WE - PEOPLE FILES
- Michael Wear - Jenny Weaver - Rob Webb - Joel Webbon -Stovall & Kerri Weems - Peter Wehner - Mikey Weinstein - Justin Welby - Jack Wellman - Jared C Wellman - Dorothy Sanders Wells - Thomas Wenski - Howard-John Wesley - Ralph Douglas West - Thomas West
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==michael wear======
Michael Wear
“The majority of white evangelicals have accepted this idea that Trump wants what they want — I’m not sure this indictment changes that...I don’t think there is any clearer picture of what’s going on in the right-wing political space. What used to be assertions of evangelical influence are now assertions of evangelical assimilation into a political movement.”
--Michael Wear; Center for Christianity and Public Life 8.4.23
--Michael Wear; Center for Christianity and Public Life 8.4.23
Michael Wear
Dallas Willard defined joy as a “pervasive and constant sense of well-being.” How many of us would say our politics is full of a pervasive and constant sense of well-being? How many of us would say we bring a spirit of joy to our politics? The loudest voices urge division and exclusion. They tell us that politics is only about conflict, that politics is where we go to play out our resentments and hatreds. They’re loud precisely because they feel so threatened, so fragile. Their well-being is always at risk. Their anger reflects a lack of confidence and conviction, not an abundance of it. But politics needs people with joyful confidence who seek security not in politics but in Jesus. We can break the vicious cycle. There’s a better story to tell. And we should tell it as we live it.
(Christianity Today 10/18/22) READMORE>>>>>
(Christianity Today 10/18/22) READMORE>>>>>
==jenny weaver======
Jenny Weaver
“The Lord said to me…there are houses of prayer; He has designed you to be a house of prayer for all nations. And the Lord said, ‘Do not change your assignment and go the political route because you see other churches doing that. They have their assignment, you have yours.’ Stay the course and God will continue to bless it. If you get off course.......We are living in the last days and the deception is going to get worse and worse, and if you are deceived now at the beginning stages of dark deception, what are you going to do when it gets even worse?” --Jenny Weaver
==rob webb======
Rob Webb earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2011. Shortly afterwards, he and his wife and moved to Colorado to start his career with an aerospace company while working on his graduate degree. In 2014, Rob received an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation from the University of Colorado–Boulder. As a Christian, particularly a Young Earth Creationist (YEC), working in the secular rocket science (i.e., aerospace) field, Rob Webb has experienced what many modern-day believers have—engaging in a workplace with beliefs counter to the wisdom and science of this world.
Rob Webb Files
Despite Satan’s head being victoriously crushed by Jesus Christ and ultimately destroying Satan’s work via the cross (1 John 3:8), our enemy remains determined in his hatred of the church. And since he knows the victory is certain and imminent, he’s looking to take casualties with him, prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So, in his feeble attempt to prevent God’s kingdom from expanding (Matthew 6:10), Satan still deceives many to do his bidding and destroy our unborn neighbors, all under the pretense of “choice.” -Rob Webb; Answers in Genesis; 5.6.22
==joel webbon======
Joel Webbon is the president and founder of Right Response Ministries and the senior pastor of Covenant Bible Church in Austin, Texas. He is a prominent figure in the Christian nationalist movement and has gained notoriety for his controversial and extremist views. Webbon has been the subject of backlash for statements made on podcasts and in his sermons, which are rooted in his Christian nationalist and theocratic beliefs. In September 2025, Webbon claimed that white parents need to give their children "the talk," warning them that Black strangers are "30 times more dangerous" than white ones. This has been denounced as dangerous, racist propaganda. Webbon advocates for theonomy, a view that holds that the civil laws of the Old Testament should be applied today. He has used this to suggest that women who falsely accuse men of sexual assault should face the same consequences as the accused. Webbon has voiced misogynistic views, including the belief that women should not have the right to vote. He has also stated that a husband has authority over what books his wife reads.
As an outspoken Christian nationalist, Webbon co-authored "The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel," which calls for the United States to formally acknowledge the "Lordship of Christ" in its laws, abolish abortion, and outlaw marriage equality. Webbon has faced accusations regarding his past conduct and ministry.
A group of church officers from Webbon's previous church, San Diego Reformed Church, accused him of leaving while under church discipline. In 2023, the same church officers released a letter alleging that Webbon had a "disqualifying sexual relationship" with a parishioner in 2012. He had moved to Austin, Texas, and planted Covenant Bible Church after his departure from the San Diego church. In April 2025, Webbon posted a message on the Right Response Ministries website titled "Responding To Controversies," in which he attempts to address rumors and concerns. The post, however, focuses on his stances on issues like patriarchal authority and his wife's reading habits, rather than the more serious allegations of misconduct. Webbon recently faced backlash for comments made on his podcast where he instructed white Christian parents to have "the talk" with their children, warning them that Black strangers are "30 times more dangerous" than white ones. This has been widely condemned as racist and propagating harmful stereotypes. Critics argue that his remarks promote white supremacy and fear-mongering under the guise of religious counsel. Others have called the comments incendiary and an exacerbation of racial divisions. Webbon has promoted strongly patriarchal views on gender roles, stating that it is "God's will" for women to be submissive and quiet. He advocates for a specific family structure based on these interpretations of biblical scripture. His views have been sharply criticized for misinterpreting religious texts and promoting sexism. As a proponent of Christian nationalism, Webbon advocates for a society governed by his interpretation of Christian principles. He has argued that the United States is no longer a "moral people" and that relying solely on constitutional processes like voting is not realistic. His ideologies are said to have influenced initiatives like Project 2025, which aims to reshape the federal government. His advocacy for a form of Christian governance is based on the idea that only a "moral and religious people" can successfully sustain a constitutional republic, echoing a statement attributed to John Adams. Webbon has engaged with figures and concepts within and outside his own theological circles. He is associated with theonomic ideas, which call for the application of biblical law in modern society. He has been involved in theological disputes with others in the Christian community. For example, he has been critiqued for his specific theological interpretations regarding regeneration and the power of the gospel. Right-Wing Figures: His commentary is often aligned with or overlaps with other alt-right and far-right voices.
As an outspoken Christian nationalist, Webbon co-authored "The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel," which calls for the United States to formally acknowledge the "Lordship of Christ" in its laws, abolish abortion, and outlaw marriage equality. Webbon has faced accusations regarding his past conduct and ministry.
A group of church officers from Webbon's previous church, San Diego Reformed Church, accused him of leaving while under church discipline. In 2023, the same church officers released a letter alleging that Webbon had a "disqualifying sexual relationship" with a parishioner in 2012. He had moved to Austin, Texas, and planted Covenant Bible Church after his departure from the San Diego church. In April 2025, Webbon posted a message on the Right Response Ministries website titled "Responding To Controversies," in which he attempts to address rumors and concerns. The post, however, focuses on his stances on issues like patriarchal authority and his wife's reading habits, rather than the more serious allegations of misconduct. Webbon recently faced backlash for comments made on his podcast where he instructed white Christian parents to have "the talk" with their children, warning them that Black strangers are "30 times more dangerous" than white ones. This has been widely condemned as racist and propagating harmful stereotypes. Critics argue that his remarks promote white supremacy and fear-mongering under the guise of religious counsel. Others have called the comments incendiary and an exacerbation of racial divisions. Webbon has promoted strongly patriarchal views on gender roles, stating that it is "God's will" for women to be submissive and quiet. He advocates for a specific family structure based on these interpretations of biblical scripture. His views have been sharply criticized for misinterpreting religious texts and promoting sexism. As a proponent of Christian nationalism, Webbon advocates for a society governed by his interpretation of Christian principles. He has argued that the United States is no longer a "moral people" and that relying solely on constitutional processes like voting is not realistic. His ideologies are said to have influenced initiatives like Project 2025, which aims to reshape the federal government. His advocacy for a form of Christian governance is based on the idea that only a "moral and religious people" can successfully sustain a constitutional republic, echoing a statement attributed to John Adams. Webbon has engaged with figures and concepts within and outside his own theological circles. He is associated with theonomic ideas, which call for the application of biblical law in modern society. He has been involved in theological disputes with others in the Christian community. For example, he has been critiqued for his specific theological interpretations regarding regeneration and the power of the gospel. Right-Wing Figures: His commentary is often aligned with or overlaps with other alt-right and far-right voices.
The rise and fall of Christian nationalism
Last week, Mahler’s podcast was recommended by Gab CEO Andrew Torba as the “#1 Christian Nationalist podcast in the world” on his new website ChristianNationalist.com. More concerning still was the fact that Torba’s website was immediately praised by Christian nationalist pastors like Joel Webbon and Brian Sauvé, whose ministries were also recommended on the site. How did Christian nationalism go from an ambiguous pejorative invoked primarily by progressives, to a small but growing movement among Reformed Evangelicals, to a repository for gutter racism, misogyny, and antisemitism? The story is complicated. (Christian Post; 12/8/25) READMORE>>>>>
Last week, Mahler’s podcast was recommended by Gab CEO Andrew Torba as the “#1 Christian Nationalist podcast in the world” on his new website ChristianNationalist.com. More concerning still was the fact that Torba’s website was immediately praised by Christian nationalist pastors like Joel Webbon and Brian Sauvé, whose ministries were also recommended on the site. How did Christian nationalism go from an ambiguous pejorative invoked primarily by progressives, to a small but growing movement among Reformed Evangelicals, to a repository for gutter racism, misogyny, and antisemitism? The story is complicated. (Christian Post; 12/8/25) READMORE>>>>>
Christ the Christian Nationalist Sunday?
Schriver is, unfortunately, not an outlier. Outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a group of young men waved “America First” flags while chanting “Christ is King!” shortly before the pro-Trump crowd stormed the building in hopes of blocking Trump’s electoral defeat. The group mixing “America First” and “Christ is King” were followers of far-right commentator Nick Fuentes, a controversial antisemitic Catholic Christian Nationalist. Fuentes, who argues the U.S. is “a Christian nation,” pushes the “Christ is King” slogan to support his White Christian Nationalist vision. Other extremists and antisemitic figures also often post “Christ is King” on social media, meaning the growing popularity online of the phrase is occurring because of those also pushing hateful politics. And a Christian Nationalist conference earlier this year was held with the theme, “Christ is King: How to Defeat Trashworld!” It included prominent Christian Nationalist speakers like Steve Deace, Andrew Isker, Calvin Robinson, Joel Webbon, and Stephen Wolfe. ”(A Public Witness 11/18/25) READMORE>>>>
Schriver is, unfortunately, not an outlier. Outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a group of young men waved “America First” flags while chanting “Christ is King!” shortly before the pro-Trump crowd stormed the building in hopes of blocking Trump’s electoral defeat. The group mixing “America First” and “Christ is King” were followers of far-right commentator Nick Fuentes, a controversial antisemitic Catholic Christian Nationalist. Fuentes, who argues the U.S. is “a Christian nation,” pushes the “Christ is King” slogan to support his White Christian Nationalist vision. Other extremists and antisemitic figures also often post “Christ is King” on social media, meaning the growing popularity online of the phrase is occurring because of those also pushing hateful politics. And a Christian Nationalist conference earlier this year was held with the theme, “Christ is King: How to Defeat Trashworld!” It included prominent Christian Nationalist speakers like Steve Deace, Andrew Isker, Calvin Robinson, Joel Webbon, and Stephen Wolfe. ”(A Public Witness 11/18/25) READMORE>>>>
TPUSA Doubles Down on Christian Nationalism
Deevers and Wolfe, along with theobro Joel Webbon, were among the drafters of a 2023 document called The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel. It declared that the United States must formally “acknowledge the Lordship of Christ” in all its laws, “abolish abortion,” outlaw marriage equality, and “recapture our national sovereignty from godless, global entities who present a grave threat to civilization.” The statement affirms that “the Christian Nationalist project entails a national recognition of essential Christian orthodoxy” and supports laws against “public blasphemy.”
(Right Wing Watch 10/10/25) READMORE>>>>
Deevers and Wolfe, along with theobro Joel Webbon, were among the drafters of a 2023 document called The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel. It declared that the United States must formally “acknowledge the Lordship of Christ” in all its laws, “abolish abortion,” outlaw marriage equality, and “recapture our national sovereignty from godless, global entities who present a grave threat to civilization.” The statement affirms that “the Christian Nationalist project entails a national recognition of essential Christian orthodoxy” and supports laws against “public blasphemy.”
(Right Wing Watch 10/10/25) READMORE>>>>
Noble: 30 Pieces of Silver—is Gov’t praying or preying on the Evangelical vote?
In Moscow, Idaho, conservative evangelical pastor Doug Wilson last year praised the nomination of now-U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his opposition to women in combat. Then, in an interview broadcast last month, Wilson told CNN that in his vision of a Christian America, women would hold few leadership positions beyond being "chief executive" of the home and raising children. "Women are the kind of people that people come out of," he said. "It doesn't take any talent to simply reproduce biologically." Meanwhile, at Covenant Bible Church, an evangelical church in suburban Austin, Texas, pastor Joel Webbon has echoed Wilson's view that in a Christian nation, women shouldn’t be able to vote. (USA Today 9/9/25) READMORE>>>>>
In Moscow, Idaho, conservative evangelical pastor Doug Wilson last year praised the nomination of now-U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his opposition to women in combat. Then, in an interview broadcast last month, Wilson told CNN that in his vision of a Christian America, women would hold few leadership positions beyond being "chief executive" of the home and raising children. "Women are the kind of people that people come out of," he said. "It doesn't take any talent to simply reproduce biologically." Meanwhile, at Covenant Bible Church, an evangelical church in suburban Austin, Texas, pastor Joel Webbon has echoed Wilson's view that in a Christian nation, women shouldn’t be able to vote. (USA Today 9/9/25) READMORE>>>>>
Christian nationalism: Why a Church and state merger is anti-American
Christian Nationalism is no longer just a leftist buzzword used to discredit conservatives. While progressives have long wielded the term dishonestly as a smear against anyone to the right of Bernie Sanders, its definition has shifted. Today, it is being co-opted to describe an actual authoritarian movement seeking to upend the constitutional order and merge Church and state into a new sacralist regime. This version of Christian Nationalism — promoted by figures like Joel Webbon and Stephen Wolfe — pushes for theocracy, monarchism, and neo-integralism, rather than the constitutional republic the Founders established. Unlike the religious influence that shaped early America, which protected liberty while upholding moral order, this movement seeks government-mandated religious conformity while throwing individual freedom to the wind. And in doing so, it betrays the very principles conservatives (and Christians, mind you) have historically defended.
(Christian Post 3/30/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Christian Nationalism is no longer just a leftist buzzword used to discredit conservatives. While progressives have long wielded the term dishonestly as a smear against anyone to the right of Bernie Sanders, its definition has shifted. Today, it is being co-opted to describe an actual authoritarian movement seeking to upend the constitutional order and merge Church and state into a new sacralist regime. This version of Christian Nationalism — promoted by figures like Joel Webbon and Stephen Wolfe — pushes for theocracy, monarchism, and neo-integralism, rather than the constitutional republic the Founders established. Unlike the religious influence that shaped early America, which protected liberty while upholding moral order, this movement seeks government-mandated religious conformity while throwing individual freedom to the wind. And in doing so, it betrays the very principles conservatives (and Christians, mind you) have historically defended.
(Christian Post 3/30/25) READ MORE>>>>>
==stovall & kerri weems======
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.
==peter wehner======
“The former president’s son,” Wehner writes, “has a message for the tens of millions of evangelicals who form the energized base of the GOP: the scriptures are essentially a manual for suckers. The teachings of Jesus have ‘gotten us nothing.’ ”
- Peter Wehner, evangelical Christian & former adviser to President George W. Bush
- Peter Wehner, evangelical Christian & former adviser to President George W. Bush
“The ethic of Jesus has gotten in the way of successfully prosecuting the culture wars against the left. If the ethic of Jesus encourages sensibilities that might cause people in politics to act a little less brutally, a bit more civilly, with a touch more grace? Then it needs to go. Decency is for suckers.”
--Peter Wehner; The Atlantic
--Peter Wehner; The Atlantic
==mikey weinstein======
How Christian Nationalism Spread In The US Military
As tensions between Moscow and Washington, D.C. rise along the Ukrainian border, an officer responsible for some of the most powerful weapons in the U.S. arsenal tells his men that he knows how to respond to the situation because he has seen it all before — in the Book of Revelation. While the scenario sounds like the plot of a Tom Clancy novel, this is no work of fiction, according to Mikey Weinstein, a former air force officer who is the founder and head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
(Joseph Hammond/Religion Unplugged) Read More>>>>>
As tensions between Moscow and Washington, D.C. rise along the Ukrainian border, an officer responsible for some of the most powerful weapons in the U.S. arsenal tells his men that he knows how to respond to the situation because he has seen it all before — in the Book of Revelation. While the scenario sounds like the plot of a Tom Clancy novel, this is no work of fiction, according to Mikey Weinstein, a former air force officer who is the founder and head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
(Joseph Hammond/Religion Unplugged) Read More>>>>>
==justin welby======
Archbishop of Canterbury and pope focus on Gaza in Christmas messages
The archbishop of Canterbury and the pope are using their Christmas addresses to show solidarity with Bethlehem and those caught up in the Israel-Gaza war. Referring to Jesus Christ’s birthplace, which is now in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Justin Welby will say “the skies of Bethlehem are full of fear rather than angels and glory”. (Jane Clinton/The Guardian 12/25/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
The archbishop of Canterbury and the pope are using their Christmas addresses to show solidarity with Bethlehem and those caught up in the Israel-Gaza war. Referring to Jesus Christ’s birthplace, which is now in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Justin Welby will say “the skies of Bethlehem are full of fear rather than angels and glory”. (Jane Clinton/The Guardian 12/25/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==jack wellman======
Jack Wellman is pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane, Kansas. With degrees in Biblical studies, history, and education, Pastor Jack's primary focus is theology, apologetics and evangelism.
Jack Wellman
When I was witnessing to a stranger the other day, he was convinced that he was a pretty good person, but compared to whom? Compared to his own ideas of what is good and what is bad. God’s idea is that we need to be perfect, having the required righteousness of Christ. I reminded him that none of us are really good, not even one of us (Rom. 3:10); it’s just that we’ve been forgiven by a very good God. He said, “Well, at least I’m not a murderer,” but I told him that each of us will have to stand and give an account for what we’ve done in this life (Rom. 14:12; 1 Cor. 5:10) and that God will not say, “Well, compared to your neighbor there, you’re a pretty good guy.” No, we will stand alone, and God won’t say, “Okay, I’ll wait until you find someone who’s worse than you and then judge you according to how bad they are.” Try that in a court of law. I can guarantee that it won’t work.
Paul said that not only is it foolish to compare ourselves with others, but we dare not even try to classify ourselves in a certain standing before God based upon what we think (2 Cor. 10:12a). Jesus said that we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matt. 5:48) and that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20), so that presents a problem. Nothing sinful or imperfect can even enter heaven (Rev. 21:27). We must compare ourselves to the model of Christ and not others, and that’s a pretty high bar to reach, but there is a solution. For those who have repented and trusted in Christ, they will be seen as having the same righteousness as Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Problem solved. - Jack Wellman; Rhetorical Jesus; Do You Compare Your Life To People Around You, or to Me? 10.8.23
Paul said that not only is it foolish to compare ourselves with others, but we dare not even try to classify ourselves in a certain standing before God based upon what we think (2 Cor. 10:12a). Jesus said that we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matt. 5:48) and that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20), so that presents a problem. Nothing sinful or imperfect can even enter heaven (Rev. 21:27). We must compare ourselves to the model of Christ and not others, and that’s a pretty high bar to reach, but there is a solution. For those who have repented and trusted in Christ, they will be seen as having the same righteousness as Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Problem solved. - Jack Wellman; Rhetorical Jesus; Do You Compare Your Life To People Around You, or to Me? 10.8.23
Jack Wellman
When Jesus was speaking about adultery, He said that it’s not only the physical act that is sinful, but in our minds we can sin too. The Lord said “that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt 5:28). To be sure, sin begins in the mind before it’s ever manifested in the flesh. We think about it…ponder it, and then act on it. The fruit the human heart naturally produces evil works, so whatever starts in the mind can end up being “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Gal 5:19-21a), and the bad news about those who bear such fruit is that “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:21b). The fruit reveals the root, and until we’ve received the Holy Spirit, we cannot possible bear righteous fruit like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). -Jack Wellman; Christian Crier
Jack Wellman
"Here is where David admits that his sin is not going away and “is ever before” him, meaning that unconfessed sin is sin that is not forgiven. David does eventually confess in his repentant state of mind. He admits that his sins are primarily (but not only) against God and by confessing, he wants to be justified and be seen as blameless in God’s sight." -Jack Wellman
"Here is where David admits that his sin is not going away and “is ever before” him, meaning that unconfessed sin is sin that is not forgiven. David does eventually confess in his repentant state of mind. He admits that his sins are primarily (but not only) against God and by confessing, he wants to be justified and be seen as blameless in God’s sight." -Jack Wellman
==jared C wellman======
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SBC Executive Committee member once again criticized for sexually crude social media posts
Likewise, Jared Wellman, an Arlington, Texas, pastor who chairs the Executive Committee, denounced Fredrick in a tweet: “There is never a proper context to objectify another person. This is especially true for the Christian, who knows by God’s Word that people are made in God’s image.” (Mark Wingfield/Baptist News Global 2/3/23) READ MORE>>>>> |
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==Dorothy sanders wells=======
Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi elects its first woman, Black person as bishop
In a historical election, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi chose Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells as its new bishop Saturday, making her the first woman and first Black person elected to lead the church. The selection continues a trend in Mississippi as Sharma Lewis was elected as the first Black woman to become the Mississippi United Methodist Church bishop in November 2022. Wells will become bishop-elect on May 1 and work alongside Seage before being ordained on July 20. (USA Today 2/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In a historical election, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi chose Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells as its new bishop Saturday, making her the first woman and first Black person elected to lead the church. The selection continues a trend in Mississippi as Sharma Lewis was elected as the first Black woman to become the Mississippi United Methodist Church bishop in November 2022. Wells will become bishop-elect on May 1 and work alongside Seage before being ordained on July 20. (USA Today 2/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==thomas wenski======
Archbishop's win at 'Alligator Alcatraz' exposes GOP religious freedom hypocrisy
It is good that the Archdiocese of Miami has, at last, been able to minister to detainees in the “Alligator Alcatraz.” More than welcome good news for detainees, it also proves that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be held accountable when religious leaders bring pressure. That lesson is good. But it needs to be taken several steps further. On July 22, Religion News Service reported that Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski had joined a protest calling attention to how detainees in “Alligator Alcatraz” were being denied access to religious services. The problem was not confined to Florida, nor was it particularly new. Archbishop Wenski’s direct involvement, like San Diego Bishop Michael Pham’s urging of priests to bear witness at immigration courts, reflects a new moment in Catholic activism. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has opened a new moment in Catholic activism in the United States, even at the church’s highest levels. This is something to pay attention to. It is showing results.
(Religion News Service 8/7/25) READMORE>>>>>
It is good that the Archdiocese of Miami has, at last, been able to minister to detainees in the “Alligator Alcatraz.” More than welcome good news for detainees, it also proves that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be held accountable when religious leaders bring pressure. That lesson is good. But it needs to be taken several steps further. On July 22, Religion News Service reported that Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski had joined a protest calling attention to how detainees in “Alligator Alcatraz” were being denied access to religious services. The problem was not confined to Florida, nor was it particularly new. Archbishop Wenski’s direct involvement, like San Diego Bishop Michael Pham’s urging of priests to bear witness at immigration courts, reflects a new moment in Catholic activism. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has opened a new moment in Catholic activism in the United States, even at the church’s highest levels. This is something to pay attention to. It is showing results.
(Religion News Service 8/7/25) READMORE>>>>>
== Howard-John Wesley=====
Dr. Howard-John Wesley is the product of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a bachelor of science in biomedical and electrical engineering. While in medical school, Dr. Wesley yielded to the call of God and walked away from a path to a medical career to attend seminary at the prestigious Boston University School of Theology where he was a Martin Luther King, Jr. scholar and a summa cum laude graduate in biblical studies and African American religious history. He received his doctor of ministry in preaching from Northern Baptist Seminary. His passion for and excellence in preaching has a orded him the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor at Hartford Seminary, Boston University, and Virginia Theological Seminary. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Virginia Union University and the Vice-Chairman of John Leland Center for Theological Studies, the Board of Visitors of the Duke Divinity School, and the Board of Directors of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missionary Convention. Dr. Wesley is the son of the late Rev. Dr. Alvin and Dr. Helene Wesley and represents the fourth generation of Baptist preachers in his family. He is an avid golfer, moviegoer, spades player, and aspiring chef. He is a Lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., as well as a member of Sigma Pi Phi Boule, the rst successful and oldest African American Greek-lettered organization. His sons, Howard-John II (Deuce) and Cooper Reece, are the greatest joys of his life.
Dec 17, 2021: Because of Them We Can: Historic Virginia Church Creates ‘VERSES’ Bible Based Trivia Card Game
The historical Alfred Street Baptist Church, located in Alexandria, Virginia, which traces its history back to the early 1800s, has now entered into the world of gaming. The game was inspired by Pastor Howard-John Wesley, who alongside his ministerial team and creative producer, were looking for a way to make creating Bible study lessons easier while Wesley was in his PhD program during the pandemic. That’s when they decided to create a Bible based trivia game show entitled “VERSES.”
The historical Alfred Street Baptist Church, located in Alexandria, Virginia, which traces its history back to the early 1800s, has now entered into the world of gaming. The game was inspired by Pastor Howard-John Wesley, who alongside his ministerial team and creative producer, were looking for a way to make creating Bible study lessons easier while Wesley was in his PhD program during the pandemic. That’s when they decided to create a Bible based trivia game show entitled “VERSES.”
Apr 6, 2015: Christian Post: Obama Family Attends Prominent African-American Megachurch for Easter; Pastor Touches on Questions of Same-Sex Marriage, Healthcare, Resurrection of Christ
President Barack Obama and his family attended the prominent Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, on Easter Sunday. The pastor, Rev. Howard-John Wesley, touched on a number of social issues in his sermon, including same-sex marriage, healthcare, and the resurrection of Christ.
President Barack Obama and his family attended the prominent Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, on Easter Sunday. The pastor, Rev. Howard-John Wesley, touched on a number of social issues in his sermon, including same-sex marriage, healthcare, and the resurrection of Christ.
==ralph douglas west=====
May 2, 2018: Christianity Today: Tim Keller, John Piper, and Andy Stanley Among the 12 ‘Most Effective’ Preachers
Ralph Douglas West, founder and senior pastor of The Church Without Walls in Houston. A multisite megachurch pastor and adjunct professor of preaching at Truett, West has reflected on Martin Luther King Jr. as a preacher, and a sermon of his on Christian maturity was featured in Preaching Today.
Ralph Douglas West, founder and senior pastor of The Church Without Walls in Houston. A multisite megachurch pastor and adjunct professor of preaching at Truett, West has reflected on Martin Luther King Jr. as a preacher, and a sermon of his on Christian maturity was featured in Preaching Today.
==thomas west======
Thomas West (PhD, Southeastern Seminary) is the pastor of Redeemer Queen’s Park in London, England. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children, and they share their story at TheWestLondonLife.com.
Thomas West
Cultural apologetics is concerned with helping unbelievers want the gospel to be true even before they completely understand the good news in all its fullness. Keller accentuated this approach by focusing on grace, not just as a theoretical or propositional concept but as a deeply affective and living reality that’s beautiful to behold.
Here’s how Mason describes it: “He showed us how grace applied to a whole range of personal and pastoral situations—and how that changed the way we think about God, ourselves, and other people. We’re deeply indebted to him for that.”
It’s hard to think of another Christian leader whose works are as widely influential among British evangelicals in the present day.
Fuller traces out the effects of God’s grace even further. “Keller was a helpful corrective in his irenic tone. To British evangelicals, who often feel they are a beleaguered minority holding back a liberal tide, he was a great model of holding firmly to confessional truths of the Scriptures with generosity and with grace.”
Keller helped British people see that the God-satisfied center of Reformed theology has implications for all of life and ministry. -Thomas West: Gospel Coalition; 5 Ways Keller Influenced British Evangelicals 8.23.23
Here’s how Mason describes it: “He showed us how grace applied to a whole range of personal and pastoral situations—and how that changed the way we think about God, ourselves, and other people. We’re deeply indebted to him for that.”
It’s hard to think of another Christian leader whose works are as widely influential among British evangelicals in the present day.
Fuller traces out the effects of God’s grace even further. “Keller was a helpful corrective in his irenic tone. To British evangelicals, who often feel they are a beleaguered minority holding back a liberal tide, he was a great model of holding firmly to confessional truths of the Scriptures with generosity and with grace.”
Keller helped British people see that the God-satisfied center of Reformed theology has implications for all of life and ministry. -Thomas West: Gospel Coalition; 5 Ways Keller Influenced British Evangelicals 8.23.23
