Policy Stories

Ethics

SCOTUS protects privacy of donor records of pro-life pregnancy center

In a unanimous First Amendment decision issued April 29, the United States Supreme Court dealt a decisive blow to a New Jersey attorney general who attempted to compel a faith-based pregnancy center to disclose the identities of its private donors.
Columnists

Cultivating wisdom in a post-Christian culture

As American Christians in the 21st century, we have already fought many battles over political and cultural issues in the first quarter of this century. These battles have borne real fruit for the cause of Christ and the common good—whether the overturning of Roe v. Wade or the ongoing protection of religious liberty. Contrary to the doom some people have predicted, our nation has seen significant progress. That said, Christians must still engage the public square with confidence and discernment in Christ.
Faith

Southern Baptists join nation in 75th annual National Day of Prayer

Southern Baptists are among many who will pray in churches, businesses and the public square May 7 on the 75th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer (NDP), months ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial. At the Missouri state Capitol, there will be a May 7th prayer service at Noon.
Ethics

Supreme Court appears divided over temporary protected status for Haitians, others

Haitian pastor Keny Felix professed terror to Baptist Press regarding the future prospects for the 1.3 million immigrants living in the U.S. under temporary protected status (TPS). As the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments April 29 impacting the future of TPS, Felix was advocating on Capitol Hill as he has done frequently in the past year in Washington, Miami and Ohio.
National

ERLC trustees name Evan Lenow next president

Evan Lenow was unanimously confirmed as the new president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission at a special-called trustees meeting Monday (April 13).
Columnists

Missouri Baptist camps should be free from state bureaucracy

Missouri House Bill 3142 has the laudable goal of ensuring that adults and children in Missouri campgrounds are safe from various risks. But the bill is an overreach that would burden Missouri Baptist camp ministries across the state by requiring licensure with the Department of Social Services.
Ethics

Supreme Court ruling removes gag on Colorado Christian counselor, raises questions about Kansas City-area restrictions

In a sweeping First Amendment decision issued March 31, the United States Supreme Court removed a virtual gag on free speech which the state of Colorado had imposed on Christian counselors when talking to minors about their sexuality. The Chiles decision has immediate implications beyond Colorado—including within the state of Missouri.
Ethics

Trump admin seeks stay, dismissal of two more pro-life lawsuits against abortion pill

The U.S. Justice Department is fighting Florida and Texas challenges to the safety of the abortion pill mifepristone, compounding the Trump administration’s resistance to pro-life challenges by at least four other states.
Columnists

FIRST-PERSON: Pastors should be able to opt back in to Social Security

The Clergy Act, introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA-20) and Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) is a bipartisan bill that offers a second chance for clergy members to revoke their previous Social Security exemption. If signed into law, the bill would open a one-time re-enrollment window for two years where clergy could opt back in and start contributing to Social Security. Then, after meeting withdrawal eligibility, including 10 years of contributions for full retired-workers benefits, they can draw Social Security benefits proportional with their contributions.
Ethics

EXPLAINER: Protecting children through the 2026 Chloe Cole Act

The Chloe Cole Act of 2026, named for the advocate Chloe Cole who has publicly shared about the horrors of being pushed into “transitioning” in her early teens, prohibits gender transition procedures for minors through regulating interstate commerce. Cole will visit the Missouri Baptist Convention's Hannibal-LaGrange University, March 25, as the featured speaker for the school's latest Free Society events.

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