Friendliness More Than Simple ‘Hello’
“Hi, I’m Joe. Welcome to First Baptist Church!” Long-time church member Joe beams at the visiting couple, while he pumps their hands. “So glad you came!”
Joe spies friends and moves on. The couple looks around, wondering where to sit and what to do next. No one else approaches them. By the time they return to their car, they’ve decided not to return next Sunday.
McCaskill Speeches Could Break ‘Johnson Amendment’
Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri seeking reelection this year, has stopped at multiple churches on the campaign trail — despite her office claiming she supports the IRS regulation that prevents houses of worship from intervening in political campaigns.
Museum of the Bible Pulls Dead Sea Scroll Fragments Found to Be Forged
(RNS) — Since its grand opening nearly a year ago, the Museum of the Bible has exhibited five fragments from the storied Dead Sea Scrolls, the ancient parchment fragments discovered 70 years ago in a desert cave.
On Monday (Oct. 22) the museum acknowledged that the five fragments it had on display were forgeries.
Missouri Baptist Convention Gathers in Springfield
Missouri Baptist Convention messengers will gather in Springfield this week (Oct. 22-23) for their 184th annual meeting with the 2018 theme of "Steady." Streaming is available for those not at the meeting.
Eugene Peterson, Author of ‘the Message’ and Pastor to Other Pastors, Dies at Age 85
(RNS) — Eugene Peterson, the best-selling author of “The Message” and longtime pastor praised as a “shepherd’s shepherd,” passed away Monday morning (Oct. 22) at age 85.
Among Peterson's last words were, "Let's go," according to a statement from his family.
Baptists Gather to Explore Ways to Promote Racial Justice
Baptists from across the U.S. gathered in Atlanta last week at the New Baptist Covenant’s 2018 summit, committing to continue the “journey to justice” for all people.
Pastor Talks of Breakdown in Turkey, but Also Forgiveness
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — Andrew Brunson, the American pastor recently released after two years of confinement in Turkey said Friday that he suffered a breakdown during his time in prison and was put on anti-anxiety medication.
But the worst of it, he said, was the uncertainty.
As Refugee Admissions Drop, Fewer Persecuted Christians Admitted to U.S.: World Relief
(RNS) — The number of Christian refugees coming to the United States from the countries where Christians are most persecuted has dropped dramatically under President Trump's administration.
‘Mission Impossible’: Laser Tag Outreach Impacts Youth
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (BP) -- For the past six years, White Sulphur Baptist Church has hosted a unique event that brings youth, police and military personnel together for a night of fun -- and much more.
China Says Internment Camps Are ‘Free Vocational Training’
BEIJING (AP) — China is saving Muslim ethnic minorities from the lure of religious extremism by teaching them to speak Mandarin and accept modern science, a senior Chinese official said in a report Tuesday, Beijing's latest propaganda effort to defend its internment of Muslims against mounting criticism.