A three-judge panel of federal appeals court on Monday dismissed a lawsuit testing the boundary between religious liberty and judicial restraint. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Arkansas Judge Wendell Griffen’s lawsuit challenging his disqualification from…
Pastor/judge repeats controversial death penalty protest
An Arkansas judge and pastor of a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship church participated in an anti-death penalty demonstration this week, re-enacting symbolic speech that a year ago led to his being barred from hearing capital punishment cases.
Pastor/judge can sue justices, but not state Supreme Court, judge rules
A federal judge ruled April 12 that an Arkansas judge who also serves as pastor of a Baptist church can sue justices of the state Supreme Court — though not the court itself — for removing him from death penalty cases because of his religious belief that capital punishment is immoral.
Two LGBTQ-inclusive churches reevaluating relationship with CBF following adoption of new hiring policy
Pastors of at least two Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches say they are reconsidering affiliation with the 1,800-church network in light of a decision by CBF leaders to relax, but not totally lift, a ban on hiring LBGTQ people.
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Cultural diversity is part of the great redemptive purpose of God
Given the current mood in the country and the moral and ethical dilemmas the nation faces, how is the church to respond? Baptist pastor Wendell Griffen offers leadership on how to deal with the challenges and opportunities of being people of prophetic hope in a divisive time.
Second judge challenges secrecy of drugs used in capital punishment
A second Arkansas judge has ruled the state must reveal more information about drugs used in lethal injections for capital punishment. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Mackie Pierce ruled Sept. 19 that officials must disclose the labels on its new supply…
Pastor/judge threatened with impeachment says his critics ignore the Constitution
An Arkansas judge under fire for participating in a death penalty protest after issuing an order blocking an execution says critics seeking his impeachment want to infringe on his rights as a Baptist pastor to express his religious beliefs. The…
Judge disputes claims that his death penalty protest violated judicial impartiality
An Arkansas judge who also serves as a Baptist pastor defended his participation in a death penalty protest after issuing a court order barring the state from using an execution drug, saying his ruling on facts in a property dispute had…
Arkansas plan to execute 7 men in 11 days strengthens faith, death penalty opposition
It was a Holy Week unlike any other for death-penalty opponents in Arkansas and the rest of the nation. It began with outrage over the state’s plan to begin executing seven men the day after Easter. It was filled with…