By Andy Hale Of the many things that congregations are considering as they exist in 2020, is not only the COVID-19 Crisis and the ever-present plague of racism within America, but how the faith community relates to the environment around them. Environmental stewardship is not limited to how we specifically care for the world’s ecosystem. … Continue reading
By Andy Hale These are unsettling times. Such times demands that one has to figure out where one hits on the emotional register: afraid, disgusted, angry, apathetic, embarrassed, sad, indifferent… If I’m honest, which you know I always will be, I’m angry. And, if I have to explain to you why it’s just not worth … Continue reading
By Andy Hale I’m not sure if the magnitude of this moment in America’s history has registered for many people. For many, they just don’t get it. Far too many white Americans do not believe there is a racism issue in America. The evidence of this comes in subtle ways, such as the response to … Continue reading
By Elket Rodríguez The voice speaking through my phone carried me to the side of a brother in the faith. He is Cuban, black and seeking U.S. citizenship. He called to ask a sad question that reflects our times: “How can I protect myself from police intervention?” His question provoked tears as I reflected on … Continue reading
By Carrie Jarrell Tuning First, in the event that this article may one day be read by anyone who has lost loved ones at the hands of police brutality and or racist bullies of “thugocracy,” I would like to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. My heart is grieving at the struggle for justice … Continue reading
The Governing Board of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship unanimously adopted the following statement on racial justice in a meeting held today. The Governing Board of the Cooperative Baptist FellowshipStatement on Racial Justice June 4, 2020 We, the members of the CBF Governing Board, express our grief at the heinous killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor … Continue reading
October 28, 2018 By CBF Communications DECATUR, Ga. — Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter released the statement below following the murder of at least 11 congregants and wounding of four police officers and two others inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. “We begin our morning prayers with tears and lament for … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Among white Americans a widely-shared sentiment is the notion that racism is part of our past. The election of the first African-American President of the United States is cited in support of this harmful claim that racism is a thing of the past. Yet, just a year since the violence in Charlottesville … Continue reading
By Lawrence Powers This Saturday morning, I awoke to phone notifications that something had happened in Charlottesville, Virginia. I’d gone to bed without checking the news and had missed it the evening before. As I pushed myself out of bed, and planted my feet on the floor to begin a new day, I read about … Continue reading
Did you know that the new CBF Store website offers several free, downloadable resources? Our newest downloadable resources are the Baptist Myth series. This series of brochures addresses several misconceptions about Baptist beliefs and practice. Topics include racism, ecumenism, social justice, women’s roles, and other views held about Baptists. Find these brochures online at The CBF Store. Continue reading
