The Securities and Exchange Commission ruled March 22 that ExxonMobil must allow shareholders to vote on a climate change resolution, pleasing groups that advocate socially responsible investing. The SEC said the company must allow stockholders to vote on a series…
Global Baptist Peace Conference set for 2018
Plans are underway for a sixth Global Baptist Peace Conference to be held in Cali, Colombia, in 2018. The gathering, scheduled Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2018, is for Baptists across the globe who are passionate about nonviolence, social justice and the…
Trump ‘just a symbol’ of America’s declining religious literacy, minister says
By Jeff Brumley If you are tempted to laugh — or even gloat — because Donald Trump put money into an Iowa church Communion plate recently, don’t. The same goes for his previous reference to “Two Corinthians,” when he meant to refer…
New study documents shifts in Latin American religious affiliation
By Jeff Brumley Latin America remains a mostly Catholic region and culture but its overall numbers have taken a huge dive during the past four decades or so, a new survey by the Pew Research Center has found. How steep…
Campbellsville inks pact with American Baptists
By Bob Allen Campbellsville University and the American Baptist Churches of Indiana/Kentucky formalized a partnership with a signing ceremony Oct. 20 on the university campus in Campbellsville, Ky. Soozi Whitten Ford, executive minister of the 313-church regional affiliate of American Baptist…
Pastor trades unconventional pulpit for traditional church — and a challenge
By Jeff Brumley Bob Ballance said he’s expecting the question from all quarters: why is he leaving his Colorado church popular with Millennials for one that’s more traditional in a small Virginia town? And he admits there will be some…
American Baptists in Nebraska launch microloan ministry to address justice, poverty
By Vicki Brown Tom struggled to make ends meet, even though he had a full-time job. Willing to work more, he wanted to start a small landscaping business that would provide needed income and flexibility. Then Tom’s pastor told him…
Baptist leaders mark pope’s visit with call to action on climate change
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,…
Many young people shun cellphone use in church — even to read Scripture
By Jeff Brumley Young adults, known for using cellphones in just about every public setting imaginable, frown on the practice during worship services, a recent survey has found. The Aug. 25 Pew Research Center study found that only 9 percent…