Delegates at the denomination’s convention voted overwhelmingly to finalize the ousters of one of its largest churches, Saddleback, and a small church in Kentucky, despite impassioned appeals from their leaders.
Some conservatives in the evangelical denomination fear a liberal drift, and are set to vote on a strict ban against women in church leadership. Two churches are appealing their expulsions.
Lamor Whitehead, famous for flashy suits and jewels, had himself been the victim of a brazen armed robbery. Now, he faces federal financial fraud charges.
Raphael Warnock, a son of Savannah public housing who rose to become Georgia’s first Black senator, secured a full six-year term and a spot among Democrats’ rising stars.