Columbia Union News

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

This week the Supreme Court of the United States of America decided in favor of Jack Phillips, a Christian baker in Colorado, who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of his religious convictions. The case, watched closely by religious liberty experts, highlighted the tension between gay rights and same-sex interests and the rights of those with religious convictions who feel that providing certain services to same-sex individuals violates their right to practice their religion.

The couple filed a charge of discrimination, saying that Phillips violated the public accommodations law of Colorado that prohibits businesses from discriminatorily refusing services to protected classes, which include sexual orientation.

The Columbia Union Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS), NAD ACS and Allegheny East Conference's Miracle City church in Baltimore are partnering to help clean-up flood damage in Maryland. They need your help!

See the note from the NAD ACS for more information.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

This coming fall, all Columbia Union Conference elementary students will be studying Bible class with the new Adventist Encounter Bible Curriculum. High school classes across the union already use this program that promotes the Bible as the primary textbook, and encourages a deeper relationship with God through hands-on activities.

Story by Lisa Krueger

For the third year in a row, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has recognized and accredited WGTS 91.9 for upholding the highest financial standards. “This is an important honor and meaningful accreditation for WGTS,” says general manager Kevin Krueger. “We make it a priority to be accountable to our donors and uphold the standards of ECFA, which include standards for financial accountability, transparency, fundraising, and board governance. Our donors give so generously, and it is our desire to help them feel invested in the ministry by knowing how their funds are being used to further our work in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas.”