People and institutions of faith from Florida to North Carolina are kicking into high gear to help the victims of Hurricane Helene even as they struggle assessing the human need and the scope of physical damage. Even in the most…
New podcast episode explores right-left shift of SBC and CBF
A new episode of BNG’s podcast series “Stuck in the Middle with You” published Aug. 29 focuses on the widening rift between the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. BNG Executive Director Mark Wingfield, speaking with cohost Benjamin…
New BNG podcast puts Wingfield and Cole in conversation about the SBC
Baptist News Global Executive Director Mark Wingfield and blogger Benjamin Cole don’t see eye-to-eye on everything in Baptist life, but they do agree their respective denominations have drifted further apart than ever before. In the inaugural episode of the “Stuck…
Kentucky seminary changes its name
Baptist Seminary of Kentucky begins the new academic year with a new name that will ring slightly familiar. The Lexington, Ky.-based school now is known as BSK Theological Seminary. Seminary trustees approved the change after two years of discussions involving…
Do I belong here? A first timer reflects on the CBF General Assembly
As a first timer to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, I was new to name tag ribbons. After checking in, I paused with my name tag at the table strewn with colors, examining the various identities like “Chaplain,” “El Familia” and…
Don’t stop believing, Thompson urges Trailblazer luncheon
Christians involved in the struggle for racial justice must maintain a robust capacity for belief even when major resistance and setbacks are encountered, said Jacqueline A. Thompson, senior pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif. “Researchers say that…
CBF rotates leadership, adopts flat budget during General Assembly in Greensboro
New Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Moderator Juan Garcia launched his tenure with a challenge to the Fellowship to honor its reputation as a collaborative and inclusive community of faith. “My question for us is: Will we be intentional to continually open…
Where will churches leaving the SBC go?
In the past week, I’ve been asked two questions related to the back-to-back meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship: Will churches leaving the SBC because they support women in ministry join CBF? What is the…
Panel of leaders explore patriarchy, gender inequality and white Christian nationalism
Patriarchy, gender inequality and white Christian nationalism present a threat to individuals, churches and culture that must be countered, a panel of female Baptist leaders said during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C., June 21. Panelists Anyra…
AWAB celebrates merger, lauds advocates, launches development campaign
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists celebrated its merger with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Affirming Network, honored two advocates for equality, launched a fundraising initiative and enjoyed a concert during its reception at the CBF General Assembly in Greensboro,…
To create spaces of peace, center on Jesus, California pastor Capshaw urges
In order to find peace amidst polarity, consider two ways of raising cattle, California pastor Scott Capshaw told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C., June 20. Capshaw, pastor of First Baptist Church in Tahoe City,…
CBF called to demonstrate power of diversity, Baxley tells General Assembly
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is called to testify to the wider church and society that diversity is a source of strength rather than a weakness to be feared, CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley said. “I believe that is an act…