The juxtaposition of experiencing the “Kingdom to the Capitol” tour followed by the “Faith and Democracy” tour in North Carolina on Sunday was a contrast in theology and politics that demonstrates the fracturing of American Christianity unlike any pairing of…
I live in North Carolina and see FEMA’s presence every day
In the summer of 2016, I was serving on staff at a large United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh, N.C., while attending Duke University Divinity School. One day I walked into the senior pastor’s office to speak to him on…
In Helene’s path, churches swing into action with relief ministries
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…
Mark Robinson’s porn site scandal complicates his ‘pro-family’ campaign
Conservative Christian activists have embraced Mark Robinson, the controversial North Carolina lieutenant governor. The Family Research Council has praised Robinson as “a man revered by parents everywhere.” Churches throughout North Carolina have opened their pulpits to him and his fire-breathing…
CBF North Carolina marks 30 years of cooperation with emphasis on ‘fellowship’
Thirty years ago, a group of North Carolina Baptists gathered to figure out a new way of working together as they were feeling less and less comfortable in their longstanding home, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Their historic…
Judge’s dismissal of 36 churches’ lawsuit holds implications for other UMC departures
A North Carolina judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by 36 United Methodist churches seeking to leave the denomination without following its required exit process. The dismissal holds broader implications for the slow-moving splintering of the worldwide denomination, which currently…
When we forget our history, institutions do the sinning for us
Eighth grade social studies class in North Carolina, in my school years, covered the history, geography and economy of our fair state. Mrs. Spivey was my very fine instructor, and I am confident she would confirm that I was an…
Opposition to couple’s BLM sign inspires neighborhood unity
Someone in Lincoln, Neb., picked the wrong Black Lives Matter yard sign to protest in an anonymous note demanding its removal. For not only did Erin Palmer and Jonathan Redding keep the “offensive” sign in their yard, they added a…
Franklin Graham, toxic charity concerns send churches packing from Operation Christmas Child
Years of viral news articles describing Operation Christmas Child as a form of toxic charity have contributed to a movement of churches away from the Samaritan’s Purse ministry.