Bob Smietana
Popular author Beth Moore leaves Southern Baptist Convention
For nearly three decades, millions of evangelical Christian women have read Beth Moore’s Bible studies and flocked to hear her speak at stadium-style events where Moore delves deeply into biblica...
Gospel Music Hall of Famer Carman dies at 65
Carmelo Domenic Licciardello, an evangelical performing artist known as Carman, died on February 16. He was 65.
...Presbyterian minister to serve as first female US House chaplain
A longtime military officer and minister has been named the new chaplain of the US House of Representatives.
...Adam Taylor succeeds Jim Wallis at Sojourners
Adam Taylor has been named the new president of Sojourners, the national Christian social justice advocacy organization founded and led by Jim Wallis since the 1970s.
...In Nashville, a former Catholic school-turned-swingers club is reborn as a homeless shelter
The red brick building at the corner of Drexel Street and Seventh Avenue South in Nashville has a colorful history.
...Evangelist Ravi Zacharias posthumously accused of sexual abuse
Christianity Today magazine reported that three women who worked as massage therapists at spas co-owned by the late Christian evangelist Ravi Zacharias claimed that he repeatedly masturbated and ...
Faith-based disaster relief groups get ready for Hurricane Laura
In recent months, Lara Martin’s life has been one disaster after another.
Tornadoes in Tennessee. Wildfires in California. A derecho in Iowa.
Now, Hurricane Laura.
...Megachurch pastor John Ortberg faces new church investigation
In early July, megachurch pastor John Ortberg claimed his congregation had “extensively investigated” concerns about his son and found “no misconduct.”
...Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore faces investigation for anti-Trump comments
The Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee will launch a task force to examine the activities of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the convention’s public policy organiz...
American involvement in organized religion continues to wane
Turnaround: How dying churches can find new life
c. 2014 Religion News Service
(RNS) For years, a handful of members of Hillview Baptist Church in Franklin, Tenn., prayed their pews would be filled with worshippers.
...Critics find ‘Noah’ lacking in ethnic diversity
The new movie Noah has everything you’d expect in a biblical blockbuster: big Hollywood stars, extravagant special effects, an apocalyptic flood....
For some Christians, sharing medical bills is a godly alternative
c. 2014 Religion News Service
(RNS) Every time he goes to the doctor’s office, Daniel Eddinger takes a leap of faith.
...Snake-handling pastor excused by grand jury
An East Tennessee serpent-handling pastor’s legal woes are over for now....
Feds offer atheists a clergy tax break that they don’t want
c. 2013 USA TODAY
(RNS) The federal government wants to give Annie Laurie Gaylor a tax break for leading the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
...Presbyterians stir debate by omitting popular hymn
Fans of a beloved contemporary Christian hymn won’t find any satisfaction in a new church hymnal....