Evangelical
Paul Pressler, SBC legend accused of abuse, is dead at 94
By Bob Smietana — June 15, 2024
(RNS) — Pressler was one of the architects of the ‘Conservative Resurgence’ that took over the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1980s and 1990s. He was later accused of sexual abuse.
Historic all-sign-language movie ‘Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film’ comes to theaters
By Kathryn Post — June 13, 2024
(RNS) — Debuting on June 20, it’s the first film entirely in American Sign Language to debut in theaters, according to the filmmakers.
Southern Baptists pass resolution calling for strictures to curb IVF
By Bob Smietana — June 13, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — At their annual meeting, Southern Baptists joined the recently renewed debate over in vitro fertilization, passing a resolution calling for restrictions on the practice. Some leaders went further, condemning the procedure as immoral.
Southern Baptists don’t get votes to add ‘only men’ pastors language to constitution
By Adelle M. Banks — June 12, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — It is rare for Southern Baptists to not affirm a measure with a second consecutive vote.
Southern Baptist resolutions on war, Oct. 7 fail logical and biblical tests
By Daoud Kuttab — June 12, 2024
(RNS) — A resolution supporting Israel in the wake of Oct. 7 failed to consider fellow Christians in the Middle East.
The future of SBC abuse reform is now in the hands of denominational committee
By Bob Smietana — June 12, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — A volunteer task force said it did not have the funds or influence needed to make abuse reforms stick. Now local church messengers have asked the SBC’s Executive Committee to take on the task.
North Carolina pastor Clint Pressley elected SBC president
By Bob Smietana — June 12, 2024
(RNS) — Pressley, a North Carolina megachurch pastor, was elected after a pair of runoffs.
At Florida homeschool convention, an education in MAGA politics
By Katherine Stewart — June 12, 2024
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (RNS) — Amid more typical homeschool concerns such as combating screen time and filling gaps in homeschool math curricula, the overarching message of the 40th annual Florida Homeschool Convention was about politics, not education.
Mike Pence speaks about politics, prayer to Southern Baptists at Indy event
By Adelle M. Banks — June 11, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — ‘I honestly think we haven't come to the end of the debate over life: We've come to the end of the beginning,’ Pence said.
If you’re truly pro-life, you should be anti-gun
By Tony Campolo — June 10, 2024
(RNS) — June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, a good time to consider America's relationship with guns.
The Southern Baptists are meeting in Indianapolis. Here’s why it matters.
By Bob Smietana — June 10, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — More than 11,000 church members are expected to gather in Indianapolis for one of the largest, most influential church meetings of the year.
Southern Baptist President Bart Barber draws crowd near Indy before annual meeting
By Adelle M. Banks — June 10, 2024
GREENFIELD, Indiana (RNS) — At Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield, Indiana, about 200 people gathered to hear him preach after seeing a new member get baptized.
Church led by SBC candidate Clint Pressley reports volunteer to police for alleged abuse
By Bob Smietana — June 9, 2024
(RNS ) — Hickory Grove Baptist Church pastor Clint Pressley said that a student at the church's school reported the abuse, which was reported to police and child protection officials.
Sean Feucht files lawsuit against Spokane, claims city violated establishment clause
By Jack Jenkins — June 7, 2024
(RNS) — The lawsuit is the latest in an ongoing controversy that dates back to last August.
Southern Baptists mull second vote to amend constitution to exclude women pastors
By Adelle M. Banks — June 7, 2024
(RNS) — Three of the six candidates expected to be nominated for the SBC presidency favor the so-called ‘Law Amendment,’ and three do not.
