A Baptist minister is confronting pandemic-induced poverty, widespread despair and menacing drug cartels by putting refugees to work baking and selling pizza in Mexico. Lorenzo Ortiz, who directs three shelters for refugees in communities that border the U.S., has launched…
We must not look away from 8,800 expelled immigrant children
In mid-September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed it has expelled 8,800 unaccompanied immigrant children along the U.S.-Mexico border, based on COVID-19 emergency orders. The children did not receive basic protections. They didn’t have access to legal counsel. They didn’t…
CBF assessing damages and needs in path of Hurricane Laura
Hurricane Laura’s damaging foray through Louisiana and parts of Texas is inspiring faith-based collaboration in disaster response efforts that are complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Representatives of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and National Baptist Convention of America International plan to…
Q&A with Elket Rodriguez about COVID-19 and border ministry
What a time for attorney Elket Rodríguez to start a new job advocating for immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border on behalf of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Fellowship Southwest. That was on March 2 — just days before the coronavirus…
Religion Notes: Ministries unite to open new shelters on U.S.-Mexico border
-Northern Seminary honors foundation
-Grant funds pastoral residency
Religion Notes: Faith-based groups take on religious freedom, clergy health and shoes for asylum seekers
New BWA position oversees evangelism, religious freedom The Baptist World Alliance has created a new position tasked with helping develop evangelism and missions. BWA also announced that the full-time position — called director of integral mission — includes “providing administrative…
Religion Notes: Fellowship Southwest seeks volunteers for the border; BWIM seeks women for mentor program
Fellowship Southwest appeals for volunteers to help churches on U.S./Mexican border A Cooperative Baptist Fellowship organization focused on the U.S.-Mexico border said it has mission and ministry opportunities for volunteers interested in serving asylum seekers on both sides of the…
Religion Notes: Prosperity gospel belief doesn’t inspire entrepreneurial action
-Study: Millennials more spiritually curious than older adults
-CBF church team continues immigrant, refugee ministry at the border
Religion Notes: Baylor’s $100 million gift, CBF aiding Harvey victims and the Alliance battles racism
Baylor lands huge donation for campus life An anonymous donor has pledged $100 million to Baylor University to be used for philanthropic purposes, the Waco, Texas institution has announced. The gift described by the university as “transformational” will boost its…