Bob Smietana
Bob Smietana is a veteran religion writer and national reporter for Religion News Service.
All Stories by Bob Smietana
Few persecuted Christians find refuge in US, new report finds
By Bob Smietana — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — A new reports finds that the number of Christian refugees coming to the US has declined at a time when persecution is on the rise.
Beloved N.C. Baptist charity leader steps down over alleged misuse of $89,000 in donations
By Bob Smietana — September 21, 2023
(RNS) — Michael Blackwell, who had led the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina since 1983, spent tens of thousands of dollars in the past three years on personal expenses and used charitable funds to buy his wife a car, according to a forensic audit.
Jerry Falwell’s legal battle with Liberty University — and his brother — escalates
By Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins — September 20, 2023
(RNS) — In an amended complaint filed in federal court last week, Falwell Jr. alleged several board members diverted university funds to private causes and overlooked sexual misconduct by former leaders.
Despite remaining leaderless, SBC Executive Committee says it had ‘most unified meeting in some time’
By Bob Smietana — September 19, 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — An unexpected withdrawal marks the second time this year that a nomination for leader of the Executive Committee has fallen apart.
The SBC was a train wreck 100 years ago and found a way through. Can it do so again?
By Bob Smietana — September 19, 2023
(RNS) — Meeting in Nashville, leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee look for a way past the denomination’s current woes.
Is a pastor’s sin a private matter? Johnny Hunt lawsuit makes that claim.
By Bob Smietana — September 18, 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — The former SBC president and longtime megachurch pastor covered up his sexual misconduct for a decade. Now he's suing SBC leaders for revealing his sins.
Once a baby-faced conservative revolutionary, Al Mohler is now an SBC institution
By Bob Smietana — September 14, 2023
(RNS) — For three decades, Al Mohler has been a powerful conservative voice in the evangelical movement’s theology and politics. His bolder statements have often overshadowed the reality that Mohler is a remarkably effective institutional leader.
Meet the pastor behind that ‘quitting the church’ essay
By Bob Smietana — September 11, 2023
(RNS) — A pastor's last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church.
Former AFA vice president sues Christian right group for alleged sexual harassment
By Bob Smietana — September 8, 2023
(RNS) — Robert Chambers says leaders of The American Family Association looked the other way when he was harassed by another male leader.
‘The Great Dechurching’ explores America’s religious exodus
By Bob Smietana — September 7, 2023
(RNS) — A new study looks at why millions of Americans left church — and what might bring them back.
As Soccer Moses, Jars of Clay guitarist Stephen Mason finds unexpected joy
By Bob Smietana — September 6, 2023
(RNS) — The rocker who became a barber said soccer is a bit like life — sometimes sad, other times glorious.
Giving is up at churches and people are back, but clergy are still thinking about quitting
By Bob Smietana — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — While life at local congregations has returned mostly to normal, the future remains uncertain.
Sarah Young, publicity-shy superstar author of ‘Jesus Calling,’ dies at 77
By Bob Smietana — September 3, 2023
(RNS) — First published in 2004, the devotional has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
White Christians think too many people see racism when it’s not there, new survey finds
By Bob Smietana — August 28, 2023
(RNS) — A new survey from Pew Research revealed once again how deeply divided religious Americans are when it comes to matters of race.
Esau McCaulley remembers his past, dreams of the Promised Land in new book
By Bob Smietana — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — In a vulnerable and inspiring new book due out in September, the New Testament scholar and writer recounts the story of his father's fall from grace and his long journey home.
