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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Sen. John N. Kennedy: Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech was exceptional

Kennedy statement on Israel, Netanyahu address “Hamas is working with Iran, and Iran is hellbent on developing a nuclear weapon and pointing it at America and our allies. . . . America needs to keep supporting Israel as it destroys Hamas and working with Israel to defeat Tehran’s terrorism and its evil aspirations definitively. I’m thankful that Prime Minister Netanyahu came to join us in that effort today.” WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today released the following statement upon attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech was exceptional. Unfortunately, mere months after the October 7 massacre, some people in Washington still seem confused about why America supports Israel. Too many people—many of whom descended on the Capitol today—still apparently believe in diversity, equity, inclusion and the right to kill Jews. That bloodlust has never been—and will never be—what most Americans believe. “Louisiana still understands that the debased people who slaughtered more than 300 young people at a peaceful music festival are the bad guys. The odious men who raped women next to the bodies of their dead friends don't deserve to be on this planet. The evil we … [Read more...]

ERLC board provides explanation on Leatherwood

By Staff NASHVILLE —The executive committee of the board of trustees for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has released a statement of clarity related to ERLC President Brent Leatherwood: “As the executive committee of the trustees of the ERLC, we take seriously the obligation given to us to ensure the execution of the ministry assignment of this institution that’s over 100 years old. In recent days, we have failed to fulfill that trust in ways that ensure the stability of this organization. Over the past 24 hours, we have experienced a flurry of activity which has been destabilizing. To that end, it is incumbent on us to clearly address concerns. “At the outset, we wish to affirm our support for the ERLC staff and their faithfulness in fulfilling their assignment to our churches. This board stands behind the staff and will do everything in its power to ensure that the work of the organization—protecting a culture of life, championing God’s good design for marriage and sexuality, and defending a free church in a free state–continues uninterrupted. “In reference to the events of the last 24 hours, we want to give clarity to how the situation unfolded. Then-board chair Kevin … [Read more...]

REVERSAL: Leatherwood remains as ERLC president, trustee chair resigns

By Baptist Message staff NASHVILLE (LBM) – Less than a day after Brent Leatherwood reportedly was relieved of his duties as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, trustees announced that he remains in the position, July 23. Additionally, Kevin Smith has resigned as chair of the ERLC’s executive committee. According to a news release from the entity, “There was not an authorized meeting, vote, or action taken by the Executive Committee. Kevin Smith has resigned as Chair of the Executive Committee. Brent Leatherwood remains the President of the ERLC and has our support moving forward.” On Monday evening, the ERLC’s executive committee of the board of trustees had announced that Leatherwood was removed from his position. Though no reason was given at the time, Leatherwood’s statement to Baptist Press regarding President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election sparked backlash by some in the SBC. In the article, Leatherwood said: “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition. Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act – the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.” After … [Read more...]

ERLC removes Leatherwood as president

By Baptist Message staff NASHVILLE (LBM) – Brent Leatherwood was removed as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, July 22. In a statement released on its website, the ERLC said more information would be released during its meeting, Sept. 10-11 in Nashville. “In accordance with our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president,” the statement from the executive committee of the board of trustees said. “Further details, as well as plans for the transition, will be provided at our September board meeting. Until then, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will assume directional responsibility for carrying out the ministry assignments for the ERLC.” Leatherwood had worked since 2017 for the ERLC, including president since 2022. Before coming to the entity, he served as executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party from 2012-2016. The announcement came a day after a statement provided by Leatherwood to Baptist Press regarding President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election sparked backlash by some in the SBC. In the article, Leatherwood said: “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has … [Read more...]

FBC Dallas’ historic sanctuary damaged by fire

By Baptist Message staff DALLAS (LBM) – A fire burned the original sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, July 19. According to the Dallas Morning News, the structure partially collapsed after 7:30 p.m., an hour-and-a-half after Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were called to the building in downtown Dallas. Pastor Robert Jeffress told Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth that the sanctuary was the site of many cherished events, including his own baptism when he was 6 and his ordination as a 21-year-old. He expressed gratitude that no one was injured, including the more than 2,000 children who attended Vacation Bible School on campus earlier in the day. The building was used as the sanctuary from 1890 until 2013, when the church moved into its current worship center. “I’m grateful that the church is not bricks and mortar or wood,” he said. “It’s people. And the people of God will endure, First Baptist of Dallas will endure, and we thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now.” … [Read more...]

VBS reaches seven for Christ at FBC Leesville

LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) – Leaders with First Baptist Church, Leesville, changed their approach to Vacation Bible School and in the end witnessed six children and one student volunteer make decisions for Christ. Held June 24-29, the VBS drew 69 youngsters in the mornings, a departure from previous years when the outreach was held in the evening. Children’s Minister Kiersten Nolen told the Baptist Message that they incorporated more time for Bible study and missions and on the final day presented the Gospel during a group assembly time. “All of our decisions were by boys and some of them have been coming to activities at our church for several months,” Nolen said. “Throughout the week they heard the Gospel in the classes and by that final night decided to come forward. It was just exciting to see all the hard work of Bible school pay off for these kids who made decisions.” Once the VBS concluded, church leaders followed up with the youngsters, and three were baptized on July 7. Among those was Kacen Smith, who accepted Jesus during the large group Gospel presentation June 27. Smith said he “felt relief” after he was baptized alongside his cousin, Damian Berrios, and classmate John Rogers. His dad, Dustin, said he prayed … [Read more...]