What Evangelicals Think About Scotland’s Independence Vote
(UPDATED) After narrow “No” vote, Scottish evangelicals say churches will take lead in building the ‘new Scotland.’
Update (Sept 19): A narrow majority of Scottish voters (55%) voted no Thursday on independence from the United Kingdom. In the wake of the contentious referendum—which saw more than 80 percent of voters participate—the Evangelical Alliance Scotland called for Scots to “unite and build a new Scotland with Christian values at the heart.”
“The Christian gospel provides the catalyst for reconciliation, and as Christians we recognise our responsibility to model grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation to our fellow citizens,” said national director Fred Drummond in a statement. “During this campaign all Scots have rallied around a flag. But as Christians our identity is not based on a flag or a national boundary but on the radical grace of being adopted into God’s family.”
Drummond also exhorted the referendum’s victors to graciously embrace Scottish nationalists and challenge themselves to “love our neighbour.”
“As Scots now consider what kind of nation will now emerge from this campaign, the church must lead—and be allowed to lead—the way to ensure the new Scotland is one that reflects God’s values in the economy, the family, our communities and our environment,” he stated. “As Christians we passionately believe that these values will shape our nation for good.”
The Evangelical Alliance Scotland’s full reaction statement is at bottom.
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As Scotland votes today on independence from the United Kingdom, Christians lack consensus on whether Yes or No is the way to go.
A survey released last month by the UK’s Evangelical Alliance suggested that British evangelicals at large would disapprove of Scotland’s …
Fired ‘Back to the Bible’ Pastor Cleared of Charges by Megachurch
Radio ministry decided Bible teacher’s actions were ‘detrimental [to] leading people closer to Jesus.’ Church investigation finds only poor judgment.
A prominent pastor will resume his role next Sunday after being put on paid leave last month while his North Carolina megachurch investigated an alleged violation of its employee handbook.
The investigation was sparked after John Munro, senior pastor of Charlotte’s Calvary Church, was fired from his role as lead Bible teacher for “Back to the Bible,” a global broadcast ministry celebrating its 75th anniversary. CEO Arnie Cole stated the termination was “due to inappropriate conduct and behavior that is detrimental to Back to the Bible’s mission of leading people closer to Jesus on a daily basis.” [Full statement below.]
During yesterday’s Sunday service, Calvary elder Bill Bailey told the 4,000-member congregation that the investigation concluded the alleged violation of Calvary Church’s policies “was not supported,” though Munro “used judgment that did not align with the high expectations to which church leaders are held.” Munro acknowledged he committed “an innocent error of judgment that while was neither unlawful nor sinful, failed to demonstrate the judgment the church expects of me.” The Charlotte Observerreports the details.
A Calvary Church spokesperson told CT today, “Although we understand you have learned that an internal investigation within our church has come to a conclusion, we are keeping the communication regarding the investigation to within the Calvary Church family to continue to protect the privacy interests of all involved. Please know our membership cherishes and appreciates the messages of prayer and support that we have received.”
Munro recently made national news as pastor of Ebola survivor Nancy Writebol, …
Fired ‘Back to the Bible’ Pastor Cleared of Charges by Megachurch
Radio ministry decided Bible teacher’s actions were ‘detrimental [to] leading people closer to Jesus.’ Church investigation finds only poor judgment.
A prominent pastor will resume his role next Sunday after being put on paid leave last month while his North Carolina megachurch investigated an alleged violation of its employee handbook.
The investigation was sparked after John Munro, senior pastor of Charlotte’s Calvary Church, was fired from his role as lead Bible teacher for “Back to the Bible,” a global broadcast ministry celebrating its 75th anniversary. CEO Arnie Cole stated the termination was “due to inappropriate conduct and behavior that is detrimental to Back to the Bible’s mission of leading people closer to Jesus on a daily basis.” [Full statement below.]
During yesterday’s Sunday service, Calvary elder Bill Bailey told the 4,000-member congregation that the investigation concluded the alleged violation of Calvary Church’s policies “was not supported,” though Munro “used judgment that did not align with the high expectations to which church leaders are held.” Munro acknowledged he committed “an innocent error of judgment that while was neither unlawful nor sinful, failed to demonstrate the judgment the church expects of me.” The Charlotte Observerreports the details.
A Calvary Church spokesperson told CT today, “Although we understand you have learned that an internal investigation within our church has come to a conclusion, we are keeping the communication regarding the investigation to within the Calvary Church family to continue to protect the privacy interests of all involved. Please know our membership cherishes and appreciates the messages of prayer and support that we have received.”
Munro recently made national news as pastor of Ebola survivor Nancy Writebol, …
Stem Cell Concerns Don’t Freeze Evangelical Enthusiasm for Ice Bucket Challenge
(UPDATED) ALS raises $100 million in 30 days; pro-life groups worry about embryonic research.
Tens of thousands of Americans—including dozens of evangelical leaders—have eagerly shivered and shaked their way through the ice bucket challen…
Stem Cell Concerns Don’t Freeze Evangelical Enthusiasm for Ice Bucket Challenge
(UPDATED) ALS raises $100 million in 30 days; pro-life groups worry about embryonic research.
Tens of thousands of Americans—including dozens of evangelical leaders—have eagerly shivered and shaked their way through the ice bucket challen…
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