On the 'social justice' church calendar

Fall Sheppard Lecture: "Liberty and Justice for Some?"

Oct. 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church, 1112 E Broadway

First Baptist Church will delve into issues surrounding the potential repeal of the Johnson Amendment, a law that restricts tax-exempt organizations like churches from endorsing or donating to political candidates. The keynote speaker will be Amanda Tyler, the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. The Washington, D.C.-based organization advocates for religious liberty legislation and the separation of church and state. It has been working to educate people about the Johnson Amendment and why it's important, McEntyre said.

Inter-church book club

In January, Second Baptist, First Baptist and Broadway Christian, as well as a variety of other churches in Columbia, will be reading Jim Wallis' "America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America." Broadway Christian received a grant to pay for the books, and the event will connect "prayer partners" for the year.