Missouri plans to execute Johnny Johnson on August 1, a man so severely mentally ill that he believes Satan is using the state of Missouri to kill him and bring about the end of the world.
In this issue of A Public Witness, we rewatch the plot twists as a state governor suggested there should be an unconstitutional religious test for office. Then before the credits roll, we reach the climax of our story with a lesson about faith and government service.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has no “litmus test for appointments,” his spokeswoman said Friday, despite a statement earlier in the week indicating he would only nominate a state health director who shared his “Christian values.”
An exhibit on Kansas City’s gay history has been removed from the Missouri Capitol following several complaints, including from a GOP official who works in the building. Article on new controversy cites a 2017 Word&Way interview with Mike Parson. Read full piece
Health experts recommend pairing incentives with other outreach programs. In Missouri, officials have acknowledged the need to partner with trusted community leaders such as pastors. More than 200 Missouri ministers and pastors on Wednesday signed a statement urging Christians to be vaccinated. Read full piece
Video report includes interview with Word&Way Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor. Watch full video
Meantime, a coalition of more than 200 Missouri ministers and pastors announced a campaign on Wednesday aimed at urging fellow Christians to get their shot. Read full piece
Missouri Governor Mike Parson, a Baptist, has refused to issue a mask mandate and has frequently campaigned without a mask. Now, he and hos wife both have COVID-19. Read full piece
After weeks of saying Missouri would reopen May 4 from coronavirus shutdown orders, Gov. Mike Parson on Friday declared a statewide “Day of Prayer.” His announcement added to questions he has given unconstitutional preferential treatment to Christianity during official government briefings on coronavirus.
As state and local officials across the country ban churches — like other groups — from holding gatherings of more than 10 people, and church services already sparking numerous coronavirus hotspots across the country, some politicians in Kansas have invoked Easter in a partisan fight