(AP) The FBI and local police are investigating an explosion early Saturday at a Los Angeles-area church that had been the target of protests for its anti-LGTBQ message. Officers responding around 4:30 a.m. initially thought a vandal had broken the windows of First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, said Lt. Christopher Cano of the city’s police department. Officers then … [Read more...] about Authorities Investigate Blast at Anti-Gay California Church
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North Dakota Child Abuse Reporting Bill Gets Pushback from Catholic Leaders
(ChurchLeaders) A bill introduced in the North Dakota state legislature could remove “clergy-penitent privilege.” If passed, the new law would require clergy members, who are already designated as mandatory reporters, to report child abuse even if they learn about it while acting in the capacity of a spiritual advisor. According to current North Dakota law, a “member of the … [Read more...] about North Dakota Child Abuse Reporting Bill Gets Pushback from Catholic Leaders
Ed Young Announces Death of Daughter, LeeBeth, at Age 34
(ChurchLeaders) LeeBeth Young, the daughter of Texas megachurch pastors Ed and Lisa Young, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, at the age of 34. Ed Young announced the tragic news Tuesday on his social media channels. “It is with great sadness that I write these words,” said the pastor. “Last night, our precious and cherished daughter LeeBeth passed away. She was our firstborn, and … [Read more...] about Ed Young Announces Death of Daughter, LeeBeth, at Age 34
The Summit Church Admits Falling ‘Short of the Mark’ in Vetting Bryan Loritts’ Handling of Abuse Case
(ChurchLeaders) The Summit Church, the North Carolina megachurch helmed by Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President J.D. Greear, has hired an independent firm to investigate concerns regarding Pastor Bryan Loritts, a recent hire from Tennessee. At Loritts’ previous church, his brother-in-law engaged in sexual abuse, was prosecuted, and served jail time as part of a plea … [Read more...] about The Summit Church Admits Falling ‘Short of the Mark’ in Vetting Bryan Loritts’ Handling of Abuse Case
Pastor Dwight McKissic Says He’s Leaving SBTC, Possibly SBC Over Critical Race Theory Dispute
(The Christian Post) When leaders in the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention rebuked him for supporting missionaries praying and praising in tongues in 2006, prominent Southern Baptist Pastor Dwight McKissic said he almost quit. After the recent adoption by SBTC leaders of a “strongly worded, anti-CRT policy that denounces all aspects of critical race theory” last … [Read more...] about Pastor Dwight McKissic Says He’s Leaving SBTC, Possibly SBC Over Critical Race Theory Dispute