ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Rather than retreating from the challenge of world religions in an increasingly pluralistic society, Christians should enter into honest dialogue with people who hold different beliefs, two speakers told a national conference examining “ultimate questions.” “We…
Religious freedom commission warns about Iraq in annual report
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The future of religious freedom in the rebuilt Afghanistan may be in grave danger — and the United States should avoid similar problems as it rebuilds Iraq, according to a federal panel's annual report. Those observations were…
Federal panels turn spotlight on Turkmenistan’s rights violations
WASHINGTON (ABP) — When one thinks of international violators of religious freedom, totalitarian communist regimes such as North Korea or China often come to mind — as do theocratic Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia or Iran. But members of…
As gay-marriage deadline nears, states, Congress scramble to respond
WASHINGTON (ABP) — As the May 17 deadline for the United States' first legal gay marriages approaches, members of Congress debated a nationwide ban on same-sex marriage, and one more state legislature narrowly rejected a similar amendment. “Gays are not…
Gay cruise draws new attention to SBC agency’s Carnival stock
DALLAS (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Annuity Board faces another round of criticism for owning $14 million worth of stock in Carnival Cruise Lines, which is hosting “the First Annual Official Gay Days Cruise” beginning May 30. The four-night Bahamas…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Creeds build barriers when misused, say Russell Dilday, Keith Putt
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Creeds have a clarifying role in Christian life but they build barriers between believers when used incorrectly, Baptist leaders told a national leadership conference. Using human words as a tool for enforcing orthodoxy is a misuse…
Capital punishment not the gospel way, Mason says
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — God made peace with mankind through Jesus' “non-violent self-sacrifice rather than violent retribution,” and that is how Christians should make peace with others, said Dallas pastor George Mason. Christian belief and practice should “shape us…