Southern Baptists
A media firestorm elevates a false narrative of Southern Baptist racism
By Jacob Lupfer — June 15, 2017
(RNS) The resolution condemning white nationalism passed easily in the convention’s closing session, to thunderous applause from the floor.
In dramatic turnabout, Southern Baptists condemn white supremacy
By Adelle M. Banks — June 14, 2017
PHOENIX (RNS) The previous day, the Resolutions Committee declined to bring a similar statement to a vote.
Southern Baptists grapple with morality, white nationalism in the Trump age
By Adelle M. Banks — June 13, 2017
(RNS) After some debate, the denomination declined to take up a resolution condemning the 'alt-right movement,' whose members include white nationalists.
Faced with declining numbers, Southern Baptists focus on evangelism
By Adelle M. Banks — June 13, 2017
PHOENIX (RNS) The largest Protestant denomination has lost members for 10 years in a row and has baptized fewer people nine out of the last 10 years.
An appeal to the SBC’s Russell Moore
By Katharine R. Henderson — April 6, 2017
(RNS) You and I are followers of Christ in a deeply polarized nation. Let's have a courageous conversation to pave a way forward together.
Russell Moore faces a challenging road ahead
By Jerome Socolovsky — March 24, 2017
(RNS) Although his apology for being 'unnecessarily harsh' toward Trump supporters was accepted by the Southern Baptist Convention's top brass, the public voice of America's largest denomination still faces a groundswell of grass-roots discontent.
Russell Moore responds to Southern Baptist detractors
By Adelle M. Banks — December 20, 2016
(RNS) In his column, Moore said there were times during the campaign he thought it would have been 'negligent' to keep quiet.
Marginalizing Russell Moore is grave mistake for Southern Baptists
By Jonathan Merritt — December 20, 2016
(RNS) Southern Baptists are threatening to withhold funds from Moore's agency. But they need him more than he needs them, writes Jonathan Merritt.
Why a stout theological creed is not saving evangelical churches
By Tom Krattenmaker — August 10, 2016
(RNS) It’s interesting to juxtapose the emerging statistical reality with the rhetoric that has been common among evangelical leaders.
Southern Baptists are going to need a bigger tent
By David Gibson — June 24, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) The nation’s largest Protestant denomination wants to be known for welcoming everyone, not rejecting most. Will that new approach stanch its declining numbers?
Georgia Baptist official says religious freedom is not for Muslims
By David Gibson — June 9, 2016
(RNS) But Gerald Harris, editor of the official newspaper of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, says he will accept an invitation from local Muslims to share a Ramadan meal. Next he may need to mend fences with his own colleagues.
Southern Baptists decline as Assemblies of God grow
By Adelle M. Banks — June 7, 2016
(RNS) The Assemblies of God are benefiting from immigration -- particularly from Central and South America as well as Africa -- much more than the Southern Baptist Convention, an expert said.
Southern Baptist leader: Donald Trump a ‘lost’ soul who must repent
By David Gibson — June 5, 2016
(RNS) Russell Moore has not been afraid to mix it up with Trump, and now he's at it again, saying the presumptive GOP presidential nominee must "repent of sin and come to faith in Jesus Christ."
Non-Muslim groups say NJ mosque should get OK
By Adelle M. Banks — May 11, 2016
(RNS) The groups said “unequal treatment of the mosque in this case represents a potential threat” to their free exercise rights.
White House, faith leaders say ‘moral obligation’ to halt payday loans
By Adelle M. Banks — April 14, 2016
(RNS) They agreed to "do something to stop payday lenders from preying on consumers."
