WASHINGTON (ABP) — The U.S. Supreme Court agreed May 23 to hear its first major abortion case since 2000 — even as the court's ideological divide hangs in the balance in the Senate. The case concerns two major issues. The…
Church in military town caters to ‘temporarily single parents’
BELTON, Texas (ABP) — Family ministry at First Baptist Church in Belton, Texas, includes helping meet the needs of a special breed of single parents — military spouses from nearby Fort Hood who function in that role temporarily. When a…
Departing troops also need support, say airport chaplains
DALLAS (ABP) — Warm welcomes for returning American troops have become familiar sights in some airports. But departing troops need more spiritual care, say some who are trying to meet that need. “On the welcome side, the USO, the families…
Returning soldiers need listeners, long-time chaplain says
ROSWELL, Ga. (ABP) — Ministering to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can be as simple as a conversation and a cup of coffee, according to a long-time military chaplain. Battle takes a toll on soldiers, said Bob Vickers, former…
Florida church won’t cover cross for high-school grad ceremonies
MELBOURNE, Fla. (ABP) — Calvary Chapel in Melbourne, Fla., won't cover the cross in its sanctuary to quiet critics who say holding four high-school graduation ceremonies in the building violates the Constitution. “We don't mind having them use the facility,…
Nominee’s record provides fodder for both sides in filibuster fight
WASHINGTON (ABP) — An epic Senate battle over President Bush's judicial nominees has begun. And the woman who is in the middle of it is providing fodder for both sides in the caustic debate. Opponents of nominee Priscilla Owen say…
Federal judge who lost husband, mother warns of link between rhetoric, violence
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The federal judge who recently lost her husband and mother to a disgruntled claimant had strong words of caution for “some members of Congress” and televangelist Pat Robertson May 18. Federal District Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow criticized…
World Baptists more interested in unity than U.S. squabbles, BWA head says
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Baptists of the world are more interested in unity and ministry than in denominational squabbles like the one dividing Baptists in the southern United States, said Denton Lotz, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. “It's…
Beheading of Christian leader in Bangladesh second in a year
JALALPUR, Bangladesh (ABP) — A Baptist lay pastor has been beheaded in Bangladesh, the second Christian leader to lose his life in that country in a year, according to a Christian news organization. Dulal Sarkar, 35, was attacked as he…