Federal directive could force schools to open dorms, showers to members of opposite sex JEFFERSON CITY – Three Baptist universities and other entities affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) are jointly filing an amicus curiae brief supporting the College of the Ozarks (COO) in its lawsuit challenging a federal Housing directive that could force Christian universities and other ministries to violate biblical convictions regarding sex, gender and marriage. In April 2021, … [Read more...]
High court rejects florist, gives hope to Maine parents
WASHINGTON (BP) — Barronelle Stutzman’s lengthy legal effort to operate a florist shop in Washington state according to her Christian convictions came to an end Friday (July 2) at the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices announced they would not review an appeal by Stutzman, a Southern Baptist, of a Washington Supreme Court ruling in 2019 that she was guilty of illegal discrimination by declining to design flowers for a same-sex wedding. The court’s order said three associate justices – … [Read more...]
Mohler: Religious liberty rooted in Christian faith
NASHVILLE (BP) – A theology of conversion, such as Christianity, necessitates religious liberty because regeneration of the heart cannot be achieved by coercion, Albert Mohler said, June 15, during “Baptists Thinking Biblically: A Conversation on Religious Liberty.” The late-night event, hosted by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at the Music City Center in Nashville, featured Mohler, Southern’s president, and Andrew Walker, associate professor of Christian ethics and apologetics and … [Read more...]
Court upholds freedom of foster-care agency
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S Supreme Court unanimously delivered an important victory for religious liberty, June 17, by upholding a faith-based adoption and foster-care agency’s right to carry out its ministry according to its beliefs. In a judgment that spanned the ideological spectrum, the nine justices agreed Philadelphia violated the First Amendment’s protection of the free exercise of religion by refusing to contract with Catholic Social Services (CSS) for foster care services. The city … [Read more...]
Biden’s proposed budget excludes Hyde Amendment
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity and other pro-life organizations are urging Congress to restore long-standing bans on federal funding of abortion that President Biden excluded from his proposed budget. On May 28, Biden released a $6 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2022 that failed to include the 45-year-old Hyde Amendment and other pro-life policies in federal programs. If Biden’s proposal succeeds, it would mark the first time since 1976 the Hyde … [Read more...]
MBCH leaders watch for impending SCOTUS decision on religious liberty
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court could hand down a decision anytime this month in a case regarding Philadelphia’s refusal to let a Catholic ministry take part in the city’s foster care program because the ministry won’t violate its religious convictions by giving children to same-sex couples. Though the Supreme Court case involves a Catholic ministry, Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) President Russell Martin said the court’s decision could greatly impact the MBCH’s … [Read more...]
KC church’s suit can move forward, judge says
KANSAS CITY – A federal judge says a Missouri Baptist church's lawsuit against Jackson County's COVID orders can continue, even as Jackson County abandoned its mask mandate. Abundant Life, a Lee's Summit church, filed suit in March 2020, when Jackson County announced it would limit churches to 10 worshippers regardless of building size. Rules for commercial businesses were less onerous. Later versions also included "gathering protocol" that lacked proper First Amendment safeguards, … [Read more...]
Federal ‘overreach’ threatens liberty at Christian colleges
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) university presidents expressed disappointment after a federal judge rejected the College of the Ozark’s (COO) request to press pause on a federal directive that could force Christian universities to cater to the LGBT agenda. Federal Judge Roseann Ketchmark, in the Western District of Missouri, denied COO’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, May 19, though she hasn’t dismissed the complaint or ruled in … [Read more...]
May is National Foster Care Month
Since 1988, the month of May has been dedicated to advocacy and awareness regarding the needs of children, youth, families and professionals whose lives are involved in the system. Although it originally began as a month dedicated to acknowledging the good works of foster parents, the mission and theme has expanded to promote overall awareness of the foster care system. Why is National Foster Care Month important? Because as believers, we know the Lord asks us to care for the least of … [Read more...]
‘Missouri Equality Act’ dies
JEFFERSON CITY – A bill that could have threatened Missouri churches and faith institutions has apparently died in the Missouri General Assembly, and the prospects of it resurfacing is unlikely with this year’s legislative session set to end May 14. Dubbed the Missouri Equality Act due to its likeness to the radical Equality Act moving through the U.S. Congress that would threaten the religious freedom of Americans, it could have forced faith-based institutions – like the Missouri Baptist … [Read more...]
The healing power of caring relationships
Think back to your favorite teacher, coach or even cabin leader at summer camp, now ask yourself “Why was this person my favorite?” Mr. Nolten was my favorite teacher in high school because every day, after teaching an algebra lesson, he would give the class time to practice our new knowledge. During the practice time he would always make his way to my desk, kneel beside me and patiently watch and guide and encourage me in such a compassionate tone. His special attention was a contributing … [Read more...]
States on record pace to enact pro-life laws
NASHVILLE (BP) – State governments are on pace to enact a record number of pro-life laws during a year. Already in 2021, a total of 13 states have placed into law 61 abortion restrictions, including eight bans on the procedure, according to a report issued today April 30 by the Guttmacher Institute. The number of laws restricting abortion far surpasses the previous record for the first four months of a year – which was 42, including six bans, in 2011, the institute reported. During … [Read more...]
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