Split possible after Methodists uphold marriage stance
EVANSTON, Ill. (BP) — A ruling by the United Methodist Church’s highest court has upheld the denomination’s support of traditional marriage and its opposition to LGBT ordination. The ruling, some evangelical commentators say, could portend a split in the UMC. “The United Methodist Church is not going to be able to hold together” as its liberal and conservative elements espouse conflicting views of human...
Warren Wiersbe, ‘one of evangelicalism’s giants,’ dies
CHICAGO (BP) — Warren Wiersbe, an author and pastor credited with influencing thousands of preachers toward biblical exposition, died May 2. He was 89. “I first heard Dr. Wiersbe at a Bible conference” in Chattanooga, Tenn., in the early 1960s, said Jerry Vines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president and longtime friend of Wiersbe’s. “What I heard him do with Scripture that day changed my...
Sri Lanka Christian massacre ‘shocking in its cruelty’
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (BP) — Easter bombings in Sri Lanka that targeted Christians and killed at least 290 people have prompted calls to prayer by Southern Baptists who work to take the Gospel to South Asian people groups. “As we process the news of attacks on Easter services today in Sri Lanka, our hearts are grieved,” the Southern Baptist workers said as a group in written comments. “We weep with those who weep...
Malaysian pastor abducted by police, panel finds
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (BP) — A kidnapped Malaysian pastor was abducted by police for allegedly proselytizing Muslims, Malaysia’s human rights commission has concluded following a two-year investigation. The family of 63-year-old Raymond Koh — who was abducted in February 2017 in Kuala Lumpur — hopes he is still alive and that the Malaysian government investigates the matter further, a Nashville-area pastor and...
‘Unplanned’ movie backers hopeful despite media slams
NASHVILLE (BP) — The pro-life movie “Unplanned” opens in theaters today (March 29) amid a flurry of media attention centered on the film’s realistic depiction of abortion and its political implications. But pro-life advocates hope the greatest impact of “Unplanned” will be changed lives. “In the past four days, I have received three emails from women who previously worked in abortion clinics...
