Southern Baptist Convention
Beth Moore tries to untangle her ‘all knotted-up life’ in new memoir
By Bob Smietana — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — In a tender, gracious and at times heartbreaking new book, the beloved Bible teacher and former Southern Baptist recalls the people and the God who saved her from the chaos of her childhood.
Todd Benkert leaves SBC abuse task force after conflict over pastor’s restoration
By Bob Smietana — February 17, 2023
(RNS) — An Indiana Baptist pastor, Benkert played a key role in setting up an investigation into how SBC leaders have responded to the issue of abuse. He also reported a church that had platformed former SBC President Johnny Hunt, who has been credibly accused of sexual assault.
Why the ‘He Gets Us’ Super Bowl ads make Jews nervous
By Joshua Hammerman — February 7, 2023
(RNS) — Whatever happened to #Pluralism?
Not all who harm the church are wolves. Some are renegade sheep.
By Karen Swallow Prior — February 2, 2023
(RNS) — The distinction makes a difference.
US Hispanic Protestant churches are young, growing and largely new to the country
By Alejandra Molina — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — 'We see more and more English-speaking churches either planting a Hispanic church or adding a service in Spanish to their current congregation,' said Giancarlo Montemayor with Lifeway Recursos.
Johnny Hunt, disgraced former SBC pastor, makes defiant return to the pulpit
By Bob Smietana — January 18, 2023
(RNS) — Hunt told a Florida megachurch that false allegations had ruined his life but he still has faith in Jesus.
RNS reporters on the big religion stories they expect to cover in 2023
By RNS staff — December 30, 2022
(RNS) — From psychedelics to Christian nationalism, a look at what's ahead for religion in the coming year.
The most significant religion stories of 2022
By RNS staff — December 29, 2022
(RNS) — Faith communities and organizations were at the center of some of the year's most indelible moments.
Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa to leave the ministry, but not the church
By Bob Smietana — December 14, 2022
(RNS) — The 24-7 responsibility of being a pastor took its toll on Onwuchekwa. He also felt he was no longer the right person to lead the church he started.
Pastors say Johnny Hunt, former SBC president accused of abuse, can return to ministry
By Bob Smietana — November 29, 2022
(RNS) — Once a beloved SBC pastor and president, Hunt will return to ministry just over seven months after the allegations were made public.
David Sills, former seminary prof accused of abuse, sues SBC and Guidepost
By Bob Smietana — November 28, 2022
(RNS) — Sills, who lost his job after admitting misconduct, claims SBC leaders used him as a scapegoat to bolster their public image.
We can be an army of wounded warriors — or a collective of wounded healers
By Karen Swallow Prior — October 18, 2022
(RNS) — To be human is to be wounded, one way or another. Those hurts can be wielded in ways that further wound or in ways that help heal.
Poll: More Protestant pastors say the economy is hurting their churches
By Yonat Shimron — October 11, 2022
(RNS) — The survey also found that most pastors say congregational giving is in line with the previous year.
Pastor on leave after reportedly giving out ‘i (heart) hot youth pastors’ stickers
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 10, 2022
(RNS) — The stickers touched a nerve as a number of sexual abuse cases involving youth pastors have made headlines in recent years.
LGBTQ-friendly church OK with getting Southern Baptist boot
By Peter Smith — September 27, 2022
(AP) — 'It’s good when people reject you because they understand clearly who you are,' said the Rev. Michael Usey, the church's lead pastor.
