Gospel mag with female pastor cover pulled from shelf (23.09.08)

The recent edition of America’s Gospel Today Magazine, was pulled off the racks in more than 100 Christian bookstores because of the cover's image.

The leading Christian lifestyle magazine which featured five women pastors on its cover, was taken off the shelves of Lifeway Christian bookstores in the US.  According to reports, the stores' chain owner, the Southern Baptist Convention, took issue with the publication.

Southern Baptists take the view that the role of pastor is reserved for men only. A spokesman for Lifeway Resources, said, “It is contrary to what we believe.”

Magazine owner, Teresa Hairston, was notified of the bookstore chain's decision via email. “It’s really kind of sad," says Hairston, "when you have people like [Gov.] Sarah Palin and [Sen.] Hillary Clinton providing encouragement and being role models for women around the world that we have such a divergent opinion about women who are able to be leaders in the church.”

With over 123 stores across the States, the decision by Lifeway to remove Gospel Today magazine from their shelves may deliver a severe blow financially to the magazine.