grant…
Alliance celebrates 25 years of partnership missions
By Bob Allen The Alliance of Baptists applauded attempts by the U.S. government to normalize relations with Cuba at the group’s 28th annual gathering April 17-19 in Atlanta. “We anticipate eagerly the day when negotiations well underway between the governments…
Faith leaders ask Congress to protect programs that aid the poor
By Bob Allen The Alliance of Baptists is among national organizations asking Congress to make budget choices with an eye toward needs of the poor. The 125-church Alliance joined Bread for the World, Children’s Defense Fund, Faith in Public Life,…
Halt drone strikes, say faith leaders
By Bob Allen One of more than 150 religious leaders who drafted a statement opposing the use of lethal drones by the United States military said Feb. 11 it’s an issue that more Baptists should care about. Carol Blythe, past…
Baptist minister to lead progressive Christian advocacy group
By Bob Allen An ordained Alliance of Baptists minister and graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond has been named executive director for The Beatitudes Society, a national leadership development organization seeking to bring progressive Christian voices to the public…
U.S. Baptists welcome thaw in relations with Cuba
By Bob Allen Most Baptists in the United States with personal connections to Baptist communities in Cuba applauded President Obama’s surprise announcement Dec. 17 of plans to normalize relations between two nations separated by only 90 miles of water but…