NEW ALBANY, Ind. (ABP) — Israel's tourism ministry said July 27 that water at a spot traditionally regarded as the baptismal site of Jesus was "fit for baptism," countering claims by environmentalists that it is polluted, unsafe and should be…
Catholics in Nagaland claiming persecution at hands of Baptists
ANATANGRE, India (ABP) — Baptists in the Indian state of Nagaland are defending themselves against charges of anti-Catholic bigotry after villagers tore down a Catholic church because the town allows only churches of the Baptist denomination. The controversy has generated…
Christians demand apology for anti-women teaching
ORLANDO, Fla. (ABP) — A group of women and men calling themselves the Freedom for Christian Women Coalition has demanded an apology for religious teaching they say is harmful to women. Shirley Taylor, founder of Baptist Women for Equality, presented the…
Jimmy Carter credits Jimmy Allen for election
Jimmy Allen responds at an event introducing a new book about his life and career. JASPER, Ga. (ABP) — Jimmy Carter said July 23 he doubts he would have been elected 39th president of the United States without the aid…
Progressive North Carolina church welcomes far-right protest group
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) — A prominent North Carolina congregation long known for its progressive stances welcomed a group of anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-Islam protesters to its worship service July 18 — even as a nearby conservative church shunned the group. An…
Rick Warren hospitalized with eye injury
(Editor's note: The version of this story originally published July 22 incorrectly stated Warren had reported his condition via Twitter on July 20. The fourth paragraph has been corrected to note that Warren tweeted the news July 22.) LAKE FOREST,…
Columbaria bring members of church family home for final rest
DALLAS (ABP) — With the decline in church-based cemeteries, many churches became disconnected from death in the last century — but some congregations are seeking to correct that problem. Pastor George Mason (center) leads the dedication service for the columbarium…
‘PandaMonium’ VBS theme draws complaints because of word’s genesis
LOVELAND, Colo. (ABP) — An interdenominational Christian publisher has decided to change the title of its 2011 Vacation Bible School curriculum from "PandaMonium" after customer complaints that the word it plays upon literally refers to hell. Group Publishing officials announced…
Virginia Baptist college names Clorisa Phillips new president
BRISTOL, Va. — An administrator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education will become the next president of Virginia Intermont College, trustees of the Virginia Baptist-affiliated school announced July 21. Clorisa Phillips is introduced as president of…