ALABAMA |
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Alabama is a state in which 90 percent of its citizens profess belief in God and an overwhelming majority believe that the world was created in a single act some 10,000 years ago. Dominated by the Baptists in terms of sheer numbers, with Methodists a distant second, the state nevertheless runs the gamut of Christian denominations. In addition, non-Christian religions as well as agnostics and atheists likely also have had a presence in the state since its earliest years. As the population becomes more diverse and global, Alabama also finds itself opening up to new religions and belief systems. Baptists, who also established their first church in 1808 in Huntsville, suffered from internal disagreements about Calvinism, with some nearly as open to the prospect of free will (by which God predestined nothing and all who chose repentance could obtain salvation) as Methodists. Other Baptists were so democratic and hyper-Calvinist in their belief that God had settled everyone’s fate at the beginning of time that they organized as Primitive Baptists. They rejected mission and temperance societies, Sunday schools, salaried clergy and ministerial titles, any kind of organizational structure beyond the local congregation, and all forms of denominational education. The ease with which Baptist men accepted the call to preach and their typical bivocationalism (that is, they had to have a job outside of their ministry partly because many Baptist churches paid ministers either nothing at all or too little to cover their basic living expenses), meant that Baptist ministers were always much like their congregations in terms of social standing. And the absolute autonomy of every Baptist church reinforced the independence typical of the Alabama frontier. Churches might establish loose voluntary linkages through regional associations or even a state convention, but these associations exercised no authority over individual churches; even “messengers” elected from their churches to attend such meetings could act for no one except themselves. By the time of the Civil War, Baptists and Methodists each claimed slightly more than 60,000 adherents statewide.
Before the Civil War, there were 1,875 churches in Alabama, according to “Alabama: The History of a Deep South State,” bicentennial edition. “An emphasis on personal salvation has been a hallmark of Alabama since the brush arbor revivals, when preachers rode horses and mules and wagons, preaching the gospel,” said historian Leah Rawls Atkins, co-author of the bicentennial history. By 1870, there were 2,095, for a state population of less than a million. Methodists had the largest number of churches, followed by Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Catholics. There were two synagogues in Alabama in 1870. Baptists surged past Methodists by 1890. Alabama had 559,171 church members, 46.2 percent Baptists and 43.4 percent Methodist, out of the state’s 1.5 million population.
The Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) was an American civil rights organization in Birmingham, Alabama, which coordinated boycotts and sponsored federal lawsuits aimed at dismantling
segregation in Birmingham and Alabama during the civil rights movement. Fred Shuttlesworth, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, served as president of the group from its founding in 1956 until 1969. The ACMHR's crowning moment came during the pivotal Birmingham campaign which it coordinated along with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the spring of 1963. Founding Shuttlesworth, the fiery pastor who took over the pulpit of Bethel Baptist Church in 1953, was already a leading figure in the Birmingham movement. He had led an unsuccessful campaign to convince the Birmingham Police Department to hire black officers and accompanied Autherine Lucy and Arthur Shores in the short-lived integration of the University of Alabama. He was membership chairman for the Alabama chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was the featured speaker in a January 1956 Emancipation Rally sponsored by the NAACP
segregation in Birmingham and Alabama during the civil rights movement. Fred Shuttlesworth, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, served as president of the group from its founding in 1956 until 1969. The ACMHR's crowning moment came during the pivotal Birmingham campaign which it coordinated along with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the spring of 1963. Founding Shuttlesworth, the fiery pastor who took over the pulpit of Bethel Baptist Church in 1953, was already a leading figure in the Birmingham movement. He had led an unsuccessful campaign to convince the Birmingham Police Department to hire black officers and accompanied Autherine Lucy and Arthur Shores in the short-lived integration of the University of Alabama. He was membership chairman for the Alabama chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was the featured speaker in a January 1956 Emancipation Rally sponsored by the NAACP
The Pew religious landscape study in 2014 showed church attendance in Alabama at 51 percent, trailing only Utah. About 86 percent of Alabamians identified as Christian. Evangelical Protestants such as Baptists and Pentecostals make up 49 percent. Mainline Protestants such as Methodists, Presbyterians and Episcopalians make up 13 percent. Historically black Protestant churches make up 16 percent. Catholics make up seven percent. About 77 percent of people in Alabama say religion is important in their lives; 13 percent say it is somewhat important. About 82 percent of those polled say they believe in God with absolute certainty; another 12 percent say they believe in God and are “fairly certain” of God’s existence.
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Alabama school prayer bill now includes all religions; requires Pledge of Allegiance Republican lawmakers are walking back a bill that would have required Alabama schools to start their day with a Christian prayer. HB231, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, originally required all K-12 public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and “a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values” at the beginning of each school day. (AL.com 4/26/25) READ MORE>>>>> Southern Baptists Oppose IVF In Convention Vote—Signaling Evangelical Shift Against Procedure he resolution calls on Southern Baptists “to reaffirm the unconditional value and right to life of every human being, including those in an embryonic stage,” The New York Times reported. The vote was taken at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, a gathering of more than 10,000 delegates from the 13 million church members in the U.S. who make up the denomination. The vote comes after a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling in February that effectively granted personhood status to frozen embryos, complicating the routine practice in IVF procedures of discarding unused, frozen embryos. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 was widely viewed as a catalyst for the Alabama Supreme Court decision as it essentially granted states the ability to decide when life begins. Wednesday’s vote could have broad political implications as evangelicals are a key Republican voting bloc, yet prominent Republicans—including former President Donald Trump, his former Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who are both deeply religious and oppose abortion—voiced their support for IVF in the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court decision. (Forbes 6/12/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
May 20, 2022: Associated Press reported: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” her favorite proverb says, and she returns to it again and again. “He will make your paths straight.” She believes God led her here, to a job at the West Alabama Women’s Center, tending to patients who’ve just had abortions. “I trust in God,” said Ramona, who asked that her last name not be used because of the volatility of America’s abortion debate. |
Junior Hill, ‘country preacher’ embraced by the SBC, dies
HARTSELLE, Ala. (BP) – Junior Hill, a beloved and in-demand evangelist among Southern Baptists for more than 50 years, died Jan. 3 at his home in Hartselle, Ala. He was 87. Hill conducted more than 1,800 revivals – from Sunday-to-Sunday meetings for many years, adding “Harvest Days” in subsequent years – and was a sought-after speaker for pastors’ conferences, state conventions and evangelism meetings across the country. He also spoke in various camp meeting, seminary and college settings and engaged in numerous overseas campaigns. (Art Toalston/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
HARTSELLE, Ala. (BP) – Junior Hill, a beloved and in-demand evangelist among Southern Baptists for more than 50 years, died Jan. 3 at his home in Hartselle, Ala. He was 87. Hill conducted more than 1,800 revivals – from Sunday-to-Sunday meetings for many years, adding “Harvest Days” in subsequent years – and was a sought-after speaker for pastors’ conferences, state conventions and evangelism meetings across the country. He also spoke in various camp meeting, seminary and college settings and engaged in numerous overseas campaigns. (Art Toalston/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
F.L. Copeland’s suicide is a painful glimpse into the inner conflict of trans identity
The tragic death by suicide of Alabama mayor, business leader, and Baptist pastor, F.L. Copeland became a national focus last week when LGBTQ Nation, followed by Fox News, broke the story. Sadly, it is the perfect injustice to incite public outrage on many fronts: the complex tragedy of emotional distress among those who identify as transgender, the lived experience of the transgender subculture, and the intersection of these with Christianity. For many, the outrage is motivated by protecting and affirming those who identify as transgender. For others, there is anger at the perversion and lack of integrity of Christian leadership through sexual immorality. However, I want to caution against reducing this heart-wrenching situation to either of these perspectives. Any suicide is a tragedy, and Copeland’s death should cause followers of Jesus to pause.
(Elizabeth Woning/Christian Post/NBC News 11/19/23)
Read More>>>>>
The tragic death by suicide of Alabama mayor, business leader, and Baptist pastor, F.L. Copeland became a national focus last week when LGBTQ Nation, followed by Fox News, broke the story. Sadly, it is the perfect injustice to incite public outrage on many fronts: the complex tragedy of emotional distress among those who identify as transgender, the lived experience of the transgender subculture, and the intersection of these with Christianity. For many, the outrage is motivated by protecting and affirming those who identify as transgender. For others, there is anger at the perversion and lack of integrity of Christian leadership through sexual immorality. However, I want to caution against reducing this heart-wrenching situation to either of these perspectives. Any suicide is a tragedy, and Copeland’s death should cause followers of Jesus to pause.
(Elizabeth Woning/Christian Post/NBC News 11/19/23)
Read More>>>>>
October 20, 2023: The Alabama Baptist: Bicentennial: Alabama Baptists strengthen focus on Jesus’ call to make disciples
Nate Bass said it can be daunting to think about how to reach the entire world for Christ.
But when he looks at his own sphere of influence, the task gets more bite-sized — it becomes about living life with one or two or three people, gauging where they are spiritually and encouraging them to pursue a relationship with Christ.
“Then from there, it’s walking alongside them to a place where they are disciple-makers too,” he said. “It goes from this big picture thing to this small and intimate thing.”
Nate Bass said it can be daunting to think about how to reach the entire world for Christ.
But when he looks at his own sphere of influence, the task gets more bite-sized — it becomes about living life with one or two or three people, gauging where they are spiritually and encouraging them to pursue a relationship with Christ.
“Then from there, it’s walking alongside them to a place where they are disciple-makers too,” he said. “It goes from this big picture thing to this small and intimate thing.”
Aug 18, 2023: The Alabama Baptist: Deal with the Problems of the Self by the Cross through the Exercise of our Spirit
When Alabama’s Neal Hughes was elected chair of the second presidential search team for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee on June 1, he consistently stated a commitment to “due diligence” in the process.
That commitment allowed a potentially scandalous situation related to Willie McLaurin to be handled prior to a nomination, vote and likely election as the next SBC EC president.
McLaurin, considered the recent frontrunner in the presidential search, resigned from his role as interim president and CEO on Aug. 17, effective immediately.
Effective Aug. 18, Jonathan Howe, EC vice president for communications, stepped into the role temporarily.
McLaurin’s resignation came in response to the search committee’s discovery of falsified academic credentials on his current resumé.
When Alabama’s Neal Hughes was elected chair of the second presidential search team for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee on June 1, he consistently stated a commitment to “due diligence” in the process.
That commitment allowed a potentially scandalous situation related to Willie McLaurin to be handled prior to a nomination, vote and likely election as the next SBC EC president.
McLaurin, considered the recent frontrunner in the presidential search, resigned from his role as interim president and CEO on Aug. 17, effective immediately.
Effective Aug. 18, Jonathan Howe, EC vice president for communications, stepped into the role temporarily.
McLaurin’s resignation came in response to the search committee’s discovery of falsified academic credentials on his current resumé.
July 27, 2023: Christian Post: Church of the Highlands founder Chris Hodges denies ‘engineering’ takeover of Celebration Church
Founder and leader of Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, has dismissed claims in a lawsuit by Celebration Church founders Stovall and Kerri Weems that he, along with several other high-profile members of the Association of Related Churches, engineered a takeover of the megachurch for financial gain and damaged the couple's reputation.
Founder and leader of Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, has dismissed claims in a lawsuit by Celebration Church founders Stovall and Kerri Weems that he, along with several other high-profile members of the Association of Related Churches, engineered a takeover of the megachurch for financial gain and damaged the couple's reputation.
June 20, 2023: Freedom From Religion Foundation: FFRF raises concerns over taxpayer-funded Christian foster compound in Alabama
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising the alarm about a Christian foster farm in Alabama.
FFRF has been informed that “Freedom Farm,” a Christian foster care community, has been seeking taxpayer funds to fulfill its Christian mission and construct a new compound, which includes a chapel. The founder of Freedom Farm has explained:
“This idea was something that God laid on my heart maybe 25 or 30 years ago… There’s ability and availability. I’m a surgeon, not an expert in foster care at all. God has called me to do this so I’ve offered him my obedience and availability and I’ve prayed someone will come on with the ability and that is happening… the greatest example of hope is the cross of Christ.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising the alarm about a Christian foster farm in Alabama.
FFRF has been informed that “Freedom Farm,” a Christian foster care community, has been seeking taxpayer funds to fulfill its Christian mission and construct a new compound, which includes a chapel. The founder of Freedom Farm has explained:
“This idea was something that God laid on my heart maybe 25 or 30 years ago… There’s ability and availability. I’m a surgeon, not an expert in foster care at all. God has called me to do this so I’ve offered him my obedience and availability and I’ve prayed someone will come on with the ability and that is happening… the greatest example of hope is the cross of Christ.”
Feb 27, 2023: 1819 News: Dothan pastor, Al Sharpton half-brother Kenneth Glasgow facing up to 20 years after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud, drug conspiracy
Reverend Al Sharpton's half-brother Kenneth Glasgow is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud and drug conspiracy charges on Friday.
Glasgow, a pastor and founder of two non-profits in Dothan, entered a plea deal in Montgomery federal court to avoid a trial that was set to start in March.
Reverend Al Sharpton's half-brother Kenneth Glasgow is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, mail fraud and drug conspiracy charges on Friday.
Glasgow, a pastor and founder of two non-profits in Dothan, entered a plea deal in Montgomery federal court to avoid a trial that was set to start in March.
Feb 24, 2023: Alabama Baptist News: Thomaston Baptist calls new pastor
Mike Snow is the new pastor of Thomaston Baptist Church. He previously served four years as associational mission strategist of Bethel Baptist Association. He also served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Thomaston.
He is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife, Allison, have one adult son.
Mike Snow is the new pastor of Thomaston Baptist Church. He previously served four years as associational mission strategist of Bethel Baptist Association. He also served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Thomaston.
He is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife, Allison, have one adult son.
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Jan 25, 2023: Catholic News Agency: Alabama governor adds another layer of protection to religious freedom
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed an executive order Friday to protect religious freedom in the state. The executive order ensures the enforcement of the Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment. Passed by the state Legislature in 1998, the amendment to the state constitution guarantees the freedom from government coercion in violation of one’s religion to all individuals and businesses holding state licenses as well as all state contractors, employees, and grant and benefits recipients. |
“As I have promised, under my watch, our state government will always reflect the values of our people,” Ivey, who has served as governor since 2017, said. “Religious freedom is the cornerstone of the American way of life, and as governor, I will always protect the rights of Alabamians and ensure they are free to exercise their beliefs as provided in the Constitution.” -Catholic News Agency 1.25.23 |
Dec 28, 2022: 1819 News: Anti-Christian violence on the rise in the U.S. — Five Alabama churches attacked since 2018
Though populous states like California, New York and Texas saw the most incidents during this period, Alabama, despite being one of the most religious states in the country, still made it on the list.
Individuals attempted to start three fires at Bolling Methodist Church in Butler County during the summer of 2018 and even carved a pentagram in one of the church pews. A pentagram is a symbol widely associated with Satanism.
In August 2019, vandals broke into the Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Montgomery, damaging the church’s sound system and overturning the pulpit and pews.
In October 2021, four minors vandalized St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Somerville, damaging the pews, tables, couches and pianos.
The First Baptist Church in Montgomery fell victim to arson in 2021. The arsonist lit multiple fires in the church building, causing damage to the property.
This past summer, a gunman opened fire during a potluck dinner at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, resulting in three deaths. Before police arrived at the scene, a church member stopped the gunman from inflicting further damage by striking him with a chair. According to reports, the state is now seeking the death penalty for the suspect.
Though populous states like California, New York and Texas saw the most incidents during this period, Alabama, despite being one of the most religious states in the country, still made it on the list.
Individuals attempted to start three fires at Bolling Methodist Church in Butler County during the summer of 2018 and even carved a pentagram in one of the church pews. A pentagram is a symbol widely associated with Satanism.
In August 2019, vandals broke into the Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Montgomery, damaging the church’s sound system and overturning the pulpit and pews.
In October 2021, four minors vandalized St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Somerville, damaging the pews, tables, couches and pianos.
The First Baptist Church in Montgomery fell victim to arson in 2021. The arsonist lit multiple fires in the church building, causing damage to the property.
This past summer, a gunman opened fire during a potluck dinner at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, resulting in three deaths. Before police arrived at the scene, a church member stopped the gunman from inflicting further damage by striking him with a chair. According to reports, the state is now seeking the death penalty for the suspect.