MADISON, Wisc. (BP) – A self-employed evangelical Christian photographer can reject job requests based on her religious beliefs against same-sex marriage, a Wisconsin county court and government officials have agreed. Self-employed photographer Amy Lawson, an evangelical Christian in Madison, Wisc., can refuse jobs that violate her religious beliefs, a court and government officials have agreed. City and state public accommodation laws don’t apply to her because she operates without a … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist Children’s Home adopts BFM 2000
BRIDGETON – The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) made a statement for families and its place in Baptist life by affirming the 2000 version of Baptist Faith and Message during its July 25 board meeting here. During an ongoing mission audit, MBCH leadership realized that despite being in operation and cooperation with Missouri Baptists since 1886, the ministry never adopted a formalized statement of faith. In order to shore up its identity and legal position for hiring Christians … [Read more...]
Oregon to make abortion coverage free for all
SALEM, Ore. (BP) – Oregon health insurers and taxpayers will soon be paying for abortion, contraceptives and sterilization under a new law Gov. Kate Brown has vowed to sign. The newly-passed Reproductive Health Equity Act forbids health insurance plans from imposing "a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement" for abortion, STD screening, prenatal care, post-natal care and all forms of contraception. Churches and religious nonprofits will be exempt … [Read more...]
Teen internet addiction cited as growing concern
NASHVILLE (BP) – Gateway Seminary professor Paul Kelly had a friend who once became so addicted to online gaming that he would ignore his family and friends while also skipping meals so he could play more games on the internet. His desire became so severe that he began failing classes and stole from his family to support his habit. Amid the emerging challenge of internet addiction, youth ministry experts are calling for churches to raise awareness of the topic and provide resources for … [Read more...]
Reformers’ wisdom applied to transgender debate
NASHVILLE (BP) – Amid contemporary discussion of transgenderism, the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation has helped resurface historic wisdom on gender and sexuality. While predating by centuries the modern phenomenon of transgenderism, Martin Luther and John Calvin were among Reformers to denounce those who attempted to blur the distinction between men and women – an error dating back to the ancient world. Union University ethicist C. Ben Mitchell told Baptist Press … [Read more...]
Eugene Peterson and ‘same sex’ marriage
Last week, the well-known evangelical author Eugene Peterson appeared to embrace so-called same-sex “marriage,” and then, he backtracked. There’s a lot to talk about. Last week Eugene Peterson, the author of “The Message” as well as several other pastoral books, said in an interview with Jonathan Merritt of Religion News Service that he didn’t consider homosexuality wrong and would, if asked, officiate a same-sex “marriage.” “I know a lot of people who are gay and lesbian,” Peterson … [Read more...]
Offering praise when government leaders do good
Put me at the head of the class when it comes to criticizing public officials when I think they have made a poor decision. I strive not to let my temper get the best of me when doing so, avoiding personal attacks at all cost. After all, I have a personal testimony on display and I want Christ lifted up. I try to focus my criticism at the consequences of their actions. For example, if they pass laws that threaten our freedom or are contrary to God’s Word, they are going to hear from me. … [Read more...]
MBC Board increases 2018 CP goal
JEFFERSON CITY – Reflecting a recent increase of Cooperative Program (CP) giving within the state, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board members increased its 2018 CP goal. In other business, they recommended that Missouri Baptists, gathered for their annual meeting in October, take up a special offering to fight human trafficking. 2018 CP goal and Executive Board budget In April of this year, Executive Board members set the 2018 CP goal at $14.5 million, which equals the … [Read more...]
Parents fight for baby Gard’s life
LONDON (BP) – The heart-wrenching case of a British infant with a genetic disease has triggered an international discussion about who should make end-of-life decisions for children. The parents of 11-month-old Charlie Gard, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, have exhausted all their appeals in a court battle seeking to allow the terminally ill child to receive an experimental treatment. London's Great Ormond Street Hospital announced July 7 it would reconsider its decision to turn off life … [Read more...]
CLC honors Whiteheads for Supreme Court win
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission (CLC) voted unanimously, July 6, to award two Missouri Baptist attorneys the CLC Distinguished Service Award for their successful efforts to defend religious liberty at the United States Supreme Court. Michael and Jonathan Whitehead, a father-and-son legal team based out of Kansas City, worked alongside Alliance Defending Freedom’s David Cortman to defend Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia in a Supreme Court … [Read more...]
If the GOP is pro-life, pro-moms, then prove it!
Republicans consistently run for office as pro-life candidates. The party’s opposition to abortion is in its national plank that outlines the GOP’s positions on issues. This makes the recent behavior of the Missouri Senate so puzzling, if not downright inexcusable. Here is what has happened: First, a federal judge issued a ruling that invited an expansion of abortion clinics in Missouri (currently only one – in St. Louis – exists). Then the St. Louis City Council passed an outrageous … [Read more...]
Willow Springs pastor calls for orphan, widow Sunday
PHOENIX (BP) – Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention proposed 11 motions during two 15-minute scheduled segments of the 2017 annual meeting in Phoenix. Messengers approved one motion, presented by James Forbis of First Baptist Church in Willow Springs, Mo., for referral to the SBC’s Executive Committee. Forbis, an associate pastor at FBC Willow Springs, moved that the SBC adopt a special emphasis day called “Orphan and Widow Care Sunday” in the 2018 SBC calendar. “I’ve always … [Read more...]
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