The Baptist Record - Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 September 22, 2026

Sexual abuse, doctrinal fidelity, transparency, highlight Rice’s first EC address

SBC President Willy Rice speaks to the SBC Executive Committee on Sept. 21 in Nashville. (Photo credit: Brandon Porter)

Sexual abuse, doctrinal fidelity, transparency, highlight Rice’s first EC address

September 22, 2026

NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptists must continue securing their churches against the “grievous wickedness of sexual abuse,” stand firm in an “age of apostasy,” address…

ERLC president Evan Lenow installed and entrusted to serve

Evan Lenow addresses those gathered for his installation as president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. (Photo credit: Followell Photography)

ERLC president Evan Lenow installed and entrusted to serve

September 18, 2026

Lenow emphasizes ‘church first’ at ERLC trustee meeting

ERLC President Evan Lenow addresses trustees at their fall meeting at Mississippi Christian University in Clinton. (Photo credit: ERLC)

Lenow emphasizes ‘church first’ at ERLC trustee meeting

September 17, 2026

Southern Baptists celebrate 46 new IMB missionaries

Southern Baptists celebrated new IMB missionaries at a Sending Celebration Sept. 16. Some appeared silhouetted behind a screen because they are headed to places where the gospel is illegal or dangerous to share. (Photo credit: IMB)

Southern Baptists celebrate 46 new IMB missionaries

September 17, 2026

Wide-ranging survey gives detailed look at state of worship in Southern Baptist churches

(Photo credit: Kona Baptist Church)

Wide-ranging survey gives detailed look at state of worship in Southern Baptist churches

September 17, 2026

GuideStone, ERLC applaud
Senate’s passage of Clergy Act
DALLAS — The U.S. Senate passed the Clergy Act Wednesday (Sept. 30), which sends the legislation to President Donald Trump for consideration. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the act in April. GuideStone Financial Resources applauded passage of the bipartisan bill that would provide eligible ministers who previously opted out of Social Security with a limited opportunity to elect future participation in the program. If the president signs it, the Clergy Act will take effect in 2029. The Clergy Act was co-sponsored in the House by Republican Vince Fong and Democrat Mike Thompson (both of California) and in the Senate by Republican Katie Britt (Alabama) and Democrat Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire). “Our faith leaders give everything to their communities … across our nation,” Fong said. “They deserve financial security in return. The Clergy Act gives clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security the opportunity to re-enroll and take control of their financial future. I am incredibly proud this legislation passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. Thank you to Senator Britt for getting this across the finish line. It’s a monumental step towards taking care of the people who take care of our communities.”