BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Baptists fight because of centuries-old paradoxical tendencies in their nature, church historian Bill Leonard says. Competing characteristics — an inclination toward individualism and a craving for community — practically compel Baptists into conflict, noted Leonard, dean…
Some journalists miss deeper story when religion, politics mix, ABP editors say
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) –Although journalists often “miss the story” when religion and politics make the news, people of faith can respond to set the record straight, according to the editors of Associated Baptist Press. That challenge will be acute this…
Religious groups applaud Supreme Court decisions on war-on-terror detainees
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Religious groups praised the June 28 U.S. Supreme Court rulings that foreign detainees and “enemy combatants” must be given a “meaningful opportunity” to defend themselves in American courts. Both the National Council of Churches and the Council…
Colorado Supreme Court strikes down voucher law
DENVER (ABP) — Colorado's highest court has ruled unconstitutional a state law that would have set up a school-voucher program, including religious and other private schools. On a 4-3 vote, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled June 28 that the state's…
Supreme Court deals blow to law targeting Internet porn
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A federal law attempting to make it harder for kids to access Internet pornography cannot be enforced because it likely violates the First Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court said June 29. The justices ruled that a lower…
CBF general assembly looks outward toward BWA, ecumenical alliance
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship turned its sights outward during its general assembly June 24-26, voting to join a new national ecumenical organization and embracing the embattled Baptist World Alliance — one week after the international Baptist…
New cooperative effort gives churches chance to celebrate, support First Amendment freedoms
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Celebrating and supporting the “founding freedoms” guaranteed in the First Amendment is the emphasis of a new project launched by three Baptist organizations. The First Freedoms Project is an educational and fund-raising collaboration between Associated Baptist…
11 new CBF missionaries sent out during service at general assembly
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship commissioned two career missionary couples and seven other short-term missionaries during a celebration of missions at its general assembly June 25. Jade and Shelah Acker of Birmingham, Ala., will serve in West…
Head of group that fought Roy Moore addresses BJC supporters at luncheon
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — In facing down Roy Moore and winning, Richard Cohen admitted, he and other supporters of church-state separation won a legal battle but may have lost the public-relations war. “The real battle here wasn't in the court…