Southern Baptists
SBC president Ed Litton announces task force to oversee Executive Committee abuse review
By Bob Smietana — July 9, 2021
(RNS) — At their annual meeting in Nashville last month, Southern Baptists directed their new president to appoint a task force looking into claims that Baptist leaders mishandled abuse allegations.
Christian musician Matthew West deletes ‘Modest Is Hottest’ YouTube video after pushback
By Bob Smietana — June 25, 2021
(RNS) — West said he was poking fun of over-protective dads. Critics say 'Modest Is Hottest' blames women for men's sexual misconduct and is a sign of harmful purity culture.
Russell Moore leaves Southern Baptist leadership, but denomination’s troubles remain
By Bob Smietana — May 21, 2021
NASHVILLE (RNS) — Southern Baptists have long been able to find enough consensus to cooperate on missions. In recent years, they've become less cooperative because of debates over race, politics and the role of women in the church.
Southern Baptist decline continues, denomination has lost more than 2 million members since 2006
By Bob Smietana — May 21, 2021
NASHVILLE (RNS) — Baptisms dropped to the lowest point since the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and 1919.
Guidepost report: Bryan Loritts mishandled abuse allegations at former church but did not cover them up
By Bob Smietana — March 31, 2021
(RNS) — A new report shows how much churches still need to learn about dealing with abuse.
Jennifer Lyell wanted to stop her abuser by telling her story. Instead, her life fell apart.
By Bob Smietana — March 18, 2021
(RNS) — When pastors or churches talk about misconduct as a ‘moral failing’ instead of abuse, they send a message that victims and survivors are partially to blame.
Southern Baptists expel four churches for abuse and LGBTQ membership
By Bob Smietana — February 23, 2021
(RNS) — Denominational leaders also accepted a report on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission but took no action.
Alabama pastor Ed Litton, known for racial reconciliation work, joins SBC presidential race
By Bob Smietana — January 21, 2021
(RNS) — So far, four Southern Baptist leaders, each representing a different segment of the SBC, plan to run for president of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.
SBC leader Russell Moore to Trump: Time to leave. ‘People are dead’
By Bob Smietana — January 8, 2021
(RNS) — Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and an outspoken 'Never Trumper,' called for the president to leave.
Study: Multiracial churches growing, but racial unity may be elusive
By Yonat Shimron — November 12, 2020
(RNS) — Diversity is a one-way street, the new study found. In nearly all cases, Blacks are joining mostly white congregations. Few whites join predominantly Black churches.
Southern Baptists warm to alternate moniker ‘Great Commission Baptists’
By Adelle M. Banks — September 16, 2020
(RNS) — ‘The farther we get from 1845, the more clear we need to be with our mission,’ said a South Carolina Baptist official.
Southern Baptist President J.D. Greear says ‘black lives matter’
By Adelle M. Banks — June 9, 2020
(RNS) — Greear also called for new clergy to be trained in preventing sex abuse and he challenged Southern Baptists not to be divided by the U.S. presidential election.
Without annual meeting, amid decline, Southern Baptists continue debate on race, women’s roles
By Adelle M. Banks — June 4, 2020
(RNS) — Southern Baptists have struggled over the meaning of critical race theory in particular and the direction of the denomination in general.
Southern Baptists put hopes in ‘Baptism Sunday’ amid plummeting baptism numbers
By Adelle M. Banks — September 6, 2019
(RNS) — Reported baptisms declined in eight of the last 10 years and dropped by more than 100,000 since 2009, according to the denomination's Annual Church Profile.
Ronnie Floyd, megachurch pastor and Trump adviser, nominated for key SBC post
By Bob Smietana — April 1, 2019
(RNS) — Ronnie Floyd, an Arkansas megachurch pastor and Trump spiritual adviser, has been nominated lead the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee.
