“I commend the Board of Regents for stepping forward with a truthful acknowledgment of the University’s past, including its connections to slavery and the Confederacy.”
Religion Notes: Baylor’s $100 million gift, CBF aiding Harvey victims and the Alliance battles racism
Baylor lands huge donation for campus life An anonymous donor has pledged $100 million to Baylor University to be used for philanthropic purposes, the Waco, Texas institution has announced. The gift described by the university as “transformational” will boost its…
25 years later, religious leaders reflect on how they might have helped prevent Branch Davidian tragedy
Twenty-five years ago today the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas burned to the ground with cult leader David Koresh and 75 of his followers inside. Religious leaders who watched the tragedy play out close up reflect on what, if anything, could have prevented it.
Consumer expert warns against smartphone, Bible-app use in worship
James Roberts is no fan of people using smartphones in church, even if it’s to follow scripture readings. For one, it can be distracting to others. And for the user, a Bible app can lead to checking texts, e-mails and…
Revamped ‘settlement house movement’ fosters faith-based approach to social work, community engagement
Kendall Ellis is embarked on a quest to discern her vocation. She has joined other “settlers” who live at Good Neighbor House in Waco, Texas, spending a year planning and hosting meetings of neighborhood groups and encouraging other activities aimed at fostering relationships throughout the area.
Can Trump’s combative social media style help pastors, churches promote the gospel?
Many observers are raising concerns that some pastors share in President Trump’s hard-core fan-the-flames approach to social media. But there are, other ministers say, confrontational and gentle approaches to social media that can be healing and prophetic.
Church celebrates 25 years welcoming Hooter’s, schizophrenics and Pharisees
Worshiping with drug addicts and sometimes-disruptive schizophrenics wasn’t the way Jimmy Dorrell envisioned his calling while growing up in Conroe, Texas, in the 1960s.
Waco attorney, minister answers calling with new nonprofit legal services firm
A Waco, Texas, attorney long accustomed to taking on long-odds cases is betting that his latest cause — a new nonprofit legal services firm — has a good chance of success. Kent McKeever said he knows from experience that low-income clients will…
Despite size, Nagasaki Cross inspires reflection on Christian unity, breaking barriers
It is known as the Nagasaki Cross, a small — about 15 inches tall and 7 inches wide — Christian symbol forged from debris found in the wreckage of a middle school located 1,500 feet from where an American plutonium bomb detonated on Aug. 9, 1945.