News
Reaction and Response: Work Remains on Gender Equality
While the public’s affirmation that women should be treated as men is good, the US still must deal with gender inequality across all its sectors, according to a census of faith leaders reacting to a Pew report.
Reaction and Response: US Gives Notice to Withdraw from WHO
The World Health Organization may have its flaws, but as two Baptist leaders pointed out, it remains a vital organization to deal with the health of the world, not only the current pandemic but other health risks as well.
Good Faith Media Forums on Racial Justice Continue July 21
Good Faith Media will host the second of three virtual forums on racial justice on July 21, focusing on nationalism, white Christian nationalism and white supremacy. The third and final forum will be held July 28.
US Child Well-Being Improves Overall; Racial Inequities Remain
The well-being of U.S. children continues to improve by most measures, a new report said. However, ‘the nation’s racial inequities remain deep, systemic and stubbornly persistent,’ the report cautioned.
Strong Majority in US Wants Policing Reform Measures
A majority of the U.S. public supports many policing reform measures, a report found. Seven out of 10 possible policing reforms in the poll were strongly or somewhat favored by a majority of adults.
US Divided Along Stark Racial Lines on Monument Removal
The U.S. is divided along racial lines regarding the removal of monuments and statues linked to slavery, a report found. The differences between Black and white respondents were stark.
More Than 1,000 Faith Leaders Urge Trump to Stop Executions
More than 1,000 faith leaders from multiple traditions signed a statement opposing the federal government’s plan to resume executions. The government plans to execute four death-row inmates scheduled for July and August.
Reaction and Response: US Says More Immigration, Not Less for 1st Time
A higher percentage of the US public wants to see more immigration than those who desire to see less for the first time in polling history, Gallup says. Among respondents, 34% favor more, 28% less and 36% say stay the same.
Support for Capital Punishment Reaches Another All-Time Low
The number of U.S. adults who believe capital punishment is morally acceptable is at an all-time low, Gallup says. A slim majority, 54%, now believe the death penalty is “morally acceptable.”
Global Deforestation Slows But Millions of Acres Still Lost
The rate of deforestation globally has slowed over the past three decades. The overall rate slowed to 24.7 million acres annually from 2015-20. Yet, a net loss of nearly 440 million acres has occurred over the past 30 years.
EthicsDaily, Nurturing Faith Are Now Good Faith Media
Two historic Baptist organizations – EthicsDaily.com and Nurturing Faith – with more than 60 years of history have combined to become Good Faith Media, providing reflection and resources through an inclusive Christian lens.
Baptist Center for Ethics / EthicsDaily.com: A Brief History
Robert Parham launched Baptist Center for Ethics in 1991 as an alternative ethical voice to the SBC conservative movement. Tomorrow, EthicsDaily.com combines with Nurturing Faith Publishing to become Good Faith Media, which will continue to be an inclusive voice for the common good.
State Department: Around 25 Million Remain Enslaved Globally
While government laws to address human trafficking have been enacted and public and faith community engagement in anti-trafficking initiatives has increased over the past 20 years, 25 million still remain enslaved globally.
Race, Religion Key Indicators of US Political Affiliation
More than three-fourths, or 78%, of white US evangelicals remain strong supportive of the Republican Party, while 84% of black Protestants either identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, a Pew Research Center report says.
Reaction and Response | White US Christians Less Likely to Acknowledge Racial Justice Struggle
White practicing US Christians are less likely to say the nation is struggling with racial justice, a Barna Group report found. Several faith leaders say the survey results reveal the ‘moral blindness of white people.’
Reaction and Response | SCOTUS Rules DACA Rescission Improper
In a 5-4 ruling, SCOTUS ruled the Trump administration’s plan to end the DACA program was improper. That news left faith leaders who have worked with Dreamers cautiously optimistic while urging for a permanent solution.
Baptist Philanthropist ‘Babs’ Baugh Dies
Barbara Nell (“Babs”) Baugh, president of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, died on Sunday, June 14, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 78.
Online Worship Provides Many Options but Mixed Engagement
While nearly all of the surveyed pastors said their congregations were offering online services, engagement of Christians with these virtual gatherings has been mixed and uneven, a Barna Group report found.
US Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage at All-Time High
Support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US matched an all-time high with more than two-thirds of respondents expressing support, a Gallup report said, representing a 40-point increase from 1996.
US Prison Population Continues Drop, Racial Disparities Remain
Continuing a multiyear decline, there was a 1.6% decrease in the total prison population in 2018, falling from nearly 1.49 million inmates to nearly 1.47 million, a government report said.
Baptist World Alliance to Host Virtual Global Worship Service
Baptist World Alliance leaders will celebrate Pentecost amid the global coronavirus pandemic this week by hosting a ‘virtual global BWA worship service,’ according to an announcement from BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown.
Baptist Church in India Meets Community Needs During Pandemic
A Baptist church in India has found creative ways to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of its community during the pandemic, including providing food to poor families and the homeless.
Clergy, Church Members Differ on How Long Sermons Seem to Last
How long does the average sermon last? Well, that depends on what side of the pulpit you’re on, a new report says. Church members are more likely to report a longer average sermon time than their pastors.
‘Brother Molly’ Podcast Suspended
Good Faith Media has suspended the six-episode narrative podcast “Brother Molly,” about the life and work of theologian Molly T. Marshall.
Nurturing Faith’s Latest Journal Available for Cost of Shipping
The latest edition of Nurturing Faith Journal is being made available to individuals and churches for the cost of shipping. Contact NF’s Managing Editor Jackie Riley to have a copy mailed to you.
Good Faith Media Will Now Launch in July
Good Faith Media, initially scheduled to launch in June 2020, will now launch in July. Factors in the delay include the ongoing pandemic, GFM events in June that were cancelled, and the benefit of an extra month to fine tune GoodFaithMedia.org.
Cost Concerns Keep U.S. Adults from Seeking Medical Care for Possible COVID-19
Potential costs keep some U.S. adults from seeking medical care for symptoms associated with COVID-19, a new survey found. This corroborates earlier polling data about postponed health care visits and procedures due to financial considerations.
Reaction and Response: Most U.S. States Exempt Religious Gatherings from Pandemic Rules
Most U.S. states exempt houses of faith from public gathering prohibitions, while lawsuits concerning restrictions have been filed on First Amendment grounds. Faith leaders weigh in on the balance between religious freedom and public health.
Majority of U.S. Protestant Pastors Affirms Human-Caused Climate Change
For the first time in LifeWay Research’s polling on the subject, a majority of U.S. Protestant pastors affirmed that global warming is taking place and that it is human-caused.
‘Brother Molly’ Podcast Has New Release Date of May 12
A six-episode documentary podcast on the life and work of theologian Molly T. Marshall, titled ‘Brother Molly,’ will be released on May 12. It will be available for free at BrotherMolly.com and popular podcasting platforms.