In what is likely a first, Calvary Baptist Church in Washington ordained Allyson Robinson, who was previously ordained as a man, to the gospel ministry. A transgender woman who attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary and pastored a church in…
Can I give you a ride?
I like giving people rides. As I live and work in the same neighborhood with a high concentration of poverty, I find the opportunity arises quite often. It’s a simple act of kindness that gives me joy while meeting an…
Anti-trafficking campaigner recognized with human rights award
By Eron Henry A Baptist pastor in Moldova who has worked tirelessly against human trafficking and the sex trade in his country received the Baptist World Alliance’s Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award July 9. Ilie Coada was presented…
Former assistant pastor charged with abuse
By Bob Allen A former staff member at a Southern Baptist church in Alabama was arrested June 5 after two individuals came forward claiming they were sexually abused as children. Jay Strickland, 50, a nurse anesthetist, paramedic and a former…
Hispanic Baptists seek ways to help border crisis
By Kalie Lowrie The crisis along the Texas/Mexico border caused by an influx of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children into the United States so far this year captured the attention and concern of participants at the Hispanic Baptist Convention of…
From minority to majority: Are Baptists living up to their heritage?
By Ken Camp When Baptists constituted a minority sect in America, bold spokesmen such as John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes and James Ireland took courageous stands for religious liberty, historians agree. Baptists like John Leland led in calling for separation of…
Is — or isn’t — religious liberty under siege?
By Ken Camp Some Americans warn that an overreaching federal government threatens religious liberty, while others worry a secular culture that values political correctness over truth imperils freedom of religion. Yet others say it’s a matter of perspective. “I would…
Judge strikes down Kentucky gay-marriage ban
By Bob Allen A gay Baptist minister who recently joined a lawsuit challenging Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage welcomed Tuesday’s ruling against the law as a step forward “in our continuing struggle to bring about equality.” Senior U.S. District Court…
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship: An alternative Christian model in a polarized era
By David Gushee Follow David: @dpgushee Though I am serving this year as theologian-in-residence for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, this reflection on the annual CBF General Assembly this past week represents my independent, unvetted opinion. I write on the day…
Session explores churches and zombies in post-Christian age
By Jeff Brumley Curtis Freeman wanted to make a few things clear right from the start of his doomsday-themed breakout session at Friday’s CBF General Assembly in Atlanta. One was that the standing-room-only session would not help determine if zombies…
Federal appeals court overturns gay marriage ban
By Bob Allen A federal appeals court ruled June 25 that marriage is a fundamental right that cannot be denied based solely on the sex of the person that a citizen chooses to marry. The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of…
Childhood abuse increases potential for future exploitation, says one who endured it
By Ken Camp Stephanie Henry — a survivor of childhood sexual abuse — became a stripper when she saw her body as a “commodity” that could provide relief from financial desperation. Today, she devotes her life to combating human trafficking…