Georgia Baptists serving free meals for security teams at Rosalynn Carter’s memorials
PLAINS, Ga. — The chefs who are preparing meals for hundreds of Secret Service agents, Georgia Highway Patrol troopers, National Guard troops, and others providing security during three days of memorials for former first lady Rosalynn Carter have vast experience feeding huge crowds, usually in disaster zones.
New Jersey drops religious oath for public office after legal challenge
TRENTON, N.J. (BP) – New Jersey has dropped its requirement that political candidates swear an oath recognizing and honoring God when seeking ballot placement, evading a lawsuit filed by a self-proclaimed nontheist.
FIRST-PERSON: The complicated legacy of a bishop who was sincerely wrong
Waking up after a long Sunday nap, I surfed channels and landed on Carlton Pearson’s broadcast. He was a younger preacher than many on TV. His church was jampacked, mega-sized, and racially diverse. A traditional black preacher, Pearson even “whooped” – backed by a Hammond organ. This set of ministry dynamics is rare now. Imagine how alien it was 30 years ago.
STATE MEETINGS: Tennessee; BGCT
Tennessee Baptists approve vision for 2025, beyond; BGCT Executive Board approves budget, elect new executive director.
STATE MEETINGS: South Carolina; Northwest
SCBaptists convicted by passionate pleas: ‘Let’s go’; Northwest Baptists look to future generations.
ERLC urges rescindment of proposed LGBTQ+ foster care regulation
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has released a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to rescind a recently proposed regulation regarding foster care providers and foster children who identify as LGBTQ+.
An urgent plea for churches
Recently, I led a collegiate conference at a local church. Every time I speak to college students, I’m reminded of two things: (1) they bring enthusiasm and potential to a local church, and (2) many, if not most churches—unlike the church where I did the conference—do a poor job of reaching these students. In fact, many churches lose their high school graduates when they go to college and don’t regain them (if they do) until they get married and have children.
Christians in Sudan may face Sharia law as oppression overtakes Sahel
KHARTOUM, Sudan (BP) – A return to Sharia Law might be in store for Sudan as civil war nears its 10th month there, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said in its latest Fact Sheet on the Sahel Region of Africa.
Israel, Hamas agree to extend truce for two more days, free more hostages and prisoners
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to extend their cease-fire for two more days past Monday (Nov. 27), the Qatari government said, raising the prospect of a longer halt to their deadliest and most destructive war and further exchanges of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Southern Baptists have host of Giving Tuesday opportunities
NASHVILLE (BP) – Many Southern Baptist entities are offering opportunities to give to specific projects, missions and ministry efforts on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 18.