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
· Mar 19
Abuse survivors retreat from advocacy for SBC reform after feds close case: A 'hard death'
With feds closing inquiry into abuse in Southern Baptist Convention and collapse of oversight-related reforms, survivors grieve an end to advocacy.
www.tennessean.com
With the feds' inquiry into in the SBC ending and the denomination’s administrative arm moving forward on reforms with little emphasis on oversight, it’s not just another setback for survivors. It’s time to step away.
Based on recent talks with survivors: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Based on recent talks with survivors: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Reposted by Liam Adams
The #UMC Council of Bishops has elected Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. as its next president, Bishop Mande Muyombo as president-designate and Bishop Lanette Plambeck as secretary. They will take their new offices in May 2026 after the conclusion of the bishops' spring meeting.
November 6, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The #UMC Council of Bishops has elected Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. as its next president, Bishop Mande Muyombo as president-designate and Bishop Lanette Plambeck as secretary. They will take their new offices in May 2026 after the conclusion of the bishops' spring meeting.
ICYMI: In a landmark restructuring in the UMC following a costly splintering, United Methodists outside the U.S. have more say over their practices. It's what many are calling the "decolonizing" of a major global Protestant group. #UMC www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Post-splintering, UMC ratifies restructuring, gives autonomy to non-US churches
Plan to give regional autonomy to United Methodists outside U.S. passes, a historic win following splintering sparked by disputes over LGBTQ+ rights.
www.tennessean.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:04 PM
ICYMI: In a landmark restructuring in the UMC following a costly splintering, United Methodists outside the U.S. have more say over their practices. It's what many are calling the "decolonizing" of a major global Protestant group. #UMC www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
NEW: An early anticipated worldwide vote on restructuring the UMC — giving more autonomy to United Methodists outside the U.S. — overwhelmingly passed. It's a milestone not just for the UMC, but other religious groups dealing with similar conflict. #UMC www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Post-splintering, UMC ratifies restructuring, gives autonomy to non-US churches
Plan to give regional autonomy to United Methodists outside U.S. passes, a historic win following splintering sparked by disputes over LGBTQ+ rights.
www.tennessean.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:53 PM
NEW: An early anticipated worldwide vote on restructuring the UMC — giving more autonomy to United Methodists outside the U.S. — overwhelmingly passed. It's a milestone not just for the UMC, but other religious groups dealing with similar conflict. #UMC www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Reposted by Liam Adams
BREAKING NEWS: United Methodist voters around the globe have ratified Worldwide Regionalization — a package of constitutional amendments aiming to put the denomination’s different geographical regions on equal footing. www.umnews.org/en/news/new-...
New United Methodist Church structure ratified | UMNews.org
United Methodist voters around the globe have ratified worldwide regionalization — a package of constitutional amendments aiming to put the denomination’s different geographical regions on equal footi...
www.umnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:17 PM
BREAKING NEWS: United Methodist voters around the globe have ratified Worldwide Regionalization — a package of constitutional amendments aiming to put the denomination’s different geographical regions on equal footing. www.umnews.org/en/news/new-...
For those who may not realize, it's a really important moment in the United Methodist Church. We are expecting final results on a potentially historic restructuring, so here's a 🧵 on what that is and why we went to Zimbabwe last week...
#UMC
#UMC
November 5, 2025 at 4:39 PM
For those who may not realize, it's a really important moment in the United Methodist Church. We are expecting final results on a potentially historic restructuring, so here's a 🧵 on what that is and why we went to Zimbabwe last week...
#UMC
#UMC
Reposted by Liam Adams
I’m so excited to read this!
November 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I’m so excited to read this!
Andrew Nelles and I visited the chief malaria research center in Zimbabwe, located on the campus of the UMC-affiliated Africa University in Mutare.
Here's the saga of its closure with the USAID cuts and how the church stepped in at a critical moment... www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Here's the saga of its closure with the USAID cuts and how the church stepped in at a critical moment... www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
A top Zimbabwe malaria research center killed by USAID closure, resurrected by UMC
A malaria research center in Mutare, Zimbabwe helps test insecticide resistance. The critical work almost ended with USAID closure.
www.tennessean.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Andrew Nelles and I visited the chief malaria research center in Zimbabwe, located on the campus of the UMC-affiliated Africa University in Mutare.
Here's the saga of its closure with the USAID cuts and how the church stepped in at a critical moment... www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Here's the saga of its closure with the USAID cuts and how the church stepped in at a critical moment... www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Back from Zimbabwe. And we have some real interesting stories to tell you about the United Methodist Church. Stay tuned 👀
Major appreciation for the Pulitzer Center and for my newsroom for making this reporting trip possible. It was a real adventure.
Major appreciation for the Pulitzer Center and for my newsroom for making this reporting trip possible. It was a real adventure.
November 1, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Back from Zimbabwe. And we have some real interesting stories to tell you about the United Methodist Church. Stay tuned 👀
Major appreciation for the Pulitzer Center and for my newsroom for making this reporting trip possible. It was a real adventure.
Major appreciation for the Pulitzer Center and for my newsroom for making this reporting trip possible. It was a real adventure.
On Monday, Andrew Nelles and I visited a United Methodist mission center in Murewa, Zimbabwe, where we spoke with students excited about United Methodism. Here's what that moment said about the UMC's brand in a season of turbulence: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
As fracturing harms UMC brand, how a Zimbabwe high school displays pride in denomination
The United Methodist name and brand means everything for communities with UMC-backed schools and hospitals. Here's how it shines in Murewa, Zimbabwe.
www.tennessean.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
On Monday, Andrew Nelles and I visited a United Methodist mission center in Murewa, Zimbabwe, where we spoke with students excited about United Methodism. Here's what that moment said about the UMC's brand in a season of turbulence: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
On Saturday, my colleague Andrew Nelles and I witnessed the UMC Zimbabwe East Annual Conference as it voted on whether to ratify a plan to restructure the denomination. Here's what it showed us about Zimbabweans' level of enthusiasm for United Methodism: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
What a United Methodist conference in Zimbabwe says about churches' desire to stay in UMC
Whereas United Methodists in some parts of Africa are leaving the denomination following a costly splintering, Zimbabweans' zeal is resolute.
www.tennessean.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:36 PM
On Saturday, my colleague Andrew Nelles and I witnessed the UMC Zimbabwe East Annual Conference as it voted on whether to ratify a plan to restructure the denomination. Here's what it showed us about Zimbabweans' level of enthusiasm for United Methodism: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
So, myself and Tennessean photojournalist Andrew Nelles are in Zimbabwe to report on the UMC, a project made possible w/ grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
'Whoo whoo, our elephant!' United Methodists in Zimbabwe unify ahead of historic decision
The United Methodist Church is on the verge of a historic decision following a costly splintering. Here's how it's shaping up in Zimbabwe.
www.tennessean.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:54 PM
So, myself and Tennessean photojournalist Andrew Nelles are in Zimbabwe to report on the UMC, a project made possible w/ grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
NEW obit for Morris Chapman, longtime former SBC Executive Committee CEO:
Chapman was fiercely protective of the SBC's financial and administrative health. When that goal hit obstacles amid factional disputes, he was unafraid to call out critics and allies alike. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Chapman was fiercely protective of the SBC's financial and administrative health. When that goal hit obstacles amid factional disputes, he was unafraid to call out critics and allies alike. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Morris Chapman, Southern Baptist statesman and longtime administrative leader, dies at 84
Chapman's legacy as SBC Executive Committee chief executive for 18 years is that he was a source of stability in the aftermath of schism.
www.tennessean.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
NEW obit for Morris Chapman, longtime former SBC Executive Committee CEO:
Chapman was fiercely protective of the SBC's financial and administrative health. When that goal hit obstacles amid factional disputes, he was unafraid to call out critics and allies alike. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Chapman was fiercely protective of the SBC's financial and administrative health. When that goal hit obstacles amid factional disputes, he was unafraid to call out critics and allies alike. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
SBC President Clint Pressley and other former SBC presidents have shared news that Morris Chapman, a Southern Baptist statesman and longtime former SBC Executive Committee chief executive, has died. He was 84.
We’ll have an obituary on him later this morning.
x.com/pastorclint/...
We’ll have an obituary on him later this morning.
x.com/pastorclint/...
Clint Pressley on X: "Just received word that Dr Morris Chapman has died. I’m thankful for his life, legacy and love for the Gospel. In a world where so many have fallen, he was faithful to the end. Southern Baptist like me owe men like him a debt of gratitude. Praying the Lord is close to his family" / X
Just received word that Dr Morris Chapman has died. I’m thankful for his life, legacy and love for the Gospel. In a world where so many have fallen, he was faithful to the end. Southern Baptist like me owe men like him a debt of gratitude. Praying the Lord is close to his family
x.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:13 PM
SBC President Clint Pressley and other former SBC presidents have shared news that Morris Chapman, a Southern Baptist statesman and longtime former SBC Executive Committee chief executive, has died. He was 84.
We’ll have an obituary on him later this morning.
x.com/pastorclint/...
We’ll have an obituary on him later this morning.
x.com/pastorclint/...
New Covenant Christian Church hosted a legal clinic to help people address outstanding court costs or have eligible criminal convictions expunged. @evanmealins.bsky.social wrote about the partnership with a local judge & the faith community on restorative justice: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
Expungement clinic brings court to North Nashville church so community feels welcomed
Attendees could get set up on a payment plan for court costs or get some criminal convictions expunged.
www.tennessean.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New Covenant Christian Church hosted a legal clinic to help people address outstanding court costs or have eligible criminal convictions expunged. @evanmealins.bsky.social wrote about the partnership with a local judge & the faith community on restorative justice: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
Danny Akin, an influential figure across the SBC and throughout evangelicalism and the longest serving president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in NC, to retire at the end of this school year.
From Biblical Recorder: www.brnow.org/news/danny-a...
From Biblical Recorder: www.brnow.org/news/danny-a...
Danny Akin announces retirement as Southeastern Seminary president • Biblical Recorder
WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel L. Akin announced today (Oct. 14) he will retire from the role at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. His official reti...
www.brnow.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Danny Akin, an influential figure across the SBC and throughout evangelicalism and the longest serving president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in NC, to retire at the end of this school year.
From Biblical Recorder: www.brnow.org/news/danny-a...
From Biblical Recorder: www.brnow.org/news/danny-a...
ICYMI: Last week while I was away, @evanmealins.bsky.social helped me out on news about a resolution in a case between Amy Grant/Andy Burton vs. Nashville Church of Christ over a valuable downtown property. A settlement gives the Burton estate control of the land. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Nashville lawsuit between Amy Grant, downtown church settled. Here's who won
A contentious legal battle over whether downtown church owners violated a 1925 deed ends in settlement that gives control to Burton family estate.
www.tennessean.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:47 PM
ICYMI: Last week while I was away, @evanmealins.bsky.social helped me out on news about a resolution in a case between Amy Grant/Andy Burton vs. Nashville Church of Christ over a valuable downtown property. A settlement gives the Burton estate control of the land. www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Yesterday, as part of our ongoing coverage of the explosion at AES in which 16 are presumed dead, I visited Waverly Church of the Nazarene. The church is directly dealing with the impact of the blast after it navigated hardship from the 2021 flood: www.tennessean.com/story/news/2...
Gov. Lee finds 'tears, stunned silence' after Hickman County blast: Live updates
Law enforcement and other authorities are working Oct. 12 to secure the site of the blast.
www.tennessean.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Yesterday, as part of our ongoing coverage of the explosion at AES in which 16 are presumed dead, I visited Waverly Church of the Nazarene. The church is directly dealing with the impact of the blast after it navigated hardship from the 2021 flood: www.tennessean.com/story/news/2...
My colleagues are out at the Hickman County explosives manufacturing plant, where officials are searching for 19 missing people after an explosion. Here's where you can find the latest update from The Tennessean: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
19 missing in explosion at Hickman County plant, officials say — everything we know
Everything we know after the Hickman County Sheriff's Office said an explosion occurred at an explosives manufacturing plant.
www.tennessean.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
My colleagues are out at the Hickman County explosives manufacturing plant, where officials are searching for 19 missing people after an explosion. Here's where you can find the latest update from The Tennessean: www.tennessean.com/story/news/l...
Scenes from 175 miles of cycling out in Colorado and Utah 🚴🏽.
October 10, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Scenes from 175 miles of cycling out in Colorado and Utah 🚴🏽.
A lot of information about who's benefitting from Tennessee's new school voucher law isn't available, but @rachelannwegner.bsky.social has found many of the participating schools are religious and concentrated in populous counties: www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Tennessee school vouchers benefit mostly religious schools in high-population counties
Around 80% of Tennessee private schools taking students with publicly-funded vouchers are religious, a Tennessean analysis shows.
www.tennessean.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A lot of information about who's benefitting from Tennessee's new school voucher law isn't available, but @rachelannwegner.bsky.social has found many of the participating schools are religious and concentrated in populous counties: www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
ICYMI: On Friday morning, I witnessed a demonstration at Lipscomb Academy, a private Christian school for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, over a decision to change the head of high school's job in a controversy related to dress code, Charlie Kirk: tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Protest at Nashville's Lipscomb Academy after dress code incident tied to Charlie Kirk
Demonstration at Lipscomb Academy raises concerns about head of high school job change following dress code and Kirk-related controversy.
tennessean.com
September 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
ICYMI: On Friday morning, I witnessed a demonstration at Lipscomb Academy, a private Christian school for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, over a decision to change the head of high school's job in a controversy related to dress code, Charlie Kirk: tennessean.com/story/news/e...
The Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in Nashville opens Oct. 3 after four years of planning and a capital campaign for the 11,000-square-foot space. Melonee Hurt walks readers through the biggest exhibits and what it says about the story of CCM: www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
First-of-its-kind Christian and Gospel Music Museum to open in Nashville. What unearthed treasures to expect
The Gospel Music Association is set to open its first-ever Museum of Christian and Gospel Music and the Mike Curb GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville.
www.tennessean.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in Nashville opens Oct. 3 after four years of planning and a capital campaign for the 11,000-square-foot space. Melonee Hurt walks readers through the biggest exhibits and what it says about the story of CCM: www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Voddie Baucham Jr., a leader within Calvinist Baptist spaces in the SBC who was known for critiquing what he saw as “woke” influence on Christianity, died yesterday at 56. He recently had been tapped to lead the new Founders Seminary.
From @bmietana.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/09/25/v...
From @bmietana.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/09/25/v...
Voddie Baucham Jr., conservative Black pastor and seminary leader, dies at 56
(RNS)— Baucham, who had a history of health issues, had recently started a new role as president of a startup seminary.
religionnews.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Voddie Baucham Jr., a leader within Calvinist Baptist spaces in the SBC who was known for critiquing what he saw as “woke” influence on Christianity, died yesterday at 56. He recently had been tapped to lead the new Founders Seminary.
From @bmietana.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/09/25/v...
From @bmietana.bsky.social: religionnews.com/2025/09/25/v...
There were important updates this week on abuse-related court battles facing the SBC, right as new revelations from the Sills defamation case emerged. A summary of some of those revelations and the SBC's argument to defeat Sills' case like it did Hunt's: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Southern Baptists fight 2nd major defamation case as other abuse-related lawsuits conclude
New revelations emerge in David Sills' lawsuit against SBC as denomination hopes to defeat second major defamation case involving abuse allegations.
www.tennessean.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
There were important updates this week on abuse-related court battles facing the SBC, right as new revelations from the Sills defamation case emerged. A summary of some of those revelations and the SBC's argument to defeat Sills' case like it did Hunt's: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
ICYMI: The National Baptist Convention, USA annual session was a window into the Nashville-based denomination's shifting direction under new leadership, including on women's role in the convention and new partnerships (sometimes causing controversy). www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
With new leadership, top Black Protestant group address women in pulpit and gerrymandering
Under the leadership of a new president, the National Baptist Convention, USA unveils new partnerships and addresses Trump policies at annual session.
www.tennessean.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:21 PM
ICYMI: The National Baptist Convention, USA annual session was a window into the Nashville-based denomination's shifting direction under new leadership, including on women's role in the convention and new partnerships (sometimes causing controversy). www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...