WACO, Texas (ABP) — A Baylor University professor says a surprisingly large number of lesser-known “B” sides on vintage records of gospel songs championed civil rights, suggesting Christian artists were interested in bettering the here and now as well as…
Faith leaders criticize Congressman for anti-Muslim remark
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Four leaders of national Baptist, Jewish and interfaith organizations sent a letter to Rep. Allen West to raise concerns about comments he made about a Muslim colleague. Brent Walker of the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty…
Gay-affirming group picks exec
KENSINGTON, Md. (ABP) — A 20-year-old network of gay-affirming Baptist churches has chosen a new leader. Robin Lunn Robin Lunn, a church development coach and consultant and former pastor of churches in New Hampshire and Vermont, has been named executive…
Author pens sign-language novel
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (ABP) — Baptist author George Joslin of Springfield, Mo., has produced what may be the first American Sign Language-only novel. Titled A Deaf Man's Gospel, the novel is only available in American Sign Language (ASL) on DVD, rather…
Virginia House passes prayer amendment
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — The Virginia House of Delegates passed an amendment to the state constitution Feb. 1 which supporters said would ensure the right to pray on public property, including public schools. The amendment, adopted 61-33 in the Republican-dominated House,…
Wayland graduate forms bonds in the Balkans
PLAINVIEW—Melanie Vasquez faced a big dilemma in December. She was set to leave the Balkans and return home to Hobbs, N.M., and Plainview, where she attended Wayland Baptist University. She graduated in May 2010 and continued helping with student ministry…
Ten Commandments new addition to church property
HARRISBURG, Ill. (ABP) — A Baptist pastor in southern Illinois believes before heads of local government can be expected to support posting the Ten Commandments on taxpayer property the churches should be posting them on their own lands. Leroy Hicks,…
Kentucky Baptists cut jobs, freeze salaries
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — The Kentucky Baptist Convention announced job cuts Jan. 31 intended to free up more money for national and international ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention. Five full-time jobs and 19 part-time jobs are being eliminated. Employees…
Clergy abuse cases move through legal system
BENTON, Ark. (ABP) — A music minister convicted of molesting young boys at a Southern Baptist church in Arkansas got a parole hearing two years into a 10-year prison sentence, while a British Baptist minister jailed in Virginia for similar…