FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — The head of the Baptist World Alliance said Pentecost should inspire Christians to speak courageously to centers of power. Pentecost Sunday — May 31 on most Christians' liturgical calendar this year — commemorates the descent of the Holy…
Faith-based groups push for health-care reform
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (ABP) — Ads airing on Christian and mainstream radio stations in several states are attempting to frame health care as a moral issue. Sponsored by a broad coalition of faith-based groups led by PICO National Network, the…
Opinion: Graduation and a ‘naked public square’
(ABP) — Two years ago, we moved from west Tennessee to Atlanta for me to begin work at Mercer University. One of the many changes that this move brought to my family was a shift in schooling for my high-school-age…
Group says IRS should review Liberty University’s tax-exempt status
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A church-state watchdog group says the IRS should review Liberty University’s tax-exempt status for its decision to revoke recognition of its Democratic Party student club. University officials ordered the student group May 15 to cease using the…
Man accused of kidnapping grandchildren avoids prison
Tennessee officers escort Marvin Maples to a court hearing in February.VIDALIA, Ga. (ABP) — A Baptist pastor who hasn’t seen his two children since they disappeared 20 years ago with their maternal grandparents says he is disappointed with a plea…
‘Year of the Bible’ resolution roils Congress
{youtube}IUKnAaPvyNo{/youtube}WASHINGTON (ABP) — A battle over the Bible is brewing in the halls of Congress, and political blogs are buzzing about a Southern Baptist congressman’s desire to designate 2010 as “The National Year of the Bible.” Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.),…
Calif. high court upholds Prop 8, but does not revoke existing marriages
SAN FRANCISCO (ABP) — The same California court that handed gay-rights supporters a major victory last year handed them a significant, but expected, defeat May 26. Nonetheless, the state Supreme Court’s 6-1 decision to uphold a state constitutional amendment halting…
Experts: Sotomayor’s record on religion unlikely to stir controversy
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Supporters of separation between church and state reacted cautiously May 26 to President Obama’s selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor meets with President Obama prior…
Baptist Women in Ministry announces Davis Award recipients for 2009
ATLANTA (ABP) — A support group for Baptist women in ministry has awarded a recent graduate of Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and a student at Central Baptist Theological Seminary for excellence in ministry. Marquette Bugg, who graduated…
Officials deny report that BGCT holding up IMB funds
DALLAS (ABP) — Leaders said blogs accusing the Baptist General Convention of Texas of escrowing funds from the Lottie Moon Offering to improve its cash flow were erroneous and result of a record-keeping glitch. Officials at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive…
Leader says SBC not reaching younger pastors
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (ABP) — The lead author of a "Great Commission Resurgence" document circulating among Southern Baptist Convention leaders says a major overhaul of denominational structures must occur if the convention is going to engage younger pastors. Danny Akin,…
‘Great Commission Resurgence’ author says SBC needs overhaul
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (ABP) — The lead author of a “Great Commission Resurgence” document circulating among Southern Baptist Convention leaders says a major overhaul of denominational structures must occur if the convention is going to engage younger pastors. Danny Akin…