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...]
‘Roe v. Wade’ film shows playbook of cultural, legal change
It’s difficult to watch “Roe v. Wade” and not think of the other recent abortion movie, “Unplanned.” That 2019 movie told the true story of former Planned Parenthood facility director-turned-pro-life-advocate Abby Johnson and was an emotional and stirring gut punch. At the time, I wrote that I wasn’t sure it would convert a pro-abortion viewer into a pro-lifer. However, it could jolt someone out of a comfortable and casual abortion-is-bad attitude to a pro-life warrior who takes active … [Read more...]
Missouri’s Gov. Parson signs foster care, adoption bills
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed two bills, April 22, that promise to help foster and adoptive parents and encourage adoptions throughout the state. “Every child deserves a family to provide love, support, and a strong foundation,” Parson, a member of First Baptist Church, Bolivar, said in a press release. “Missourians who take on this role as foster and adoptive parents are invaluable to the children of our state, and I am extremely pleased to sign these bills today.” As … [Read more...]
‘I am the pro-life generation’: Highschoolers from Ashland FCA group speak up for life
JEFFERSON CITY – Young people from throughout the state, both children and teenagers, represented the ‘pro-life generation’ during the Midwest March for Life here, April 14. Highschoolers from a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group in Ashland displayed signs and a large banner “in memory of the unborn killed by abortion.” Juliet Goodsell, the daughter to Pastor Matt Goodsell of Ashland Baptist Church, said the group wanted “to show support ... and prove to young people the importance … [Read more...]
MBC’s Yeats: ‘Remember the fear of the Lord’
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director John Yeats declared to hundreds of pro-life advocates gathered on the South lawn of the Missouri Capitol here, April 14, why immorality and abortion still wreak havoc throughout the United States. What, he asked, is missing in our culture? His answer: The fear of the Lord. Yeats was among several speakers featured at the Midwest March for Life here. He and his wife, Sharon, marched with other pro-life advocates around the … [Read more...]
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