RNS has a U.S. exclusive today about a soon-to-be-published ancient manuscript that argues Judas wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Our Vatican correspondent Stacy Meichtry reveals that the gnostic `Gospel of Judas’ will be published in April: The first translation of an ancient, self-proclaimed “Gospel of Judas” will be published in late April, bringing to light what some scholars believe are the writings of an early Christian sect suppressed for supporting Jesus Christ’s infamous betrayer. If authentic, the manuscript could add to the understanding of Gnosticism, an unorthodox Christian theology denounced by the early church. The Roman Catholic Church is aware of the manuscript, which a Vatican historian calls “religious fantasy.” According to scholars who have seen photographs of the brittle manuscript, it argues that Judas Iscariot was carrying out God’s will when he handed Christ over to his executioners. The manuscript could bring momentum to a broader academic movement that argues Judas has gotten a bum rap among both historians and theologians, as well as in popular culture.

Adelle M. Banks reports that the Southern Baptists have reversed their decision on the pastor who disagreed with recent policies on speaking in tongues: Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board have decided to reverse course on their plans to seek the ouster of a fellow member who criticized a new policy against speaking in tongues. Board Chairman Tom Hatley announced Thursday (Feb. 16) that he intends to ask trustees at their March meeting to drop their motion seeking the removal of the Rev. Wade Burleson, an Oklahoma pastor who differed with recent policies the board enacted. Burleson, who has critiqued the board through his blog, questioned policies enacted in November that forbid missionary candidates from speaking in a “private prayer language,” or tongues, and require them to be baptized by immersion. Burleson, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Okla., said of the turn of events: “I’m very grateful and I believe that it’s the wise course of action.”