JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Associated Baptist Press has begun publishing a free weekly news summary for use by churches and other organizations. ABP Headlines includes abbreviated versions of the organization's latest news stories, along with occasional commentaries and reviews. Headlines…
Young adults waiting longer to marry, but may be more happy, stable
WASHINGTON (ABP) — New data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms young adults are waiting longer to get married. The result, however, may be healthier marriages. Since 1970, the average age at which men marry for the first time rose…
Alabama officials recounting vote to strip racist wording from charter
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP) — Old racial wounds in Alabama are being dredged up as election officials across the state recount votes on a Nov. 2 ballot proposal that, if passed, would remove antiquated racist language from the state Constitution. According…
Ecumenical broadcast features Dallas pastor George Mason
DALLAS (ABP) — George Mason, senior pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, will be the featured preacher for three episodes of a national television and radio program. Mason, pastor of Wilshire for 15 years, will preach on the “Day…
New Yorker shares hope, forgiveness with others in HIV/AIDS community
NEW YORK (ABP) — “Peace be with you,” says Frank Tomaselli as he ends a conversation. But these words are more than a greeting to Tomaselli. They're a way of life. Growing up in a household where his parents used…
State Baptist meetings offer mixed results for supporters of Baptist World Alliance
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — If the Baptist World Alliance, which lost its largest member and funder earlier this year, hoped to recoup some of that funding from state Baptist conventions, the organization got little encouragement during the recent round…
Supreme Court declines to intervene in Massachusetts marriage case
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court has denied a request to review a Massachusetts court's decision that legalized gay marriage in that state. Returning to the bench Nov. 29 after their Thanksgiving break, the justices declined without comment a request…
Black, white Memphis congregations confront barriers on World AIDS Day
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (ABP) — Motorists in Memphis are getting a prominent reminder of the AIDS pandemic's human toll — and the grace that God offers — from two Baptist churches situated on one of the city's busiest corners. For the…
Vermont, Virginia court rulings at odds in lesbian custody battle
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Vermont judge has ruled that gay couples united in civil unions should be treated no differently than heterosexual married couples who have had children by artificial insemination when it comes to custody disputes. The decision sets…
BGCT, university reach compromise over ties to conservative group
HOUSTON (ABP) — Houston Baptist University and the Baptist General Convention of Texas have agreed to a “memorandum of understanding” that maintains their long-standing relationship but with reduced funding for the school. According to Keith Bruce, coordinator of institutional ministries…
Conventions vocal about gay marriage, cautious about public education
(ABP) — As “values voters” in 11 states sent a political message rejecting same-sex marriage, Baptist conventions in at least seven states offered a resounding “Amen” by adopting resolutions against the practice. Most of the statements voiced support for constitutional…
Congress adds anti-abortion provision to federal appropriations package
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Shortly before leaving town for their Thanksgiving break, members of Congress slipped into a spending bill a provision that supporters say limits “discrimination” against anti-abortion hospitals but that opponents say will circumvent state laws intended to guarantee…