TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (ABP) — A Florida state appeals court ruled Nov. 12 that the state's school-voucher program is unconstitutional because it provides funding to religious schools. The Florida First District Court of Appeals ruled 8-5 that the state's Opportunity Scholarship…
Governor calls amendment unnecessary, despite endorsement by Florida Baptists
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has called an attempt — recently endorsed by Florida Baptists — to amend that state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage “not necessary.” Bush, in Jacksonville for a speech Nov. 15, said he…
Despite objections, Illinois Baptists reduce board of directors by half
TINLEY PARK, Ill. (ABP) — Amid concerns that too much power is being concentrated in the hands of fewer leaders, messengers to the Illinois Baptist State Association's annual meeting approved a constitutional change to reduce its board of directors by…
Molly Marshall elected president at Central Seminary, makes history
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (ABP) — Molly Marshall was elected president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary Nov. 12, becoming the fist female president of an accredited Baptist seminary. Marshall, 54, succeeds Thomas Clifton, who retired at the end of 2003 after…
North Carolina Baptists to keep plans that fund moderate causes — for now
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (ABP) — Messengers to the annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina voted Nov. 16 to keep the convention's four giving plans. But a move to eliminate the plan favored by moderates still looms as…
Italian Baptists ask American brethren to help bring an end to Iraq war
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Baptists in Italy — a nation President Bush counts as an ally in the Iraq war — are asking their American counterparts to help bring an end to that conflict. In a letter sent Nov. 12, the…
Tennessee Baptists to investigate teaching at three colleges
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Tennessee Baptists turned back an attack on “anti-Christian” teaching in public schools but agreed to investigate the biblical views taught in their three affiliated Baptist colleges. Messengers to the Tennessee Baptist Convention Nov. 9-10 in Sevierville…
Conservatives unhappy with Specter as chair of Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Religious conservatives are raising loud objections to the elevation of a pro-choice Republican to the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter is in line to become the committee's new chairman when the…
Arkansas Baptists endorse ban on gay marriage for state, nation
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (ABP) — Messengers to the 151st annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Nov. 9-10 endorsed the Federal Marriage Amendment, approved a $19.7 million budget and re-elected a slate of officers. The marriage resolution expressed gratitude…