Bob Smietana

Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religion writer at The Tennessean, correspondent for RNS and contributor to OnFaith, USA Today and The Washington Post.

Veterans Affairs Asks Employees in Email to Report ‘Anti-Christian Bias’

Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Douglas Collins has instructed the agency’s employees to report any instances of anti-Christian bias, including any policies that are “hostile to Christian views” or punishments for displaying Christian symbols.

Chris Tomlin’s New Song Resurrects the World’s Oldest Known Hymn

The Oxyrhynchus Hymn is the oldest surviving Christian hymn with musical notation — and was rewritten by Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding just in time for Easter.

Willow Creek Pastor Dave Dummitt To Step Down, Shawn Williams Named Successor

David Dummitt, who became pastor of Willow Creek Church at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Sunday (March 23) that he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch.

Turned Down by State, Oklahoma Schools Chief Is Out To Raise Funds for Trump-Endorsed Bibles

Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters is looking for 55,000 Bibles, and he is seeking $60 donations for each of them.

Southern Baptist Convention Leaders Address Lack of Funds for Legal Bills

In mid-February, Southern Baptist Convention leaders received grim news. The denomination’s Executive Committee was essentially broke.

Why Are Southern Baptists Still Arguing About Women Preachers?

For the past 25 years, Southern Baptists have officially banned women pastors. That hasn’t stopped churches from having women serve in that role.

Trump’s IVF Executive Order Worries Pro-Life Advocates

While people in the pews might applaud the president’s actions on IVF, a number of high-profile faith leaders are not pleased.

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