The First Step to Reconciliation
Civil Rights icon Amos C. Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco where Vice President Kamala Harris is a member, writes in response to White Southern Baptist pastors calling Harris a “Jezebel.”
Baylor & Southwestern Baptist Regain Control of Texas Foundation After Failed ‘Coup’
Two Texas Baptist schools have regained control over a Texas foundation established by a long-time benefactor. The two schools filed suit in September, alleging trustees of the Texas-based Harold E. Riley Foundation were part of a “coup” to divert support away from the schools.
Is Southwest Baptist University Safe for Victims of Sexual Violence?
Joshua Sharp worries that the decision by Southwest Baptist University trustees to deny tenure and effectively fire Dr. Debbie Walker will undo much of her work as one of the strongest allies for victims of sexual violence on campus at SBU.
Immigrants in Sanctuary in Churches Hope Biden Offers Relief
Dozens of immigrants have taken sanctuary in churches as a last resort to stay in the country. Newly hopeful, they’re trying to capitalize on the moment, even with setbacks like a ruling blocking the Biden administration from enforcing its deportation moratorium.
Churches Celebrate 18th Century Baptist Missionary George Liele
Several Southern Baptist churches are planning to recognize the inaugural “George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism, and Missions Sunday” on Feb. 7, which honors the enslaved man who founded churches in the U.S. and then became the first Baptist missionary abroad.
‘Royal’ Purple Fabric Found in Israel Dates to Days of David & Solomon
Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority, Bar Ilan University, and Tel Aviv University said they had identified pieces of fabric dyed “true purple” dating to the 10th century BCE, when the Hebrew Bible says David and Solomon ruled in Jerusalem.
Student Online Petition Urges SBU Trustees to Reverse Tenure Denials
After Word&Way reported yesterday that trustees at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, had denied tenure or promotion to five faculty members, an SBU student created a petition at change.org urging the trustees to reverse their decision.
Secular Groups Praise Biden’s Agenda But Express Concerns About Religious Rhetoric
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Like many on the political left, the leaders of secular-oriented advocacy organizations have celebrated early actions by President Joe Biden. It’s Biden’s words that have rankled many in the secularist community.
Southern Baptist Leaders Decry ‘Stone Cold Racist’ Letter to Dwight McKissic
Southern Baptist Convention officials have strongly condemned a letter sent by a critic of the SBC to the Rev. Dwight McKissic, a Black pastor in Texas who recently announced he was pulling his church out of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
Funeral Directors Survive ‘Surreal’ Year with Creativity & Faith
There are no signs in front yards hailing the men and women who sometimes wryly call themselves “last responders.” But for funeral directors across the country, like medical professionals, this has been a year like no other.