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"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

College football coaching legend Bobby Bowden to U.S. Supreme Court: Let Coach Kennedy pray

By First Liberty Institute communications WASHINGTON, D.C.– Legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 12 State Attorneys General, The Texas High School Coaches Association and 15 members of Congress have filed “friend of the court” briefs urging the Supreme Court of the United States to hear the case of Coach Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach who was fired for taking a knee at the fifty-yard line and offering a brief, private prayer after high school football games. Kennedy’s case has received national attention and support from political and religious leaders including President Donald Trump and Franklin Graham, and former NFL players Steve Largent, and Chad Hennings. “Coach Bowden knows — better than most — the importance of prayer in the life of a football coach,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel to First Liberty. “Banning all coaches from praying just because they can be seen is wrong and contradicts the Constitution. No coach in this country should have to set down their faith when they pick up their whistle." Bowden, former head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, agreed. "I’m honored to support Coach Kennedy and his right to pray in … [Read more...]

Baptist Global Response highlights God’s mercy in 2018 Prayer Guide

By Casey Watson, Baptist Global Response communciations NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Baptist Global Response (BGR) is giving Southern Baptists a new opportunity to become prayer warriors for people in need. The community development and disaster relief organization recently released its 2018 Prayer Guide, a collection of prayer requests, devotional content and stories from its projects. CEO Jeff Palmer penned the devotionals and says the guide's theme, "The Mercy of God," encourages readers to show compassion in their actions and in their prayer lives as an extension of their faith. "Our mercy for those in need stems from the heart of God because He is mercy," he says. "We show mercy because God has shown us mercy. We show mercy because we are moved with compassion when we see the needs. ... And, we show mercy not only when we go and help but especially when we bow and pray." Baptist Global Response (BGR) is an international disaster relief and community development organization with a heart for helping people in desperate need. The organization undergirds the work of Southern Baptists worldwide and partners with others who are like-minded. BGR is not an official entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, but it is rooted in the … [Read more...]