There are now over 100,000 Opportunity Scholarship recipients. The scholarship provides vouchers for K-12 students to attend North Carolina private schools. Last school year, more than 75% of the scholarship funds, or $329 million, went to faith-based schools. Some argue that tax dollars going toward religious private schools violates the principle of the

NASHVILLE – Grief can harden hearts. Chet Stewart saw that many times through 60 years in the mortuary business. But he also saw hard hearts soften. In planning her deceased husband’s funeral, one mother argued with her daughter about who should serve as pallbearers. “They weren’t kind to him when he was sick and dying, and I

This story was first published on Jan. 15, 1997. MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Michael Fox Thurman isn’t intimidated by Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, but the congregation’s new pastor is well aware of the awesome responsibility ahead of him. “Dr. King was a humble man, and

People of faith often live under a magnifying glass. A public declaration of belief can feel like an invitation for constant scrutiny, where even the smallest slip becomes proof of hypocrisy, especially in an era of social media and cancel culture. Every misstep is amplified, judged and turned into a spectacle. That pressure helps explain why pornography

(This story was first published on Jan. 2, 1997.) PULASKI, Tenn. – Many in Pulaski, Tennessee, regret its historical identity as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan in 1865. Besides, said the pastor of First Baptist Church, the town of 8,000 has a more positive side to its history: This is where two African Americans helped form the first Southern

Hope Beyond Hope By Jabulani McCalister WestBow Press “Hope Beyond Hope” is a devotional designed to help readers navigate life’s challenges and deepen their connection with God. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming despair, the author invites readers to walk with him through a transformative 21-day journey that emphasizes

DURHAM – Faith communities with extra land may be able to help relieve the housing squeeze in the Triangle. Last week, faith leaders wanting to learn how they can help communities struggling with housing affordability got a crash course on all the requirements to getting more affordable housing built in the area. Thankam Rangala, a pastor at

His memorial may be over, but the message is not. The political assassination of Charlie Kirk was a tragedy and reminder that political assassinations have no place in our country. At his memorial, America witnessed authentic grief, but we also saw something more: a chilling example of an empire wrapping itself in the pages of the Bible it never read.