ARITF meets with state abuse reform leaders
DALLAS (BP) – As the SBC’s Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force prepares to give its report and recommendations to messengers at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in June, members met with state leaders to preview that report and to strengthen the partnership among Southern Baptists for preventing and dealing with sexual abuse in churches. The […]
Patterson, SWBTS, Roe attorneys argue before 5th Circuit panel
NEW ORLEANS (BP) – Nearly a year after its original dismissal, the merits of a lawsuit against Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Paige Patterson, its former president, were argued before a three-judge appeals court panel April 3.
NAMB, McRaney attorneys argue before U.S. appeals court panel
NEW ORLEANS (BP) – Attorneys for Will McRaney and the North American Mission Board presented arguments before a panel of three judges at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Thursday (April 4).
Iowa governor signs Religious Freedom Restoration Act
DES MOINES, Iowa (BP) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in a ceremony Tuesday night (April 2). The legislation is similar to the federal act signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. More than half of U.S. states have passed their own versions of the law since 1997.
Scientist uses resurrection to lead hundreds to Christ
HOUSTON (BP) – In an unassuming office on the campus of Rice University, you can often find professor James Tour on a Zoom call. Is he chatting with other scientists around the world about his groundbreaking research in nanotechnology? Maybe. But more often than not, he’s talking with a stranger about the resurrection of Christ.
Chitwood previews IMB’s plans for annual meeting
INDIANAPOLIS (BP) – In the latest “Road to Indy” video leading up to the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in June, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood joins SBC Executive Committee Interim President and CEO Jonathan Howe to discuss the IMB’s plans for the meeting as well as to share updates from the entity’s work around the world.
Long-term sexual abuse reforms, financial updates highlight EC meeting
NASHVILLE (BP) – At its meeting Feb. 19-20, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee adopted a reduced Cooperative Program Allocation budget, deemed four churches not in friendly cooperation with the SBC and learned of the potential launch of a new non-profit organization to manage long-term sexual abuse reforms.
Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are ‘children’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BP) – The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that frozen embryos are “children” for the purposes of a wrongful death lawsuit. The decision reverses two lower court rulings.
Goal of new organization is ‘abuse-free family of churches,’ ARITF chair says at press conference
NASHVILLE (BP) – In a press conference Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 20), the SBC’s Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force chairman Josh Wester reiterated that the ARC, a new organization he announced to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee the night before, would be an independent 501(C)(3), separate from the Southern Baptist Convention.
ARITF to unveil sexual abuse prevention, response curriculum in June
NASHVILLE (BP) – In an update to members of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee Monday night (Feb. 19), the SBC’s Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force introduced a new curriculum designed to help churches navigate steps for the prevention of sexual abuse as well as the response when it happens.
