ATHENS, Texas (ABP) – An East Texas town is being dubbed Ground Zero in this year’s round of skirmishes known collectively as the Christmas Wars. Attention turned to Athens, Texas, about 50 miles southeast of Dallas, after the Wisconsin-based Freedom…
Carter Center, Hong Kong Baptist University launch joint venture
ATLANTA (ABP) – Former President Jimmy Carter was in Hong Kong Dec. 12 to formally launch a joint venture between the Carter Center and Hong Kong Baptist University. The Carter Center — Hong Kong Baptist University Initiative aims to draw…
School district settles suit with Tennessee ACLU
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – A Tennessee school district has settled a lawsuit over the proper role of religion in public schools. The Sumner County Board of Education voted Dec 6 to accept an agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union…
Pastor found guilty of child abuse
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP) – A California jury deliberated nearly four days before finding an American Baptist pastor guilty on 11 of 12 child molestation charges Dec. 8. Tommy Gene Daniels, 49, faces sentencing Jan. 13 for crimes involving five girls…
Task force completes study of SBC name change
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – A task force appointed to study a possible name change for the Southern Baptist Convention has completed its work and will bring recommendations to the SBC Executive Committee Feb. 20. “We are excited to make these…
Churches balance reality, reverence when Christmas falls on Sunday
DALLAS (ABP) — “You mean we have to go to church Christmas Eve and Christmas morning?” Many worship leaders know their own children likely will ask that question this year. They also know quite a few families in their congregations…
Ecumenical dialogue clarifies Baptist beliefs, says prof
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Ecumenical dialogue between Baptists and other Christian traditions clarifies Baptist distinctives rather than dilutes them, says a Gardner-Webb University professor who participated in recent preliminary conversations between Baptists and Orthodox Christians. Steven Harmon “The purpose of…
Church kicked out of association appeals for funds
OWENSBORO, Ky. (ABP) – A Baptist church kicked out of its association for allowing a gay-rights group to meet in its building has launched a national fundraising campaign to prevent having to close its doors. Bob Coons, pastor of Journey…
CBF gets grant to assist ministers in first church
ATLANTA (ABP) – The Lilly Endowment has awarded the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship a $750,000 grant to create a program for ministers serving in their first church after seminary. The CBF Fellows Program will offer cohort learning, peer learning, coaching, mentoring…