Hurricane Leaves Louisiana Thankful for Less Impact
ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP) -- The devastation from Hurricane Barry was less than anticipated in Louisiana based on forecasts, but for those who sustained damage it does not lessen the impact they felt.
With More Migrants Stalled in Mexico, Baptists May Play Larger Role on Border
(RNS) — Waves of Baptist volunteers from across the Mid- and Southwest have flooded Texas in recent weeks to offer aid to the influx of largely Central American migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Storm Could Become ‘Crescendo Moment’ in Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS (BP) -- Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is preparing an initial response if the tropical system currently in the Gulf of Mexico develops into Hurricane Barry overnight on Friday (July 12), but floodwaters already have started to rise in New Orleans.
Pastor Surveilled After Ministering to Migrants Sues US Government
(RNS) — A prominent Manhattan pastor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that U.S. officials violated her religious freedom when she was put on a watchlist over her ministry to migrants at the border.
Calif. Quakes Prompt Southern Baptist Response
RIDGECREST, Calif. (BP) -- A group of local, church volunteers had finished a day of cleaning up and repairing damage to Immanuel Baptist Church, Ridgecrest, Calif., following a 6.4 earthquake on July 4. The next night, the 7.1 earthquake undid their hard work and then
Tenn. Man Charged with 4 Church Arsons, Burglaries, Theft
NASHVILLE (BP) -- A Nashville man confessed to setting fires at four area churches, including two Southern Baptist congregations, authorities said Wednesday (June 26).
Slavery History Still Affects Blacks, Half of Practicing Christians Say in Survey
(RNS) — Fifty percent of practicing Christians say the history of American slavery continues to significantly affect the African-American community today, a Barna study shows.
Support Grows in U.S. for Religiously Based Service Refusals
A growing number of U.S. adults believe small-business owners should be able to refuse service based on their religious beliefs, according to a Public Religion Research Institute report published June 25.
Supreme Court Determines Cross on Maryland Highway Can Stay
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In a 7-2 decision, the high court determined June 20 that the World War I monument known as the Bladensburg Cross, erected by the American Legion in 1925, does not violate the Constitution’s establishment clause.
Wind Damage Compounds Disaster Relief Challenges
GREENVILLE, Texas (BP) -- Storms with strong straight-line winds have caused havoc in the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the last two weeks, underscoring the severe weather events that have been occurring across the country.