Current page: Reporter / Bob Smietana
Bob Smietana
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After Hurricane Helene, faith groups ramp up disaster relief
Before the storm hit the US, the Salvation Army and Southern Baptists were already on their way to lend a hand. Faith-based groups make up more than half of the disaster relief organizations in the United States.
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Settlement talks with Johnny Hunt fail, SBC and former president likely headed to trial
Court-ordered mediation between a former Southern Baptist Convention president and lawyers for the nation's largest Protestant denomination failed last week — meaning the dispute between the two parties is likely headed to a trial in November.
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The Meeting House, once one of Canada's largest churches, shuts down after scandal
Nine of the megachurch's satellite sites have relaunched as a network of churches with shared preaching and support services — while The Meeting House will continue to collect donations to support those congregations. The rebranding came after The Meeting House lost its liability insurance due to an abuse scandal involving former pastor Bruxy Cavey.
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Have the nones jumped the shark? Maybe
Since the mid-2000s, the nones — Americans who claim no religion — have been the fastest-growing segment of the religious landscape. But that rapid growth may be slowing.
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Southern Baptists, losing members, find solace in baptisms and better attendance
While membership in the US' largest Protestant denomination is down, participation in worship and baptisms went up in 2023. But a new statistical report found that many Southern Baptist Convention churches do little to address sexual abuse.
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In 'God's Ghostwriters,' scholar Candida Moss looks at the hidden hands behind the Bible
In her new book, Moss argues that slaves and other lower-status workers played a key role in producing and preserving the Christian Scriptures.
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Mike Bickle, founder of international prayer movement, confesses to some past misconduct
Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer movement in Kansas City, said he'd had moral failings more than two decades ago but said many of the allegations against him are false.
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Mike Bickle, leader of IHOP movement, accused of sexual abuse
Former IHOP leaders say several women have credibly accused Bickle of clergy sexual abuse. Leaders of the Kansas City-based prayer group say they are aware of the allegations.
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In new letter, US evangelical leaders support Israel's right to self-defense
Southern Baptists and other evangelical leaders call on policymakers to protect the lives of innocents and say Hamas is the enemy, not Palestinians.
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Meet the pastor behind that 'quitting the church' essay
A pastor's last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church.
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'The Great Dechurching' explores America's religious exodus
A new study looks at why millions of Americans left church — and what might bring them back.
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Sarah Young, publicity-shy superstar author of 'Jesus Calling,' dies at 77
First published in 2004, the devotional has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
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White Christians think too many people see racism when it's not there, new survey finds
A new survey from Pew Research revealed once again how deeply divided religious Americans are when it comes to matters of race.
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In new book, Russell Moore urges evangelicals to stop lying and come back to Jesus
Once a rising star among Southern Baptists, Moore lost his job after criticizing Donald Trump and standing by abuse survivors.
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Few worship leaders avoid Hillsong, Bethel songs — despite controversies and scandal
A new study looked at how worship leaders pick music for services — at a time when a handful of megachurches dominate the market.
