(ChurchLeaders) As the “fourth wave” of COVID-19 continues sweeping through America, faith leaders again face tough decisions about safety protocols—and some have decided to require proof of vaccination. Although many congregations had resumed in-person, masks-optional worship after vaccines became widely available, updated CDC guidance urges renewed caution. … [Read more...] about Want to Worship in Person? Some Churches Now Require Proof of COVID Vaccination
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How T.D. Jakes and Local Churches Became Affordable Housing Developers
(Christianity Today) When Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason was transferred in 2019 to pastor West Mitchell Street Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in downtown Atlanta from Augusta, Georgia, he never imagined that two years later he would still be looking for affordable housing in his hometown and forced to commute over 100 miles every week. This summer, with home prices … [Read more...] about How T.D. Jakes and Local Churches Became Affordable Housing Developers
Costi Hinn Weighs In on Mark Driscoll: ‘The Drug of Power Is Addicting’
(ChurchLeaders) Costi Hinn weighed in yesterday on pastor Mark Driscoll, who has been in the news again recently due to allegations of toxic leadership. Hinn, himself a pastor and ministry leader, pulled no punches in his comments, using words like “tyrant” and “abusive” in his description of Driscoll’s behavior. “The human ego has an appetite like nothing else,” said Hinn … [Read more...] about Costi Hinn Weighs In on Mark Driscoll: ‘The Drug of Power Is Addicting’
Trans Pastor Seeks $200K in Damages for Being Fired After Coming Out
(ChurchLeaders) Rev. Junia Joplin, who was fired by her former church in Ontario, Canada, after coming out as transgender, has filed a lawsuit against the church for wrongful termination. Joplin pastored at Lorne Park Baptist Church in Mississauga and is seeking $200,000 in damages. “Too often, religion is used as a sort of blanket excuse to justify all kinds of bad … [Read more...] about Trans Pastor Seeks $200K in Damages for Being Fired After Coming Out
Infrastructure Bill Includes Energy Efficiency Grants for Houses of Worship
by Yonat Shimron (RNS) Buried on Page 1,729 of the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday (Aug. 10) in a bipartisan vote is a project titled “Energy efficiency materials pilot program.” It would fund $50 million in grants to nonprofits, including religious congregations, so they can buy new energy efficient heating and cooling systems … [Read more...] about Infrastructure Bill Includes Energy Efficiency Grants for Houses of Worship