Bible Classes in Public Schools? Why Christian Lawmakers Are Pushing a Wave of New Bills
A wave of “Bible literacy” bills emerging in state legislatures would allow more students in public high schools to study the Old and New Testaments.
Church-State Stories to Watch in 2019
As the new year starts, the Baptist Joint Committee Don Byrd suggest five church-state stories that bear watching in 2019, including prayer, a memorial cross, state legislation, religious exemption from nondiscrimination laws and foster care discrimination. Read full story
Churches Receiving Taxpayer Money in Aftermath of Missouri Case
As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year in the case Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, In. v. Comer, Missouri taxpayers are footing the bill for new playground surfaces at churches and Christian schools — and that likely means some public schools
Cautionary Tales About Church-State Romance
For 21 years, I’ve pastored a church within three blocks of our state Capitol. I’ve seen Republicans and Democrats come and go. I’ve prayed with and argued with governors and legislators from both parties. Have I handled every situation correctly? Not a chance.
Why Isn’t There a ‘War on Easter’ like Christmas?
Christmas -- the only Christian holy day more popular than Easter -- has somehow become a recurring scandal with the so-called "War on Christmas." Yet
Discerning Our Kairos
Last year, I was in a meeting with Rev. Paul Msiza, the South African pastor who is president of the Baptist World Alliance. In a Q&A session
Battle over Religion in Public Schools Waged in One of America’s Fastest-Growing Cities
McKINNEY, Texas (RNS) — Public school officials in one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities are being accused of violating the separation of church and
The Complex History of ‘In God We Trust’
The history of the phrase “In God We Trust” and similar invocations of God in national life, are relatively recent additions to America’s political language.
Hurricane-Damaged Houses of Worship Can Receive FEMA Aid
WASHINGTON (RNS) — After lawsuits and a Supreme Court decision, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a new policy extending disaster relief to churches,
Thousands of Faith Leaders Ask Congress to Protect Johnson Amendment
WASHINGTON (RNS) — More than 4,000 religious leaders have signed a letter urging Congress to maintain the Johnson Amendment, a law