Liam Adams
@liamsadams.bsky.social
Religion reporter at The Tennessean. From New England to D.C. to Colorado to Tennessee.
Pinned
Liam Adams
@liamsadams.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Andrew Nelles and I recently set out for Zimbabwe to learn how United Methodists were recovering from a splintering in the UMC amid a restructuring in the denomination. Along the way, we also learned the story of the church’s legacy of liberation in a post-apartheid nation.
Much of Nashville remains in disarray with 130,000+ power outages remaining, and the death toll rising with dangerously low temps and many other disruptions to daily life.
The Tennessean newsroom is stepping up, here's where you can find our live news today: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
The Tennessean newsroom is stepping up, here's where you can find our live news today: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
Widespread power outages continue as death toll rises in Middle TN
Bitter cold and widespread power outages persist as the death toll rises in Middle Tennessee after Winter Storm Fern. Emergency response continues.
www.tennessean.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Much of Nashville remains in disarray with 130,000+ power outages remaining, and the death toll rising with dangerously low temps and many other disruptions to daily life.
The Tennessean newsroom is stepping up, here's where you can find our live news today: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
The Tennessean newsroom is stepping up, here's where you can find our live news today: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
As conditions worsen here in Nashville, I'm helping with covering breaking news today. You can keep up with The Tennessean's coverage and other important safety updates at this live blog: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
More than 200K without power, trees and wires down in many areas. Live updates
Follow along for the latest updates as Middle Tennessee faces a second day of a major winter storm.
www.tennessean.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:41 PM
As conditions worsen here in Nashville, I'm helping with covering breaking news today. You can keep up with The Tennessean's coverage and other important safety updates at this live blog: www.tennessean.com/story/weathe...
Southern Baptists and other evangelicals' outcry over the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church (SBC-affiliated) in Minneapolis has grown beyond concerns of religious liberty, and fueled calls for churches to beef up protective measures. A roundup: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Minneapolis church protest draws evangelical outcry, calls for defense
Southern Baptist Convention leaders' outcry over Jan. 18 anti-ICE protest at Minneapolis church fuels calls for strengthening protective measures.
www.tennessean.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Southern Baptists and other evangelicals' outcry over the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church (SBC-affiliated) in Minneapolis has grown beyond concerns of religious liberty, and fueled calls for churches to beef up protective measures. A roundup: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
ICYMI: The Nashville and Metuchen, Trenton dioceses are facing a lawsuit over the alleged abuse of a deceased former Tullahoma priest, who is also at the center of other lawsuits in New Jersey. I review this case and other ongoing ones re Nashville: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Nashville, NJ dioceses face abuse suit over late Tullahoma, TN, priest
New civil case against Nashville, Metuchen and Trenton dioceses in U.S. court alleges late Rev. Frank Iazzetta showed pattern of abuse in NJ and TN.
www.tennessean.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:35 PM
ICYMI: The Nashville and Metuchen, Trenton dioceses are facing a lawsuit over the alleged abuse of a deceased former Tullahoma priest, who is also at the center of other lawsuits in New Jersey. I review this case and other ongoing ones re Nashville: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
GOP Rep. Gino Bulso is attempting to directly challenge a 2020 SCOTUS decision strengthening employment nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. Another bill allows private entities to stop recognizing same-sex marriage, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
TN bills seek to ban pride flags, remove LGBTQ+ discrimination protections
3 TN bills filed focus on the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people, which would challenge & limit the impact of 2 U.S. Supreme Court decisions on state law.
www.tennessean.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:48 PM
GOP Rep. Gino Bulso is attempting to directly challenge a 2020 SCOTUS decision strengthening employment nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. Another bill allows private entities to stop recognizing same-sex marriage, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
GOP lawmakers unveiled 10 bills yesterday inspired by conversations with the White House that would require gov't agencies to verify individuals' legal status before distributing assistance and track students' immigration status, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
GOP immigration bills propose host of new verification requirements
House and Senate leadership worked with President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff and architect of deportation initiatives Stephen Miller.
www.tennessean.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:39 PM
GOP lawmakers unveiled 10 bills yesterday inspired by conversations with the White House that would require gov't agencies to verify individuals' legal status before distributing assistance and track students' immigration status, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
Greg Locke's former head of security told @danielsilliman.bsky.social the 2024 shooting at Locke's former house was partly why he resigned because of how Locke used the story "for his own self-aggrandizement." Daniel reported out the real reasons behind the event: julieroys.com/2024-shootin...
2024 shooting at Greg Locke’s home wasn’t persecution against controversial pastor but an attack directed at stepson
Prosecutors say a 2024 shooting at Pastor Greg Locke’s home in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee wasn’t persecution but a dispute targeting his stepson.
julieroys.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Greg Locke's former head of security told @danielsilliman.bsky.social the 2024 shooting at Locke's former house was partly why he resigned because of how Locke used the story "for his own self-aggrandizement." Daniel reported out the real reasons behind the event: julieroys.com/2024-shootin...
Clergy led a protest to usher in Tennessee's legislative session yesterday, emphasizing the importance of caring for immigrants in an issue that will be central to contentious legislative debates this year, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
Immigration takes center stage as Tennessee legislative session begins
Republican leaders are not yet sharing details of a package of bills focused on immigration that leaders have been working on with the White House.
www.tennessean.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Clergy led a protest to usher in Tennessee's legislative session yesterday, emphasizing the importance of caring for immigrants in an issue that will be central to contentious legislative debates this year, @vivianejones.bsky.social reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
Vanderbilt announced yet another satellite campus, this one in San Francisco that it plans to enroll 1,000 students at. It adds to previously announced campuses in Palm Beach and New York, reports Hadley Hitson: www.tennessean.com/story/money/...
Vanderbilt University details San Francisco campus, national expansion
Vanderbilt University plans to open a campus in San Francisco by 2027, which would join New York City and West Palm Beach in its recent expansion.
www.tennessean.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Vanderbilt announced yet another satellite campus, this one in San Francisco that it plans to enroll 1,000 students at. It adds to previously announced campuses in Palm Beach and New York, reports Hadley Hitson: www.tennessean.com/story/money/...
As Tennessee's legislative session begins today, immigration is expected to be a major debate as Republican lawmakers have spoken with Stephen Miller and designed 8 or 9 restrictive bills. @vivianejones.bsky.social breaks it down: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
ICE protests planned at Capitol as Tennessee legislative session begins
Republican leadership has been working with the White House on a package of bills focused on immigration enforcement, House Speaker Cameron Sexton said.
www.tennessean.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:02 PM
As Tennessee's legislative session begins today, immigration is expected to be a major debate as Republican lawmakers have spoken with Stephen Miller and designed 8 or 9 restrictive bills. @vivianejones.bsky.social breaks it down: www.tennessean.com/story/news/p...
“We own that we have not always been a healthy culture... We don’t ignore that, but we learn from that," Nicole Martin, new president/CEO of CT, told @bmietana.bsky.social in a story looking at successes and turnover at the magazine in recent years. religionnews.com/2026/01/12/n...
New Christianity Today CEO Nicole Martin believes in the good news, even in hard times
(RNS) — Martin, a former leader at the American Bible Society who first joined CT's staff in 2023, says the magazine will focus on building a healthy culture, telling redemptive stories and reaching e...
religionnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“We own that we have not always been a healthy culture... We don’t ignore that, but we learn from that," Nicole Martin, new president/CEO of CT, told @bmietana.bsky.social in a story looking at successes and turnover at the magazine in recent years. religionnews.com/2026/01/12/n...
Literally just learned this news, despite @kateshellnutt.bsky.social sharing it last week. Christianity Today has been the highly professional journalistic institution it has been, much to the thanks of Kate. I wish her the best in the next stage of her career.
Haven't yet had the words to share my big news, but here goes: Last month, I left @christianitytoday.com after 13 years as an editor and reporter and started a new role at Praxis, an org that works with entrepreneurs motivated by their faith to address major social issues: www.praxis.co/about
About Praxis
Praxis is a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive quests, supporting founders, funders, and innovators motivated by their faith to address the major issues of our time.
www.praxis.co
January 13, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Literally just learned this news, despite @kateshellnutt.bsky.social sharing it last week. Christianity Today has been the highly professional journalistic institution it has been, much to the thanks of Kate. I wish her the best in the next stage of her career.
Tyler Poole, 21, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after firing more than 60 gunshots at pastor Greg Locke's former home in 2024, reports Andy Humbles: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
Man who shot 60+ times at TN pastor Greg Locke's home pleads guilty
Tyler Poole, of Hermitage, pleaded guilty to three of seven charges and got a sentence that totals five years, including time served.
www.tennessean.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Tyler Poole, 21, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after firing more than 60 gunshots at pastor Greg Locke's former home in 2024, reports Andy Humbles: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
An affidavit following an investigation into the arson fire at a Jackson, MS synagogue identified a suspect who "confessed to lighting a fire...due to the building's Jewish ties," reports the Clarion Ledger. Keep up with the local paper's latest: www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2...
Madison County man identified after setting fire at Beth Israel synagogue
Authorities said the suspect in the arson fire at Beth Israel Congregation admitted to targeting the institution because of its "Jewish ties."
www.clarionledger.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:05 PM
An affidavit following an investigation into the arson fire at a Jackson, MS synagogue identified a suspect who "confessed to lighting a fire...due to the building's Jewish ties," reports the Clarion Ledger. Keep up with the local paper's latest: www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2...
Mark Walker, a former North Carolina congressman and pastor of 16 years at Southern Baptist churches in North Carolina, announced his appointment as the State Department's advisor for global religious freedom, reports Baptist Press: www.baptistpress.com/resource-lib...
Walker accepts religious freedom role in Trump administration | Baptist Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former North Carolina Baptist pastor and congressman Mark Walker announced Thursday (Jan. 8) that he has accepted a new role within the Trump administration focused on advancing rel...
www.baptistpress.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Mark Walker, a former North Carolina congressman and pastor of 16 years at Southern Baptist churches in North Carolina, announced his appointment as the State Department's advisor for global religious freedom, reports Baptist Press: www.baptistpress.com/resource-lib...
Really enjoyed reading Paul Elie's profile of Pope Leo XIV in @newyorker.com, and how it delves into the Opus Dei-related politics of the Catholic Church in Peru prior to Prevost's appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
The Making of the First American Pope
Will Pope Leo XIV follow the progressive example of his predecessor or chart a more moderate course? His work in Chicago and Peru may shed light on his approach.
www.newyorker.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Really enjoyed reading Paul Elie's profile of Pope Leo XIV in @newyorker.com, and how it delves into the Opus Dei-related politics of the Catholic Church in Peru prior to Prevost's appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
An attorney for the Becket Center for Religious Liberty defended the SBC's case before the TN Supreme Court yesterday, saying the church autonomy doctrine protects the convention from Preston Garner's defamation case. My report on the hearing: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
SBC oversight group faces TN Supreme Court defamation case challenge
Former East Tennessee minister Preston Garner sued the SBC for defamation, leveling a major threat to the oversight group that reviews abuse reports.
www.tennessean.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:26 PM
An attorney for the Becket Center for Religious Liberty defended the SBC's case before the TN Supreme Court yesterday, saying the church autonomy doctrine protects the convention from Preston Garner's defamation case. My report on the hearing: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
In an ongoing scandal of Johnson City and its police department allegedly allowed Sean Williams, a convicted child abuser and alleged serial rapist, to abuse, the city is paying $30.6 million in a settlement to victims, Kelly Puente reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/c...
Survivors win $30.6M over Johnson City’s mishandled rape cases
Johnson City in East Tennessee has agreed to pay more than $30.6 million to sexual assault survivors in a major class action lawsuit.
www.tennessean.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:25 PM
In an ongoing scandal of Johnson City and its police department allegedly allowed Sean Williams, a convicted child abuser and alleged serial rapist, to abuse, the city is paying $30.6 million in a settlement to victims, Kelly Puente reports: www.tennessean.com/story/news/c...
After Bieber cut ties w/ Carl Lentz following scandal, Judah Smith "became the most powerful hypepriest left standing." @skestenbaum.bsky.social gives us an inside look at one of the few remaining modernity-spirited/open-minded, evangelical celebrity preachers: www.vulture.com/article/juda...
The Hypepriest Riding the Bieber Wave
Judah Smith’s message of compassion earned him many famous followers. Is he out of step with other Evangelicals?
www.vulture.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:56 PM
After Bieber cut ties w/ Carl Lentz following scandal, Judah Smith "became the most powerful hypepriest left standing." @skestenbaum.bsky.social gives us an inside look at one of the few remaining modernity-spirited/open-minded, evangelical celebrity preachers: www.vulture.com/article/juda...
The U.S. air strikes in Nigeria came after months of lobbying by faith-based groups (including SBC) for the Trump administration to intervene over claims of persecution against Christians. I outlined a little of that history and responses to the strikes: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
US intervention, strikes in Nigeria welcomed after faith groups' plea
Evangelical Christians, including the Southern Baptist Convention, and other U.S. faith groups have sought intervention following persecution claims.
www.tennessean.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The U.S. air strikes in Nigeria came after months of lobbying by faith-based groups (including SBC) for the Trump administration to intervene over claims of persecution against Christians. I outlined a little of that history and responses to the strikes: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
In the aftermath of the ACNA archbishop's suspension following allegations of misconduct, interim leader Bishop Julian Dobbs is accused of misusing charity funds.
@ianshapira.bsky.social's latest looks at an ACNA probe into a 102-page investigative file: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
@ianshapira.bsky.social's latest looks at an ACNA probe into a 102-page investigative file: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
He suspended the archbishop, but faced his own probes — financial ones
Julian Dobbs, interim leader of the Anglican Church in North America, denied claims and said he was cleared of alleged financial wrongdoing.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
In the aftermath of the ACNA archbishop's suspension following allegations of misconduct, interim leader Bishop Julian Dobbs is accused of misusing charity funds.
@ianshapira.bsky.social's latest looks at an ACNA probe into a 102-page investigative file: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
@ianshapira.bsky.social's latest looks at an ACNA probe into a 102-page investigative file: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
The Choir Room began with a simple invitation for any community members to participate in a gospel choir. Here’s the story of how it’s preserved that mission as it’s exploded in popularity: www.tennessean.com/story/news/2...
The Choir Room started to convene a gospel group. Now, it's a family
In just a taste of its larger gatherings, The Choir Room caroled at a downtown hotel and some guests even joined in.
www.tennessean.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Choir Room began with a simple invitation for any community members to participate in a gospel choir. Here’s the story of how it’s preserved that mission as it’s exploded in popularity: www.tennessean.com/story/news/2...
60 years ago, The Tennessean hired Bill Reed as its first FT religion reporter, which also made Bill the paper’s first FT Black reporter. I traced Bill’s trailblazing journey and that of his successors (my predecessors) in a story on the history of the beat.
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Over 60 years, how religion reporting in Nashville has shifted
Since Bill Reed's hiring as religion reporter at The Tennessean in 1965, how faith news has changed with religious institutions in Nashville.
www.tennessean.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
60 years ago, The Tennessean hired Bill Reed as its first FT religion reporter, which also made Bill the paper’s first FT Black reporter. I traced Bill’s trailblazing journey and that of his successors (my predecessors) in a story on the history of the beat.
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
The SBC’s public policy arm, which has been among many evangelical groups who have asked the Trump administration to intervene in conflict in Nigeria affecting Christians, has shown support for yesterday’s strikes. Southern Baptist missionaries are active in Nigeria. From Baptist Press:
ERLC hopeful persecution lessens following US actions | Baptist Press
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission expressed hope that religious persecution will lesson in Nigeria. Pres. Donald Trump ordered Christmas Day air strikes aimed at terrorist gro...
www.baptistpress.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The SBC’s public policy arm, which has been among many evangelical groups who have asked the Trump administration to intervene in conflict in Nigeria affecting Christians, has shown support for yesterday’s strikes. Southern Baptist missionaries are active in Nigeria. From Baptist Press:
NEWS re ACNA abuse, a source of national media attention due to a trial for Bishop Ruch (for mishandling abuse) & allegations against Archbishop Wood: Ruch found not guilty in a trial following a scandal that sparked this crisis, reports @kathrynpost.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/12/16/b...
ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch found not guilty on all counts after tumultuous church trial
(RNS) — The decision comes more than six years after a 9-year-old child first came forward with sexual abuse allegations against a lay minister in the Upper Midwest Diocese, which is led by Ruch.
religionnews.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:40 AM
NEWS re ACNA abuse, a source of national media attention due to a trial for Bishop Ruch (for mishandling abuse) & allegations against Archbishop Wood: Ruch found not guilty in a trial following a scandal that sparked this crisis, reports @kathrynpost.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/12/16/b...