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Summary of Allegations On July 11, 2024, the “Bodies Behind the Bus” podcast brought to light serious allegations against The Village Church Denton in Denton, Texas. According to two former members, the church employed Steve Chandler, the father of lead pastor Matt Chandler, as a custodian for five years despite being aware of his previous confession to child sexual abuse. Details of the Allegations Podcast Claims: The podcast episode revealed that Steve Chandler admitted to sexually abusing a child decades before his employment at the church. Despite this, the church allegedly did not disclose this information to its congregation until…

Overview of the Film “Disciples in the Moonlight,” a new Christian action film, presents a dystopian future where Christians face persecution and the Bible is banned as hate speech. Set to premiere on July 17, the film explores a reality where the government has issued a censored version of the Bible. Directed by Brett Varvel, who also stars in the film, the movie is described by its creators as a thought experiment rather than a prediction. Themes and Plot A Dystopian Reality In “Disciples in the Moonlight,” a group of seven risks their lives to smuggle Bibles across a midwestern…

A Celebration of Musical Legacy Richard Smallwood, renowned for his genre-blending gospel and classical compositions, is set to receive a tribute at the Kennedy Center. The event, marking both his 75th birthday and Juneteenth, will feature performances by gospel luminaries including Dorinda Clark-Cole and Marvin Winans. This special celebration on June 18 and 19 will honor Smallwood’s contributions to music and his impact on the gospel genre. Richard Smallwood’s Musical Journey From Church Pews to Concert Halls Smallwood, who celebrated his birthday in November, founded the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977. Later, in the 1990s, he created and toured with…

Tribute to a Historical Advocate Mother Mary P. Patterson, a revered figure within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and a prominent advocate for preserving the history of the Pentecostal-Holiness movement, passed away on June 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was 83 years old. The Church of God in Christ honored Patterson as a “tireless crusader” dedicated to preserving the denomination’s heritage and the broader Pentecostal-Holiness tradition globally. Her legacy, as noted in a church announcement on June 26, underscores the depth of her commitment to enriching the historical narrative of COGIC. Legacy of Preservation and Advocacy Contributions…

On June 29, a significant rally took place near the U.S. Capitol, drawing thousands of faith leaders, union members, and activists. This event was organized to advocate for the poor and address crucial issues such as poverty and homelessness. The Poor People’s Campaign, led by Rev. William Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis, spearheaded the demonstration, which highlighted the urgent need for effective policies and political engagement. Call for Political Action Emphasizing Voting Power Rev. William Barber highlighted the untapped potential of poor and low-wealth individuals, who constitute about 30% of the national electorate. He stressed that if these individuals voted…

Overview DoorDash, renowned for its food delivery services across the United States, has marked a significant milestone by delivering over 100 million charity meals through its Project DASH initiative. This program focuses on supporting faith-based organizations and nonprofits in their efforts to combat hunger and poverty. Key Aspects of Project DASH Community Impact and Partnerships Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Project DASH has become a vital resource for various nonprofits, including religious organizations. These partnerships have been instrumental in providing food aid to underserved communities across the country. Notable collaborations include: Chicago: Mass feedings and support for local churches, including…

Overview Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa made a significant visit to Gaza on May 16, 2024, providing a message of hope and solidarity to the region’s beleaguered Christian community. This visit comes in the wake of a Vatican document that rejects gender fluidity and condemns gender reassignment surgeries. Pizzaballa, who was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022, is noted for his pastoral care and dedication to under-served areas. Details of the Visit Meeting with Local Community During his visit, Patriarch Pizzaballa, accompanied by Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis, grand hospitaller of the Knights of Malta, and Rev. Gabriele Romanelli, a…

Overview In recent developments, Brother Christian Matson, a Catholic hermit and Benedictine oblate residing in Kentucky, publicly announced his transgender identity with the approval of his local bishop, John Stowe of the Diocese of Lexington. This announcement follows the release of a Vatican document titled Infinite Dignity, which rejects gender fluidity and condemns gender reassignment surgeries. The announcement has generated diverse reactions from the faithful and church leaders. Historical Context of Gender Views in the Church Ancient and Medieval Perspectives The Catholic Church’s current stance on gender contrasts with earlier views held during medieval times. Historically, gender was understood in…

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, armed militants launched coordinated attacks on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan. The violence resulted in the deaths of a priest and at least six police officers, with multiple injuries reported. Details of the Attacks According to the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, the incidents occurred in the predominantly Muslim region of Dagestan, known for its history of armed militancy. The attacks targeted various locations in two cities: Derbent: Militants fired on a synagogue and an Orthodox church, both of which were set ablaze. Makhachkala: Concurrently, a church…

On June 30, 2024, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin as the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria. His election marks a significant shift in the church’s stance, aligning it more closely with the Russian Orthodox Church and its influence in the Balkans. Election Details Metropolitan Daniil, a 52-year-old former monk, secured his position by a narrow margin, receiving just three more votes than his main competitor, Metropolitan Grigori of Vratsa. Daniil’s election by the 140 delegates on the church’s electoral council indicates a potential realignment of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s policies. Historical Context and Recent Developments Background…