The case of a Baptist state convention leader fired because of what he considers undue influence by a national Southern Baptist Convention agency is drawing intense national interest — but not for the underlying merits of the case itself. More…
From Massachusetts to Missouri, faith-based schools seek to shield governance under religious exemptions
The highest court in Massachusetts ruled this month that a social work professor at a nondenominational Christian college is not a “minister,” meaning she may proceed with a discrimination suit against the college. Meanwhile, a Baptist university in Missouri claims…
SBC agency’s appeal to Supreme Court touches on religious liberty, defamation and Baptist autonomy
A federal lawsuit that combines questions of religious liberty, defamation and the meaning of Baptist autonomy has been appealed to the United States Supreme Court. The Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board, the defendant in the original 2017 case,…
NAMB lawsuit tests when courts can – and cannot – resolve disputes in religious bodies
A common law doctrine long used to determine when disputes within a religious entity require intervention by civil courts took center stage in oral arguments Feb. 6 in the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
Former state exec says arguments by NAMB attorneys increase SBC’s risk of liability for sexual abuse
For decades the SBC has avoided liability in criminal and civil actions involving churches or affiliated organizations by claiming they are all autonomous, self-governing organizations. But former Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Executive Director Will McRaney claims in a new court document that lawyers representing NAMB turn that argument on its head.
Southern Baptist polity on trial in lawsuit appeal
A former Southern Baptist state convention leader claims the separation of church and state does not shield religious organizations from lawsuits over actions that would be illegal if committed by a secular business in a case before the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Church at center of gun massacre to break ground for new building
Nearly five months after the Sunday morning 26 worshippers died and another 20 were injured in a mass shooting, First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, unveiled drawings of new worship center paid for with donations guaranteed by the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board.
Judge says employment interference lawsuit against NAMB can proceed
A federal judge in Mississippi has turned down a request to dismiss a lawsuit against the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention on religious liberty grounds. Senior U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson ruled Jan. 18 that…
NAMB denies defaming former state convention exec
The Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board denied defaming or interfering in the employment of a former Baptist state convention executive director in a response filed May 18 to a lawsuit in federal court. NAMB attorneys claimed former Baptist…