Louisiana Enacts New Laws Protecting Churches From Service Disruptions

Louisiana Enacts New Laws Protecting Churches From Service Disruptions

Louisiana has adopted two new laws designed to strengthen protections for churches and worship services following several high-profile protest incidents targeting congregations across the country. Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 294 and House Bill 68 into law this week.
  • CyLife Church Launches $22 Million Expansion Featuring Soccer Fields and New Worship Space
    CyLife Church in Cypress, Texas, has begun a major $22 million expansion project that will significantly enlarge its campus and introduce new athletic facilities, including soccer fields designed for a future Christian sports league. Church leaders say rapid attendance growth over recent years created an urgent need for additional space and upgraded facilities. Executive Pastor Hugh Ansley said the congregation has been expanding at a remarkable pace.
  • Wisconsin Church Plans 181-Unit Senior Housing Project on Church Property
    A church in Wisconsin is moving forward with plans to develop a large senior housing complex on its property, including a portion designated as affordable housing. Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee has partnered with Scott Crawford Inc. to build 181 housing units for residents aged 55 and older.

Alabama Megachurch Pastor George Wright Announces Sudden Resignation

The senior pastor of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, a congregation of about 7,800 members in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, has stepped down from his role, announcing a video shared on social media Friday. Rev. George Wright did not provide specific reasons for his resignation, telling members that his final Sunday sermon would take place in two days and asking them to “please pray like crazy.”
  • Six Firefighters Injured as Blaze Engulfs Historic Astoria Church in New York
    A fast-moving fire tore through a historic church in New York City on Thursday, leaving multiple firefighters injured and drawing a large emergency response. The five-alarm blaze struck the First Reformed Church of Astoria, one of the city’s oldest congregations, causing significant damage to the structure.
  • 3 in 5 Churchgoers Concerned About AI’s Impact on Christianity, Study Finds
    A new survey indicates that the majority of Protestant churchgoers in the United States are uneasy about how artificial intelligence may influence their faith. About 61% of Protestant church attendees say they are concerned about AI’s role in Christianity, including 67% of Evangelicals, compared with 55% of those without Evangelical beliefs.
  • Texas Baptists Reconsider Baylor Ties Amid Concerns Over LGBT-Themed Campus Event
    The Baptist General Convention of Texas has begun a formal review of its long-standing relationship with Baylor University following concerns about a student-led campus event featuring LGBT advocates. Executive Director Julio Guarneri told members that hosting speakers who identify as gay and promote LGBT advocacy at a university-sanctioned event conflicts with the convention’s theological stance.
More News

  • Church in Wales Votes to Permanently Allow Same-Sex Blessings

    Church in Wales Votes to Permanently Allow Same-Sex Blessings

  • PCUSA Report: 43% Stopped Giving to Denomination to Focus on Local Churches

    The Presbyterian Church (USA) has reviewed new findings outlining why some of its members have discontinued financial contributions to the denomination. During a recent meeting, PC(USA), A Corporation heard a presentation from Research Services representative Sean Payne addressing the reasons behind declining donor participation.

  • Craig Carlisle Expected to Be Nominated for SBC First Vice President

    Craig Carlisle is anticipated to be nominated for the role of first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the denomination’s upcoming annual meeting in June. Carlisle currently serves as the SBC’s second vice president and works as director of missions for the Etowah Baptist Association. He also recently completed his term as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention in November.

  • Tennessee Church Serves Community With Free Fuel and Gospel Outreach

    As fuel costs continue to rise globally, a church in Tennessee recently stepped in to help by providing free gasoline to hundreds of local drivers. Overcoming Believers Church in Knoxville, which has about 1,500 members, hosted its “Gas & Glory” outreach event on Saturday at a nearby Thumbs Up Exxon station.

  • Protestant Churches See Stronger Giving Growth While Catholic Parishes Show Stability, Reports Find

    New research suggests that Protestant churches are more likely to experience increases in donations, while Catholic parishes tend to demonstrate steadier giving patterns and greater use of recurring contributions, according to two 2026 reports from Ministry Brands. The findings come from the 2026 Annual Church Giving Report and the Annual Parish Giving Report.

  • Virginia Megachurch Gives Over $1 Million to Prevent Evictions for Hundreds of Families

    A historic Black megachurch in Virginia has contributed more than $1 million to help relieve housing debt for over 300 families living in public housing, preventing them from facing eviction. Alfred Street Baptist Church raised the funds through its annual SEEK initiative, a period of fasting and prayer observed earlier this year by members of the congregation.

  • Ohio Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Pastor Over Homeless Ministry, Ending Case Permanently

    An Ohio judge has issued a final ruling that throws out a lawsuit filed by a city against a local pastor who operated a round-the-clock homeless outreach program on church grounds. Judge James D. Bates of the Williams County Court of Common Pleas released a conclusive decision in the case involving Fire Chief Douglas Pool of the Bryan Fire Department against Dad’s Place and Riehle Rentals, LLC.

  • Nigerian Court Rules in Favor of UMC in Dispute With Global Methodist Church

    A court in Nigeria has ruled in favor of The United Methodist Church in an ongoing legal dispute with the Global Methodist Church over registration status and control of resources. Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the High Court issued an order directing the Corporate Affairs Commission to reverse its earlier decision that had renamed the United Methodist Church in Nigeria as the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.
Most Read
Other Headlines