Beth Moore grieves her role in complementarianism’s rise to ‘1st importance’
Bible teacher Beth Moore apologized in a recent Twitter thread for her role in elevating complementarianism to “a matter of 1st importance.” The theological framework says men and women have distinct roles at home and in the church. Religion News Service later asked Moore whether she was still a complementarian or if she ascribed to its counterpart, egalitarianism. “I’m not going to be pushed into either category right now because that’s not my point,” said Moore, who recently announced she has cut ties with her long-time publisher Lifeway. “My point is that it has taken on the importance of a first tier doctrine.”
Kentuckians to vote on pro-life measure in 2022
A pending vote in Kentucky could change the state’s constitution to pre-empt any court ruling that would legalize abortion, in the event Roe v. Wade is overturned. Voters will consider the No Right to Abortion in Constitution Amendment in November 2022, which asks them to vote on adding this to the constitution: “To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.”
Only four other states currently have amendments declaring their constitution doesn’t protect any right to abortion or require the funding of abortion: Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
Arkansas bans gender transitions procedures for minors
Lawmakers in Arkansas overrode their governor’s veto April 6 to prohibit doctors from providing gender transition procedures for minors. The Arkansas Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act also prohibits public funds from being given to any doctor, hospital, or other entity that provides gender transition services for minors. Arkansas is the first state to pass such legislation.
Supreme Court order lifts restrictions on in-home religious gatherings
During the COVID-19 pandemic, California has prohibited in-home Bible studies and prayer gatherings or limited them to three households or less. But five justices of the U.S. Supreme Court agreed April 9 to grant an injunction blocking enforcement of the restriction. In an unsigned decision, the justices noted “California treats some comparable secular activities more favorably than at-home religious exercise.”
Wedding photographer sues state of New York
Christian photographer Emilee Carpenter is taking her state to court over an anti-discrimination law that requires her to provide services for same-sex wedding ceremonies, despite her religious objections. Carpenter’s is one of several cases pending as the U.S. Senate considers the Equality Act, which would add gender identity and sexual orientation to federal anti-discrimination law.
Sources: Christian Post, Religion News Service, ERLC, Baptist Press