W - PEOPLE FILES
- Keith Wade - Kristen Waggoner - Lori Walke - Andrew Walker - Joshua Walker - Chanequa Walker-Barnes - Tommy Waller - Jim Wallis - Matt Walsh - Erin Walter - Buddy Walters - Priscilla Wan -
==keith wade======
Keith Wade serves as the Campus Minister for the University of North Georgia (UNG). His role involves guiding and supporting students in their spiritual journeys during their college years. Keith Wade is actively involved with the UNG Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM). The BCM provides a space for students to grow in their faith, engage in Bible studies, participate in fellowships, and embark on missions trips. Excel Discipleship Groups, Bible Studies, Fellowships, Retreats, and Missions Trips are some of the activities organized by the BCM at UNG. Keith Wade leads student missionaries and their families in prayer during commissioning services. These services are significant moments when students are sent out to serve in various capacities, both locally and globally. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board recognizes and supports these mission endeavors.
February 24, 2023: The Christian Index reported: Matthew Vandegriff, pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and Timothy Agee, pastor of young adults at Hopewell Baptist Chiurch, joined Georgia Baptist campus missionary Keith Wade and students on a prayer walk on the Gainesville campus of the University of North Georgia. “May we continue," Wade said, "to see the Lord move among this campus and students be bold to share Jesus.”
==kristen waggoner======
Kristen Kellie Waggoner (born 1972) is an American attorney. She has been president, CEO, and General Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom since 2022. Waggoner was the lead defense counsel in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission in 2018 and represented Lorie Smith and 303 Creative in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis in 2023, both notable wins at the Supreme Court.
SCOTUS Showdown: Men in Women’s Sports (ft. Sen. Markwayne Mullin & Kristen Waggoner)
Story 3: What is a woman? It’s a question that many on the Left struggle to answer, and one that became the center of ongoing Supreme Court cases on transgender athletes’ participation in sports. President, CEO, & Chief Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, Kristen Waggoner gives the latest updates from these cases, over-viewing the main oral arguments and sharing how hundreds of her clients have been affected by the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.. (Fox News Radio 1/19/26) READ MORE>>>>>
Story 3: What is a woman? It’s a question that many on the Left struggle to answer, and one that became the center of ongoing Supreme Court cases on transgender athletes’ participation in sports. President, CEO, & Chief Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, Kristen Waggoner gives the latest updates from these cases, over-viewing the main oral arguments and sharing how hundreds of her clients have been affected by the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.. (Fox News Radio 1/19/26) READ MORE>>>>>
September 21, 2023: MSNBC reported: At this year’s edition of Pray Vote Stand, the Christian right’s most influential political gathering, activists previewed their campaign to further cement Trump’s Christianization of the federal bench. The Center for Judicial Renewal, which is run by the political arm of the far-right American Family Association, presented a list of lawyers and judges who it says adhere to “Christian faith” and a “biblical worldview,” according to a report by Peter Montgomery at People For the American Way’s Right Wing Watch. The list includes Kristen Waggoner, Supreme Court litigator and president of the Christian right legal powerhouse Alliance Defending Freedom; current federal appellate judges James Ho, Kyle Duncan and Lawrence VanDyke; and current and former deans of the nation’s top evangelical law schools at Regent University and Liberty University. If Republicans regain the White House and the Senate in 2024, they will have additional opportunities to further one of Trump’s top achievements in the eyes of his loyal evangelical base: stacking the federal courts with Christian nationalist ideologues.
==lori walke======
Rev. Lori Walke, a native of the Bible Belt and raised a Baptist, preaches and teaches progressive Christianity as one of the ministers at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Lori was a scholarship athlete for Oklahoma State University, where she received her undergraduate degree in Political Science (2005) and graduate degree in Health Care Administration (2006). Passionate about social justice and the public good, she earned her juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2009 and passed the Oklahoma Bar exam the same year. She earned her Masters of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary (2011) and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2012. She is a member of the UCC’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative, a 20-year focus on energizing and sustaining younger, emerging UCC local church pastors. Lori lives in OKC with philosophy-loving attorney spouse, Collin Walke, who serves the people of HD 87 in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives.
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Pastors deliver scathing critique of 'self-serving' Trump’s MAGA Christianity In an op-ed published by The Guardian on December 21, two Mainline Protestant ministers — the Revs. Doug Pagitt and Lori Walke — offer a scathing critique of Trump's second presidency and "MAGA Christianity." "MAGA Christianity represents a self-serving, commercialized version of the Christian faith — putting power over service and empathy — and it is everywhere in our federal government," Pagitt and Walke explain. "In February, Trump announced a task force led by (U.S. Attorney General) Pam Bondi with the goal of rooting out 'anti-Christian' bias. In September, Trump announced his plans to protect prayer in schools. Later that month, he issued a memorandum identifying anti-Christianity as a potential driver of terrorism." The reverends continue, "These are not just one-off incidents. This is a national effort to push the MAGA Christianity agenda on Americans, and we’re already seeing the consequences. (AlterNet 12.21.25)READMORE>>>>>> |
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==andrew walker=============
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Why a Theology of Free Speech is Essential Most people clearly understand free speech as an essential human virtue and fundamental American constitutional right. But far fewer appreciate its theological importance. That oversight can now be corrected, thanks to a new academic article co-published by Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Kristen Waggoner, CEO, president, and chief counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom. These two are perfect to address this issue, one as a professor of ethics and the other, a lawyer toiling in the vineyard of protecting the free speech of Christians. Their important essay, “The Unchained Word: A Public Theology of Free Speech” appeared this week in the on-line theological journal Themelios, published by the good folks at The Gospel Coalition. These important Christian leaders state from the outset their work is a response to “mounting threats of censorship across Western societies.” (Daily Citizen; 12.12.25)READMORE>>>>> |
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Trump's Bible endorsement draws mixed reactions from Christians: 'Syncretistic expression'
Andrew T. Walker, an ethics and public theology professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, stated in an op-ed for World Magazine that "fusing America's founding documents with the Word of God is a syncretistic expression of civil religion that goes farther than what those who love their country — and, more importantly, for those who love their Bibles — should ever allow." "To put matters bluntly, a Bible like this should never have been made," Walker wrote. "That is not because I'm anti-Bible or anti-Constitution. Actually, I am very much in favor of both. They fuel both my heavenly citizenship and my earthly citizenship. But fusing the two in the name of religious-civic identity can quickly become a form of identity politics for the political right." Walker, who also serves as a fellow in Christian political thought at the Washington-based think tank Ethics and Public Policy Center, stresses that "the Bible is not a symbol of American identity even while we proudly herald the Bible-influenced shape of American life and values." (Christian Post 3/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Andrew T. Walker, an ethics and public theology professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, stated in an op-ed for World Magazine that "fusing America's founding documents with the Word of God is a syncretistic expression of civil religion that goes farther than what those who love their country — and, more importantly, for those who love their Bibles — should ever allow." "To put matters bluntly, a Bible like this should never have been made," Walker wrote. "That is not because I'm anti-Bible or anti-Constitution. Actually, I am very much in favor of both. They fuel both my heavenly citizenship and my earthly citizenship. But fusing the two in the name of religious-civic identity can quickly become a form of identity politics for the political right." Walker, who also serves as a fellow in Christian political thought at the Washington-based think tank Ethics and Public Policy Center, stresses that "the Bible is not a symbol of American identity even while we proudly herald the Bible-influenced shape of American life and values." (Christian Post 3/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==joshua walker======
Abigail Kessler
After hearing over three hours of public comment on the topic, Flagstaff City Council approved a resolution supporting abortion access in the city at its meeting Tuesday...........Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Ariaona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Ariaona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
==chanequa walker barnes======
How evangelicalism’s theology of victory erases lament
Forgiveness should not be immediate. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a theologian and clinical psychologist, says: “The first thing trauma survivors need to do is tend to their own healing, then work on forgiveness after that. Quite frankly, sometimes forgiveness is not the appropriate response after trauma.”
(Baptist News Global 10/8/25) READMORE>>>>
Forgiveness should not be immediate. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a theologian and clinical psychologist, says: “The first thing trauma survivors need to do is tend to their own healing, then work on forgiveness after that. Quite frankly, sometimes forgiveness is not the appropriate response after trauma.”
(Baptist News Global 10/8/25) READMORE>>>>
==tommy waller======
Are the Christian Cowboys helping Israel Evangelical missionaries?
Shannon Nuszen, director of the counter-missionary organization Beyneynu, released a written statement in which she claimed, “Jewish communities across Israel have raised concerns regarding the activities of Hayovel, a Christian organization led by Tommy Waller. “Hayovel is an evangelical group that provides substantial volunteer support for agricultural work in Judea and Samaria. Jewish communities have been troubled by the organization’s mission, which founder Tommy Waller has openly articulated.
(Rivkah Lambert Adler/Jerusalem Post 11/18/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Shannon Nuszen, director of the counter-missionary organization Beyneynu, released a written statement in which she claimed, “Jewish communities across Israel have raised concerns regarding the activities of Hayovel, a Christian organization led by Tommy Waller. “Hayovel is an evangelical group that provides substantial volunteer support for agricultural work in Judea and Samaria. Jewish communities have been troubled by the organization’s mission, which founder Tommy Waller has openly articulated.
(Rivkah Lambert Adler/Jerusalem Post 11/18/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==Jim Wallis====== |
- Sojourners -
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Jim Wallis is a globally respected writer, teacher, preacher, and justice advocate who believes the gospel of Jesus must be transformed from its cultural and political captivities. He is a New York Times bestselling author, widely recognized public theologian, renowned speaker, and regular international commentator on ethics and public life. He is the author of 12 books, including American’s Original Sin, God’s Politics, The Great Awakening, and The Call to Conversion. His podcast, The Soul of the Nation with Jim Wallis features conversations with grassroots organizers and political leaders and discusses how to take action to promote racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship. He served on President Barack Obama's White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and has taught faith and public life courses at Harvard and Georgetown University. “Coach Jim” also served for 22 seasons as a Little League coach for his two baseball playing sons.
Apr 1, 2023: Christian Post: Nancy Pelosi ridicules archbishop for barring her from communion, not being LGBT advocate
Pelosi was speaking at an event at Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice, part of the “Higher Calling” series focused on the faith of politicians. The March 23 event was moderated by Jim Wallis, a progressive Christian and the Center’s executive director.
Pelosi was speaking at an event at Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice, part of the “Higher Calling” series focused on the faith of politicians. The March 23 event was moderated by Jim Wallis, a progressive Christian and the Center’s executive director.
Jan 12, 2022: Freelance Christianity: Throwing Away the Image of God
At the beginning of a recent episode of “Consider This,” NPR’s daily afternoon news podcast, Rev. Jim Wallis, the chair of the Faith and Justice Center at Georgetown University, commented on the fact that many of those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection began their activities with a prayer thanking God for “gracing us with this opportunity to stand up for our God-given unalienable rights.” While part of the motivation for the insurrectionists that day was the “Big Lie” that the November 2020 election had been stolen, Wallis focused his attention elsewhere.
At the beginning of a recent episode of “Consider This,” NPR’s daily afternoon news podcast, Rev. Jim Wallis, the chair of the Faith and Justice Center at Georgetown University, commented on the fact that many of those who participated in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol insurrection began their activities with a prayer thanking God for “gracing us with this opportunity to stand up for our God-given unalienable rights.” While part of the motivation for the insurrectionists that day was the “Big Lie” that the November 2020 election had been stolen, Wallis focused his attention elsewhere.
==matt walsh======
Jan 20, 2022: Daily Citizen: Matt Walsh Speaks the Truth About ‘Gender Ideology’ on Dr. Phil – Upsets ‘Non-Binary’ Activists
Kudos to Matt Walsh, a conservative Christian author and activist, who participated in a Dr. Phil show with two “non-binary,” “transgender” activists. He explained the truth about the false “gender ideology” that has swept across our culture, courageously speaking before a hostile audience.
Kudos to Matt Walsh, a conservative Christian author and activist, who participated in a Dr. Phil show with two “non-binary,” “transgender” activists. He explained the truth about the false “gender ideology” that has swept across our culture, courageously speaking before a hostile audience.
==erin walter======
May 31, 2022: Dallas Morning News: Some North Texas clergy say helping abortion patients travel a ‘powerful’ experience
“Being a chaplain for these 20 people seeking abortions was one of the most spiritual, powerful, meaningful experiences of my ministry,” said Rev. Erin Walter. She is director of Texas Unitarian Universalist’s Justice Ministry and accompanied a group as chaplain several weeks ago.
“Being a chaplain for these 20 people seeking abortions was one of the most spiritual, powerful, meaningful experiences of my ministry,” said Rev. Erin Walter. She is director of Texas Unitarian Universalist’s Justice Ministry and accompanied a group as chaplain several weeks ago.
buddy walters
Feb 20, 2023: Religion News Service: Beth Moore tries to untangle her ‘all knotted-up life’ in new memoir
The other mentor was Buddy Walters, a former college football player who taught no-nonsense, in-depth Bible studies in Texas for years and who instilled in Moore a love for biblical scholarship. When she met Walter, Moore was filling in for a women’s Bible study teacher at her church who had gone on maternity leave. Under Walter’s tutelage, what started as a temporary assignment became a lifelong passion for Moore.
“I don’t think he would have picked me as a student,” she said. “It just was that I could not get enough.”
The other mentor was Buddy Walters, a former college football player who taught no-nonsense, in-depth Bible studies in Texas for years and who instilled in Moore a love for biblical scholarship. When she met Walter, Moore was filling in for a women’s Bible study teacher at her church who had gone on maternity leave. Under Walter’s tutelage, what started as a temporary assignment became a lifelong passion for Moore.
“I don’t think he would have picked me as a student,” she said. “It just was that I could not get enough.”
==priscilla wan======
March 2, 2023: Christian Post: ‘A ripple effect from Asbury’: Secular universities now seeing revival gatherings on their campuses
Priscilla Wan, director of the Faith Hope Love House of Prayer who is involved in campus ministry at OSU, also attended the event, telling CP that it was “powerful.”
“A small group of young men from OSU led two hours of worship/prayer with cajon, electric guitar, piano and two singers. Virtually the entire time was vertical ... meaning no speaker, and hardly anyone addressing the crowd,” she recounted.
Priscilla Wan, director of the Faith Hope Love House of Prayer who is involved in campus ministry at OSU, also attended the event, telling CP that it was “powerful.”
“A small group of young men from OSU led two hours of worship/prayer with cajon, electric guitar, piano and two singers. Virtually the entire time was vertical ... meaning no speaker, and hardly anyone addressing the crowd,” she recounted.
