The ‘Lesser Magistrates’ Threat to Democracy
This issue of A Public Witness heads to the border to consider an ongoing legal controversy and an obscure theological theory some hope will migrate into our political system.
In Texas, Debate Over School Chaplains Escalates School Board Culture Wars
Conservative Christian activists are hoping to turn Texas public schools into a ‘mission field.’
When Caesar Picks the Sermon Topic
This issue of A Public Witness attends the initial conversation about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's "School Choice Sunday" — an effort to direct what pastors say from the pulpit — before offering a short homily about the politics of preaching.
The Passion of Ken Paxton
This issue of A Public Witness heads deep into the heart of Texas to review the saga of state Attorney General Ken Paxton and what his various scandals — including his upcoming impeachment trial — say about Christian political engagement.
Death on the Campaign Trail
In the wake of the first Republican presidential primary debate, today's issue of A Public Witness takes a look at former and current politicians who believe the path to the Oval Office runs through the death chamber.
More Than 100 Chaplains Urge Texans Not To Hire School Chaplains
Texas school districts have until March 1 of next year to decide whether to hire school chaplains.
Reading Genesis Literally … in Texas
Lawmakers are arguing that if the federal government can restrict structures in the Rio Grande, then they could use the same Act everywhere because of Noah’s flood. Putting aside the legal silliness of the appeal to Genesis, this issue of A Public Witness joins the
Texas Baptists Affirm Women in ‘Ministerial’ Roles As SBC Debate Moves to States
In the same week as the Texas Baptists’ meeting, Black leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention and SBC President Bart Barber met over similar issues in Ridgecrest, North Carolina.
Ministers Reflect on Praying in Death Chambers
Four ministers who have been in a death chamber in recent months during state executions shared their experiences Saturday during the annual meeting of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty.
Texas Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Chaplains in Public Schools
‘I worry that this bill will lead to Christian nationalists infiltrating our public schools and indoctrinating our students,’ said Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat and Presbyterian seminarian.