Evangelical
Anti-immigrant pastors may be drawing attention – but faith leaders, including some evangelicals, are central to the movement to protect migrant rights
By Brad Christerson, Robert Chao Romero, and Alexia Salvatierra — February 26, 2024
(The Conversation) — Religious beliefs can provide motivation, hope and endurance in the long and often discouraging task of mobilizing people for social change.
Trump-aligned think tank, denying policy plans, gives voice to Christian nationalist views
By Jack Jenkins — February 21, 2024
(RNS) — The Center for Renewing America is denying a Politico report about plans to push Christian nationalism should Donald Trump win back the White House — but that doesn’t mean the group doesn’t endorse the ideology or want it to help shape public policy.
Southern Baptist leaders expel two churches for allegedly mismanaging abuse
By Bob Smietana — February 20, 2024
(RNS) — The committee also voted out a church in Kentucky for having a woman pastor.
SBC task force plans to start nonprofit to oversee abuse database and reforms
By Bob Smietana — February 19, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — The new nonprofit is designed to get past the SBC Executive Committee’s ongoing financial and legal challenges.
Brazilian evangelical Christians disrupt pre-Lenten partying with ‘Gospel Carnival’
By Eduardo Campos Lima — February 19, 2024
SÃO PAOLO (RNS) — Once content to avoid Carnival's excesses, evangelicals, who make up about 30% of Brazil's population, have a new strategy, working to short-circuit the festival with displays of Christian faith.
Will the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program crumble?
By Bob Smietana — February 19, 2024
(RNS) — For nearly a century, Southern Baptist churches have banded together to raise funds for mission in the US and around the world, raising more than $20 billion through their Cooperative Program. But the trust that once held the program together is fraying.
Houston megachurch holds healing and thanksgiving service a week after deadly shooting
By Juan A. Lozano — February 19, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen's Lakewood Church has not had services since the Feb. 11 shooting that sent worshippers scrambling for safety.
African Methodist Episcopal Church leaders call for halt to all US funding of Israel
By Adelle M. Banks — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — The statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7.
Can American congregations learn to embrace the uncoupled?
By Elizabeth E. Evans — February 15, 2024
(RNS) — Many American congregations tend to focus on traditional families, recollecting a mid-20th-century model for church growth or else simply as a model of what a Christian life should be.
The ‘biblical manhood’ industry is a scam
By Karen Swallow Prior — February 15, 2024
(RNS) — The church is the last place where cultural stereotypes should be upheld as biblical truth.
Jordan Peterson wrestles with God
By Meagan Saliashvili — February 15, 2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (RNS) — In a new lecture tour to support a forthcoming book, the psychologist and public intellectual hews ever closer to Christianity, tantalizing fans who take their cues on converting from his secular but religiously curious thought.
Here’s the latest on the investigation into the shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano and Jim Vertuno — February 15, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — The shooting is one of many that have involved shooters who legally obtained guns despite criminal history and mental health problems.
How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny
By Jim Vertuno and Juan A. Lozano — February 14, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Police did not say whether the AR-15 was purchased retail, which would have required a background check if bought from a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a private sale, which would not.
‘God & Country’ shirks its opportunity to confront mainstream evangelicalism
By Tyler Huckabee — February 13, 2024
(RNS) — The documentary largely fails to explore its porous boundary with Christian nationalism.
Reluctant pastor’s son to most-viewed preacher: Shooting puts new spotlight on Joel Osteen
By Ben Finley — February 13, 2024
(AP) — The 60-year-old regularly preaches to about 45,000 people a week in a former basketball arena and he's known to millions more through his television sermons.
