NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Making good on a promise made a year ago, Jimmy Draper, president of Lifeway Christian Resources for 14 years, announced his retirement Feb. 7, to take effect next February. Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing…
Baylor regents OK Sloan resignation, to name search and advisory groups
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University regents Feb. 4 formally approved the transition of President Robert Sloan to chancellor beginning June 1 and asked two of their officers to name a search committee to seek his replacement. Sloan, who has…
Pastor-lawyer combines talents to help immigrants gain legal status
MCKINNEY, Texas (ABP) — Before Alex Camacho felt God's call to ministry, he planned to become a lawyer. Now he combines his passion for God, law and the Hispanic community into his roles as director of Immigration Services — a…
Austin woman believes citizens can shape immigration policy
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Carmelita Hernandez believes one person can make a difference, even when it comes to big issues like shaping United States immigration policy. And a new law proposed by the Bush administration may offer proof. Hernandez, a…
Congress expected to address ‘broken’ immigration system
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Expect to see change in United States immigration policy during this congressional session, said Baptist activist Suzii Paynter. “Our system is very broken, and the president has made it a priority” to fix the situation, said…
House panel OKs faith-based bill as another lawsuit is filed
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Even as a House panel passed a bill Feb. 17 that would allow religious groups receiving federal funds for job training to discriminate in employment decisions, two civil-rights groups filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania challenging the constitutionality…
Baptist family describes life as undocumented aliens
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Ernesto serves as a deacon at a Hispanic Baptist church in Austin. His wife, Maria, works in various ministries at the church. And like 1.1 million other people in Texas and more than 9.3 million in…
To churches, immigration is about more than policy
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Immigration is not just a political issue — it's about churches and ministry, said Suzii Paynter, director of citizenship and public policy for the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission. “So many of our…
What can churches do legally to help illegal immigrants?
Q. Can a church get in trouble for helping an undocumented immigrant? A. It depends on the kind of help offered. A church is free to provide basic benevolence services — food, clothing, shelter and medical help — to anyone….