Faith
Settlement Reached for Historic Nashville Church
Faith Facts
- A judge approved a settlement regarding the historic Central Church of Christ building in downtown Nashville.
- The century-old property will be sold, with 80% of proceeds going to the estate of founder A.M. Burton and 20% to the Nashville Church of Christ.
- A.M. Burton’s heirs, including faith leader Amy Grant, hope a charitable buyer continues the property’s legacy of service.
The court determined that the Nashville church violated a deed requiring the building benefit the Church of Christ. As a result, ownership reverted to A.M. Burton’s estate, while a probate court will oversee a market-value sale.
Most sale proceeds will go to the Burton estate, managed by Amy Grant and Andy Burton, while Nashville Church of Christ will receive a share. The estate’s tax liability is capped, and the adjacent parking remains with the church.
Longtime members departed after church leadership changes and a shift to online-only worship, leading to concern over the building’s neglected state. Tax debts have accrued, and the family sought to honor the founder’s purpose for the property.
“We care deeply about protecting A.M. Burton’s legacy. We were passionate and determined to stand up for our family and help right this wrong.”
A.M. Burton’s heirs established the Matthew 25 Fund to promote Christian charity and community service, hoping proceeds support works of faith in Nashville.
“Our hearts remain broken for the members who abruptly lost their beloved church home in 2018. … But we hope this significant milestone will shift the focus toward healing and moving forward.”
The Nashville church asserts its commitment to the global mission of making disciples and plans to use its share to further outreach and ministry. The community prays this outcome redeems the past and looks toward a future rooted in faith and service.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
-
Self-Reliance7 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News8 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith7 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family8 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News8 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom8 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family6 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith6 months agoMassive California Baptism Bash Shatters Records, Ignites Thousands!