Once upon a time, if anyone used the phrase “purple church,” they might well have been referring to the sanctuary during Advent and Lent; the church’s two annual liturgical waiting rooms, sacred seasons when altars and pastors are draped and…
More moderate and progressive chaplains needed for U.S. military, one chaplain urges
The ranks of U.S. military chaplains do not reflect the diversity of race, religion, gender and sexual orientation of the service members they serve, National Guard chaplain Megan Joyner said during an online workshop hosted by the Alliance of Baptists….
Building bridges in a divided world: 7 ways to cultivate unity
In a world that is increasingly divided, followers of Jesus can be proactive and intentional about building bridges over the chasm of our differences. Our faith calls us to be peacemakers, to love our neighbors and to cultivate unity in…
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…
Reflections on the Bible, Jay-Z and Trump: Can mixing politics and religion work for the culture?
Recently, I’ve been haunted by the number 444. This month in my Saturday improv class, I noticed 444 tattooed on a classmate’s arm. At my desk the next week, I felt compelled to check my phone, and it was 4:44….
Baylor Religion Department expands, diversifies and thrives
Baylor University’s Religion Department is not your grandparents’ or your parents’ religion department. It’s not even the religion department it was just a decade ago. It has changed dramatically in faculty and academic direction, featuring a wide diversity of educators…
Hope for divided churches glimmers at the Grammys
I cried Sunday night watching two seemingly different individuals perform one of my favorite songs together. I love music and look forward to the Grammy Awards every year. While I love celebrating my favorite artists and watching about half the…
In defense of DEI: 10 benefits of DEI in higher education
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in higher education are under attack around the country. Conservatives see these programs as purveyors of “wokeism” that limit free speech and teach discrimination, hate and divisiveness. I’ve spent my 37-year-career in higher education in…
Mercer University sets records for enrollment growth and ethnic diversity
As universities nationwide seek to diversify their student bodies — sometimes against the backdrop of political mandates not to talk about diversity and equity — one Baptist school in the Deep South continues to succeed year after year. Fall enrollment…
What does the future of BWIM hold?
There is something inherently beautiful about gathering with Baptist Women in Ministry. The stories we share with one another are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious and often a little bit of both. We giggle our way through stories of the inappropriate…
To understand pluralism, think of a potluck
Promoting diversity in American culture and democracy is like hosting a potluck gathering, author and interfaith activist Eboo Patel said. “Maybe there’s something about a potluck that just brings out the best in pluralism,” Patel, founder and president of Interfaith…
Griffen and Ravitch warn Floridians of dangers of DeSantis’ attack on public education
Baptist minister and retired Arkansas judge Wendell Griffen stood before an audience of faith leaders and education advocates in Tallahassee, Fla., March 9, pointed to his lapel and dared Gov. Ron DeSantis to have him apprehended for being politically and…