BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Planners of a Jan. 31 gathering of diverse Baptist groups hope a national mood set by the election of America's first African-American president will spill over into renewed relationships between black and white Baptists. "We are…
Christian social entrepreneurs measure success by a different yardstick
HONG KONG (ABP) — A growing number of Christian businesspeople — who see entrepreneurial ventures as missional opportunities — believe doing good and doing well don’t have to be mutually exclusive. These Christian social entrepreneurs are committed to using their…
Religious torture opponents pleased, concerned by Obama executive order
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Religious opponents of torture expressed simultaneous approval and concern Jan. 22 about a series of executive orders by President Obama upending his predecessor’s policies on detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects. On his second full day in…
Interfaith leaders urge Obama to act quickly on Middle East peace
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders are urging President Obama to act early in his administration to work for peace in the Middle East. Groups including Churches for Middle East Peace called on Obama in a Jan. 21 letter…
Former youth worker pleads guilty to molestation charge
LAKELAND, Fla. (ABP) — A former volunteer youth worker at a Florida Southern Baptist megachurch pleaded guilty Jan. 21 to molesting three boys, putting his fate in the hands of a judge instead of a jury. After jury selection and…
Multi-racial throng elated to watch barrier crumble
WASHINGTON (ABP) — “Now I don’t have to lie when I tell my children they can do anything,” one black father, with tears in his eyes, declared to the celebrants around him on the National Mall the moment Barack Obama…
Multi-racial inaugural throng elated to watch racial barrier crumble
WASHINGTON (ABP) — “Now I don’t have to lie when I tell my children they can do anything,” one black father, with tears in his eyes, declared to the celebrants around him on the National Mall the moment Barack Obama…
Obama inaugural events bracketed by prayers, controversy, ecumenism
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States began Jan. 18 with an invocation and ended Jan. 21 with a benediction. Controversy over religion between those bookend events highlighted America’s ongoing give-and-take over…
Youth from three denominations celebrate unity at Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. (ABP) — Youth from three Christian denominations spent Martin Luther King Day Weekend exploring commonalities of their respective faiths through worship, education and community-building activities. Nearly 2,500 students in grades 6-12, group leaders and chaperones traveled to Orlando,…
Youth from three denominations celebrate unity at Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. (ABP) — Youth from three Christian denominations spent Martin Luther King Day Weekend exploring commonalities of their respective faiths through worship, education and community-building activities. From left, Kendale Bridges, Macie Wilkins and Tonda Folk of First Baptist…
CBF leader writes President Obama with ‘heartfelt requests’
ATLANTA (ABP) — Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal sent an Inauguration Day letter congratulating Barack Obama and urging the newly sworn-in president to lead America in building a more civil and just society. Writing on behalf of the…
Ethnic missions pioneer Oscar Romo dies
CUMMING, Ga. (ABP) — Oscar Romo, a pioneer in starting ethnic Southern Baptist churches, died Jan. 16 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. Romo, 79, worked for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, forerunner to today's North…