(ABP) — Starting a ministry to special-needs individuals is as simple as a smile, handshake or hug, according to many who lead such efforts in their churches. Parents of a disabled child often feel awkward in a church setting because…
Bush salutes National Day of Prayer, but some Christians decry politicization
WASHINGTON (ABP) — When Shirley Dobson — wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson — introduced a White House ceremony marking the National Day of Prayer May 6, she lamented the deep divisions in the United States and…
Moore loses final appeal to save job as chief justice
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP) — Alabama's controversial “Ten Commandments Judge” lost his final chance to keep his job April 30. In a unanimous opinion, a specially appointed temporary Alabama Supreme Court upheld a November decision by the state's Court of the…
Moderate Missouri convention taps Hill as interim executive
COLUMBIA, Mo. (ABP) — A two-year-old alternative Baptist state convention in Missouri has named a former executive director of the rival Missouri Baptist Convention as its interim executive director. Jim Hill, who resigned as the old Missouri convention's executive director…
Haynes: ‘World’s greatest experiment’ in religious freedom must be preserved
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Charles Haynes didn't know he would be receiving a painting of colonial Providence, R.I., and its historic First Baptist Church in America when he praised the founder of both that city and congregation. The First Amendment…
ABP directors approve joint project, suspend publication of magazine
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — At their semi-annual meeting April 29-May 1, directors of Associated Baptist Press agreed to enter into a new educational and fund-raising partnership with two sister Baptist organizations. The board also voted to suspend publication of FaithWorks,…
State legislators deal victories to gay-rights supporters, foes
WASHINGTON (ABP) — As the battle over same-sex marriage and other gay-rights issues rages across the country, both supporters and opponents of gay rights have logged several important victories in recent weeks. Since late April, gays and their allies have…
Alliance adopts statements on marriage, Cuba at meeting
DAYTON, Ohio (ABP) — In its recent annual meeting, the Alliance of Baptists adopted statements of concern about the politicization of gay marriage and the United States' relations with Cuba. The progressive group also elected a female chaplain from Baltimore…
Tennessee church learns from day of joint service
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (ABP) — Almost 300 members of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn., set aside their plans on a recent Saturday to give eight hours ministering to their community — following the model of other congregations across the region….