The Baptist Record - Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 August 19, 2026

U.S. circuit court upholds block on immigration arrests at certain houses of worship

(Photo credit: shutterstock.com/Rebekah Zemansky)

U.S. circuit court upholds block on immigration arrests at certain houses of worship

August 19, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — A Trump administration policy allowing certain arrests at houses of worship likely “substantially burdens the plaintiffs’ free exercise of religion,” a…

Bible Studies for Life: August 23

Bible Studies for Life: August 23

August 19, 2026

Explore the Bible: August 23

Explore the Bible: August 23

August 19, 2026

Oklahoma farm girl helps strengthen churches in Colombia, one pig at a time

Taylor McConnell, an IMB Journeyman, teaches members of a Colombian church about biblical stewardship over the resources God provides. (Photo credit: IMB)

Oklahoma farm girl helps strengthen churches in Colombia, one pig at a time

August 17, 2026

Adults account for most baptisms in SBC congregations

An adult is baptized at Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon. In 2025, 33 percent of baptisms in Southern Baptist congregations were adults. (Photo credit: Crossgates Baptist Church)

Adults account for most baptisms in SBC congregations

August 14, 2026

ERLC announces Zack Pruitt
as new vice president
WASHINGTON (BP) — The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has hired Zack Pruitt, senior counsel and director of U.S. government relations with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), to serve as vice president of public policy and general counsel for the entity. Pruitt, who will begin his full-time work with the ERLC Sept. 14, previously worked to promote ADF’s policy and legislative work at the national level on behalf of the organization’s broader public policy team. He also served as deputy executive director and national director of government relations of ADF’s sister organization, ADF Action, helping oversee the state government relations team and representing ADF Action to government officials and coalition leaders. The ERLC and Alliance Defending Freedom have partnered in many ways over the years, including the ERLC’s joining amicus briefs for court cases where ADF represented clients. ERLC President Evan Lenow said Pruitt’s appointment will assist the entity with engaging public policy issues of importance to Southern Baptists.