Thursday’s News & Ideas - 6/12/2025

Luther Seminary plans to vacate its St. Paul campus
Twin Cities Pioneer Press: After more than 125 years in St. Paul, Luther Seminary is looking to lean into online education and relocate to a much smaller physical campus.

In LA, faith leaders protest to stand up for the detained and keep the peace
Religion News Service: At one demonstration, faith leaders spread out in front of the line of officers, held hands and occasionally burst into song.

Southern Baptists vote to endorse a ban on gay marriage
Politico: They also called for legislators to curtail sports betting and to support policies that promote childbearing.

Christian Reformed Church to discuss professors who disagree with doctrine*
Christianity Today: Calvin University proposes differences on sexual ethics can be worked out with three-year process of discernment, mentoring, and prayer.

Clergy blown away by psilocybin
Nautilus: A 10-year-old study on clergy taking psychedelics finally comes into the light.

The Spark

Portland spent $1.3 billion to improve the lives and safety of its homeless people. Then deaths quadrupled.
The city responded to an increase in homeless deaths by intensifying encampment sweeps and adding emergency shelter at the expense of permanent housing. Experts tell ProPublica this has perpetuated the problem.

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