“How did you come to have a passion for social justice issues?” That was one of the questions put to me this week when the tables got turned and I was the interviewee instead of the interviewer. The answer immediately…
Baptist freedom advocate Robert Loyd “Bob” Stephenson dies at 91
Stephenson was an outspoken advocate for a free Baptist press and served more than a decade on the board of directors of Associated Baptist Press, the predecessor of Baptist News Global, during its nascent years.
Oklahoma voters say public money can’t fund religion
Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot item that would have removed the state’s restriction against using public money for religious purposes. Oklahomans struck down State Question 790 — a proposal to remove a constitutional ban on use of taxpayer funds…
What’s driving religious freedom debate in the U.S.? Fear, say some.
It was just about a year ago when Baptist writer and minister Corey Fields wrote a column critiquing a spate of “religious freedom” bills pushed through statehouses around the country. Indiana’s version was one of the more high-profile measures. It…
Judge orders removal of Ten Commandments monument
By Bob Allen An Oklahoma judge gave the state 30 days to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state capitol grounds in a lawsuit filed by a Baptist minister. Bruce Prescott, an ordained Baptist minister and former executive director…
No manuscripts for Baptist pastor who sketches and colors sermon notes
By Jeff Brumley John Jay Alvaro uses a variety of terms to describe the way he prepares his sermons at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. And “outline” isn’t one of them. “Manuscript” doesn’t make the list, either. Instead,…
When the wind blows
As a cyclist, I’m always aware of the wind. Thinking of the wind today reminded me of living in Oklahoma where a constant, ceaseless wind never leaves you alone. Like a pushy neighbor, wind squeezes uninhibited and uninvited through the…
Board drops plans for Bible course in Oklahoma public schools
By Bob Allen An Oklahoma school district has dropped plans for a pilot project by Hobby Lobby President Steve Green aimed at adding Bible study to the curriculum of public high schools nationwide, a church-state watchdog group reported Nov. 25….
Judge says Ten Commandments monument near Oklahoma capitol can stay
By Bob Allen A Baptist minister suing for removal of a Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma state capitol won’t get his day in court, a district judge said Sept. 19. Bruce Prescott, former executive director of Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists…