WASHINGTON (ABP) — Vice President Dick Cheney had to cut short an official trip to Pakistan and rush back Washington to cast a tiebreaking Senate vote for budget cuts Dec. 21. The chamber was deadlocked 50-50 on the $40 billion…

HARRISBURG, Pa. (ABP) — A federal judge has ruled that, while “intelligent design” may itself be intelligent, it isn't science — and shouldn't be taught as science in the public schools. The Dec. 20 decision by U.S. District Judge John…

(ABP) — Hurricane Katrina forced many people to focus on an often-ignored image — poverty in America. But will that awareness produce long-term solutions to poverty? Or will the attention fade away when the next big story comes along? “It…

WASHINGTON (ABP) — Supporters and opponents of teaching “intelligent design” in public-school classrooms were either appalled or thrilled at a federal judge's strongly worded decision condemning the practice. Federal District Judge John Jones III issued his sweeping opinion in Kitzmiller…

ATLANTA (ABP) — On Dec. 26, 2004, in an instant, a roaring wave and a rush of water changed life for coastal residents of South Asia. For some, the water took everything — personal belongings, houses, cities, friends and family….

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (ABP) — A vice president of the North American Mission Board, who has strong roots in Illinois, has been recommended as the next executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Nate Adams, 47, has been vice president…

(ABP) — Two unprecedented natural disasters overshadowed all man-made news in 2005, according to a survey of Baptist editors. Hurricane Katrina and the South Asia tsunami — and the benevolent response that followed each — were the most important Baptist…

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Andrew Westmoreland, president of Arkansas Baptists' Ouachita Baptist University, has been nominated to become president of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. The Samford search committee will recommend Westmoreland during a special meeting of trustees Jan.10, the…

(ABP) — Regardless of size or budget, any church can make sure visitors hear the message of Christ during the season, according to those involved in church Christmas productions. The live camel, flying angel and quadraphonic sound are nice, but…

(ABP) — The starting date and finish line for singing carols in church depend on whether a congregation follows the Christian calendar or the Hallmark calendar — and how constrained worship leaders feel by their choice. Many churches begin singing…

BATESVILLE, Ark. (ABP) — Kinley Stevens, 2, couldn't wait to go Christmas shopping for her mom, dad, sister and even her dog, Ace. But the experience would be far from typical as she and her grandmother, Pearline Mohlke, would go…

ATLANTA (ABP) — Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Convention have agreed to terms that will end their 172-year-old relationship. The convention will end funding of the school after 2007, but Mercer will get control of trustee elections and all…