When the Southern Baptist Convention meets in annual session in Indianapolis in June, one vote may be the most consequential in determining the future of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. And it will not be the vote to elect an…
Baptists are body and blood related to Mary Magdalene
Baptists have made plenty of mistakes in how we regard women. Women have just begun to take a full stride as pastors in many of our networks and denominations, while the Southern Baptists still disallow women to serve as pastors….
‘None shall pass’
“I have no quarrel with you, good Sir Knight,” says King Arthur, “but I must cross this bridge.” “None shall pass!” declares the Black Knight. “I move for no man!” So one of the most farcical fight scenes in cinema…
If 2023 was the Year of the Doll, so far 2024 is the year of trying to rip off the doll’s head
Toward the end of last year the phrase “Year of the Doll” became popular officially through a New Yorker podcast and unofficially on many social media platforms as people noticed the massive cultural effect from the Barbie movie and Taylor…
Yet another group forms to turn the SBC in a more conservative direction
Another new group has emerged in the struggle for control of the Southern Baptist Convention — a tug-of-war between traditionalist conservatives and ultra-conservatives. The Center for Baptist Leadership was introduced on social media March 8 by William Wolfe, a conservative…
On interdepencence
On this International Day of Women and Inclusivity, I am inspired by an image that first came to me on Facebook. A pastor/priest is presiding at Communion, standing at the table with her infant child on her back in a…
New podcast series highlights leadership of women in ministry
A new seven-episode podcast highlights the stories of female pastors, scholars and leaders. Each episode features an interview with women serving in leadership roles as pastors, chaplains, seminary scholars and leaders of nonprofits. “E3” refers to the podcast’s desire to…
Mohler says he finds it hard to believe allegations against Pressler are true
Sexual abuse allegations against Paul Pressler are “so horrifying that it’s actually very hard to imagine that they could be real,” said Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Mohler spoke Feb. 16 at Kenwood Baptist…
An interview with Gina Jacobs-Strain, new general secretary of ABCUSA
Editor’s note: Gina Jacobs-Strain, newly called general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, spoke with The Christian Citizenabout her plans and hopes for the denomination and the challenges she anticipates in her new role. This interview is republished by BNG…
What Greta Gerwig’s Oscars snub means for Hollywood and the church
The Academy Awards are not the final word in film, but like any institution they reflect the power dynamics of American society, including those in the church. That’s why the Academy denying Greta Gerwig a nomination for best director for…
The reluctant Anglican: Learning a new way to worship
From the time I was born until just a couple of years ago, I was a Southern Baptist to my core. I was baptized by immersion at a young age. I learned the Bible in Southern Baptist children’s ministries, GAs…
Why Gina Stewart’s sermon matters to Baptists
On Jan. 22-25, the National Baptist Joint Board Session convened in Memphis, Tenn. The Joint Session is a meeting of the four predominantly African American Baptist conventions in the United States — National Baptist Convention USA, National Baptist Convention of…