Bob Smietana
Ron Sider, evangelical activist, dies at 82
Ron Sider, an author, seminary professor and evangelical social justice activist, has died, according to an online update from...
Southern Baptists change direction on sexual abuse after years of delay
In summer 2008, Morris Chapman stood before a gathering of thousands of Southern Baptists in Indianapolis for their annual meeting and denounced the evil of sexual abuse.
...Fall of Roe met with rejoicing, dismay from faith groups
After nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide, is no more.
...How the Southern Baptist report almost didn’t happen
For three minutes last summer, a call to investigate how Southern Baptist leaders have dealt with sexual abuse was dead in the water.
...Senior leaders at Christianity Today accused of sexual harassment
A report from Christianity Today magazine, published on March 15, claims the ministry failed to hold former editor in chief Mark Galli and former advertising director Olatokunbo Olawoye ac...
AME Church suspends pension payments after finding irregularities
One of the nation’s largest Black Protestant denominations has stopped making payments to retired ministers on its pension plan, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
...SBC president Ed Litton won't seek second term
Saying he wants to spend his time focusing on racial reconciliation, Southern Baptist Convention president Ed Litton announced via video on March 1 that he would not seek a second term in office....
“Pray for Ukraine”: Religious leaders call for peace, God’s protection
At the top of the website for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA is a simple, three-word message: “Pray for Ukraine!”
...Marvin Olasky resigns from World magazine
Marvin Olasky, the longtime editor in chief of World, a magazine that has long aimed to pair a conservative Christian viewpoint with careful, detailed reporting, resigned on November 1, effective...
For some churches, paying back PPP loans is better than forgiveness
When Michigan’s governor required churches to stop meeting in person on March 16 last year, Kenton Sanders, director of operations at Mars Hill Bible Church, quickly did some worrying math.
...Menlo Church investigation finds no direct evidence of sexual abuse
A third-party investigation at one of Northern California’s most prominent megachurches ended in October with a report that found no evidence the pastor’s adult child had acted on his confessed att...
Cho Yong-gi, Korean founder of world's largest megachurch, dies at 85
The founder of one of the world’s largest megachurches has died, according to news reports from Korea....
Twenty years later, ‘In Christ Alone’ still inspires millions to sing
The melody that changed Keith Getty’s life was first scratched out on the back of an electric bill in a humble flat in Northern Ireland.
This isn’t great, he thought at the time.
...Influential Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong dies at 90
John Shelby Spong, an Episcopal bishop and a best-selling author known for his progressive theology and his support of LGBTQ clergy, has died. He was 90.
...Faith-based disaster relief groups balance COVID safety with speedy Ida response
In the wake of Hurricane Ida, faith-based disaster relief groups have been assessing damage, setting up mobile kitchens, and preparing to send skilled volunteers to Louisiana, Mississippi, and othe...
Popular Anglican pastor Thomas McKenzie killed in car crash
Thomas McKenzie, the rector of a prominent Anglican Church in North America congregation in Nashville, Tennessee, and his eldest child, Charlie, were killed in a car crash on August 23.
...In Nashville, an eventful annual meeting for Southern Baptists
More than 15,000 Southern Baptist Convention leaders and pastors gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, June 15–16 for the first annual meeting of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination since the ...
Russell Moore leaves Southern Baptist ERLC to join Christianity Today
Russell Moore, the embattled Southern Baptist ethicist and “never Trumper,” is resigning as president of his denomination’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
...For some pastors, the past year was a sign from God it was time to quit
Jeff Weddle, a wisecracking, self-deprecating, Bible-loving, self-described “failing pastor” from Wisconsin, was already thinking of leaving the ministry before COVID and the 2020 election.
...Pastor and activist Ole Anthony dies at 82
Ole Anthony, a small-church pastor and activist who spent years investigating the lifestyles of rich and famous televangelists, died April 16 at the age of 82.
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