Christian

Christian ministries among religious organizations receiving $6 billion in pandemic aid for small businesses

Churches and Christian non-profits were among religious organizations that received at least $6 billion in COVID relief loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) run by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Ministry Watch reports. In order to receive PPP funds, applicants must claim:  “Current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant.” PPP beneficiaries in the religious organization category also included mosques, synagogues and other houses of worship.

US Evangelical Lutherans publish handbook on gender identity to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community to church life

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has published a handbook on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to “affirm God’s love for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” the Christian Post reports. The publication is part of an ELCA effort to welcome and include members of the LGBTQIA+ community to all aspects of church life.

Christians in Atlanta March Against Racism and Pray for Police

Praying and marching against racism Friday, thousands of Christians took part in the “March on Atlanta” event organized by OneRace Movement, a Christian coalition aiming to “displace the spirit of racism and release racial reconciliation,” The Christian Post reported. Participants also prayed in support of the Atlanta Police Department which is reeling from nationwide rage against law enforcement following the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta itself.

Casinos Are Open, But Churches Are Closed?

Last week, hundreds of people poured through the doors of Nevada casinos, which reopened after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, it is illegal for churches in Nevada to meet with more than 50 people.

Southern Baptist Convention Sees Sharp Decline in Membership

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has suffered its most serious decline in membership for over 100 years, Christianity Today reports. According to the SBC’s 2019 Annual Church profile published by Thursday, the denomination saw a loss of 288,000 church members last year.

Hall of Fame NFL Coach: Christians Cannot Be Silent in Face of Injustice

Tony Dungy, the first African American coach to win the NFL Super Bowl, said Saturday that healing for a deeply divided US “has to start with those of us who claim to be Christian.” In a Twitter post about the police killing of George Floyd and the widespread protests and rioting that followed, Dungy said Christians “can’t be silent.” Most important, Dungy said, is for Christians to follow the Apostle Paul in his exhortation: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Worthy Christian News