On the outside, many of the Texas communities ravaged by Hurricane Harvey last year appear to making a comeback. But on the inside, some survivors say, the emotional rebuilding is only just beginning.
Hurricane Harvey brings out the missional in Cambodian Baptist church
Refugees are usually depicted as people in great need. And that’s understandable since most have escaped war and famine with little more than the shirts on their backs. But the devastation brought by Hurricane Harvey has enabled a church in…
Religious groups, with more to come, already assisting Harvey victims
Faith-based groups are lining up to provide short- and long-term aid to Hurricane Harvey’s victims. But other groups, like the Salvation Army and Texas Baptist Men, are already operating in flooded areas, providing food, showers and other emergency services.
Relief groups face major task in Houston flooding: reaching the victims
Baptist and other faith-based organizations are descending on the Houston area following last week’s torrential rains and flooding. And the biggest job confronting them, experts say, is determining who needs help and how to get it to them. “We are…
Churches helping refugees despite fear and rhetoric, say those involved in resettlement
For some Americans, domestic and overseas terror attacks, plus a good dose of anti-Syrian political rhetoric, have made refugee resettlement something to be feared. And a lot of the Americans who hold that view are churchgoers – including a lot…
Houston voters defeat equal rights ordinance
By Bob Allen Voters overwhelmingly rejected Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance — or HERO — designed to protect the rights of gay citizens and opposed by religious conservatives who warned it would give male sexual predators access to women’s bathrooms. A Nov. 3…
Houston, you have a problem: State Supreme Court sidelines anti-discrimination law
By Bob Allen The Texas Supreme Court ruled July 24 that Houston must repeal a controversial non-discrimination ordinance or put it on the ballot for voters to decide. A state district judge determined in April that citizens seeking repeal of…
Pastor credits God for transforming once-seedy neighborhood
By Ken Camp Elmo Johnson rejects any personal credit for transforming Houston’s 4th Ward since he arrived as pastor of Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church 30 years ago. But he’s eager to give God the glory. “The Lord has done some…
Houston withdraws controversial subpoenas of pastors’ sermons
By BNG staff Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced Oct. 29 the city will withdraw subpoenas of five pastors which lawyers had sought as evidence in a legal suit seeking repeal of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, the Houston Chronicle reported today….