Senators Oppose Proposed Refugee Cuts on Religious Freedom Grounds
(RNS) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to Trump administration officials calling on them not to reduce the refugee cap to zero.
Faith Groups Urge State Department to Abolish New ‘Unalienable Rights’ Commission
(RNS) — While some religious and religious liberty groups have applauded a new Commission on Unalienable Rights, a coalition of 430 human rights, civil rights, foreign policy and faith organizations, leaders and scholars has submitted a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to dismantle it.
Faith Groups Fear the End of Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
(RNS) — Faith-based groups that help the U.S. government resettle refugees fear the future of their work is in jeopardy, after learning that the Trump administration is considering shutting down refugee resettlement for the coming fiscal year.
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 some.
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.