WASHINGTON (BP) – Incoming President Donald Trump has halted for at least 90 days a refugee admissions program that resettled 100,000 individuals fleeing persecution in fiscal year 2024, including nearly 30,000 Christians.

NASHVILLE (BP) – Jeff Dalrymple has been named to lead the office within the SBC Executive Committee dedicated to Southern Baptists’ long-term efforts in Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response, according to a statement from EC President and CEO Jeff Iorg.

WASHINGTON (BP) – In a day punctuated with references to God and Judeo-Christian principles, Donald Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20 as the 47th president of the United States.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (BP) – Evangelical Protestant pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo is among hundreds of prisoners, including several religious leaders, Cuba released last week after the U.S. removed the island nation from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

MARION, N.C. – A former pastor has been charged with embezzlement and theft from a western North Carolina church that involves contributions of money and supplies intended for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

DORAVILLE, Ga. (BP) – The charge to “Let Freedom Run” typically spices Pastor Bill Kelly’s devotion at the annual Martin Luther King 5K Drum Run kicking off Jan. 20 from First Baptist Church of Doraville, he told Baptist Press in advance of the 14th annual community event.

SWANNANOA, N.C. (BP) – The overturned box truck not far from First Baptist Church may be the best example of what it’s like in Swannanoa four months since Hurricane Helene dumped historic amounts of rain on North Carolina, leading to epic flooding and destruction throughout the state’s western region.

JERUSALEM (BP) – Crucial humanitarian aid, the phased release of hostages in exchange for prisoners, and an end to Israel’s bombing of Gaza were among the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement announced Jan. 14 between Israel and Hamas.

As our nation prepares for a new administration, it is impossible to ignore the influence these individuals will have not only on domestic policies but also on the world’s perception of America’s heart and values. The mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is one area that offers a profound opportunity for leadership and attention. The department's responsibility to protect the well-being of vulnerable children and families goes far beyond its association with public health. HHS must prioritize child protection.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Monica Henderson says that though abortion in Kentucky has changed after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade and the federal right to abortion in 2022, pregnancy support ministry in Kentucky has not.