Religious Freedom Summit Opens with Stories of Religious Violence and Resilience
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A rabbi, Muslim man and Christian spoke at the opening of the State Department's second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom on Tuesday (July 16). They shared first-person stories of violence against houses of worship — and resilience of survivors.
Brunson at Religious Freedom Summit: ‘It’s Wonderful That I Can Be Here in Person’
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was detained in Turkey for two years on terrorism and spying charges before being released in October, said he is enjoying the simple things in life.
New Poll Shows Growing View That Clergy Are Irrelevant
(RNS) — Americans are less likely to hold clergy in high regard, according to a recent poll, and even regular churchgoers are seeking counsel elsewhere.
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.
Verna South Dies at 95
Verna South, 95, died on July 14 in North Little Rock, Ark. Married to former Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Rheubin L. South, she was the consummate “First Lady” of their Southern Baptist work.
Brownback Wants ‘Like-Mindeds’ at Religious Freedom Summit
WASHINGTON (RNS) — China, Iran and other countries that the U.S. considers the most egregious religious liberty violators aren’t invited to the State Department’s second summit on religious freedom this week, said Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.
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.
Could Maggots Be God’s Miracle to Save Us From Global Warming?
(RNS) — Because of the apocalyptic consequences of global warming, many are hoping for a miracle from God or science to save us from ourselves. Maggots may be part of that miracle.
Baptist World Alliance Welcomes New Member Body
NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS -- During the 2019 Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), the General Council voted unanimously to approve the membership application of the Zomi Baptist Convention of Myanmar (ZBCM), making it the 240th member body within the 114-year-old organization.