A version of this editorial originally appeared in The Orlando Sentinel on March 15, 2023 Florida tops many list of rankings. One hopes we would rank number one when it comes to religious liberty. Florida currently ranks fourth in the nation in religious liberty behind Mississippi, Illinois, and New Mexico, according to The Center … Read more
Religious Freedom in Florida: Let’s Be #1
As Turkey persecutes a Christian pastor, what price freedom?
This editorial appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on Easter morning, April 14, 2017. On this Easter morning, I and hundreds of millions of Christians worldwide will be with our local church celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. My colleague, Andrew Brunson, however, will not. Andrew and his wife, Norine, have peaceably ministered in Turkey as Presbyterian … Read more
American Christians Welcome All Faiths
This editorial originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on January 7, 2016. With religious refugee policy playing a role in this presidential primary season, let us revisit an essential American tenet established by colonial settler Roger Williams. By 1636 Williams had had enough of John Witherspoon’s Massachusetts Bay Colony (current day Boston) where religious conformity … Read more
In a Democracy, We All Need Christmas
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel, December 21, 2014. Christians celebrate God becoming human in Jesus on Christmas day. Much of the world also celebrates Christmas, but does so by giving other meaning to the holiday. Love and compassion, serving others, and world peace are a few of those secular hallmarks. Christians … Read more
IDignity: Easing the Ferocity of the Voter ID Debate
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on December 31, 2013. Healthy democracies demand elections that are secure, trusted, and corruption free. The problem comes with the government setting a voting requirement that the government is unwilling, or unable, to help its most vulnerable citizens meet. Across the U.S. states are increasingly requiring state-issued photo ID to vote. For … Read more
Bold Papal Gestures, Past & Future
Benedict XVI begins to consider his legacy as pope while the cardinals prepare for their conclave in which the next pope will be chosen. As the conclave considers its future leader the question remains: will they choose a pope from the Southern Hemisphere where clearly the future of Christianity lies? Papal actions and, likewise papal … Read more
A Leader For Our Time : Bailey Good Choice to Help Homeless
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on March 26, 2013. The Central Florida Commission on Homelessness announced this week the hiring of Andrae Bailey as their new CEO. Andrae Bailey is a great choice. I know him to be a collaborative leader who moves beyond institutional loyalties to reach higher goals. This … Read more
Rollins College: Illiberal Education?
Rollins College recently booted Intervarsity Christian Fellowship off campus. ICF is a 136 year old ministry founded by students at Cambridge, England, known more for its laborious lectures and academic publications than any sense of extremism or cultic behavior. This decision by the Rollins College administration is one that is being increasingly adopted by universities … Read more
The End of the World As We Know It?
Originally published as an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel on December 21, 2012. The buildup to December 21, 2012, fascinates me. The American public has been captivated by the idea the world will end with the conclusion of the Mayan calendar on Friday. I’m willing to guess most Americans wouldn’t know a Mayan calendar if … Read more
Billy Graham Epitomizes and Ends Christendom
Billy Graham has been called America’s Pastor. His voice in the American conversation and his access to twelve U.S. presidents is unmatched. He is the ultimate example of Christian faith wedded to societal and governmental power. This marriage of faith and power has a name: Christendom. Theologians, sociologists and historians use this term to describe … Read more
