WINTER PARK, Fla. (ABP) — It isn't unusual for young ministers to work a second job to supplement their income, but few do it in a wrestling ring. Chris Whaley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Longwood, Fla., wrestled…
Baptist leaders react to Calif. ruling, but religious freedom not impacted
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A federal judge’s Aug. 4 ruling declaring unconstitutional a California ban on same-sex marriage is either disastrous or a monumental step forward, depending on which Baptist leader you ask. But, according to church-state experts, it doesn’t directly…
Baptist colleges among most religious in annual ranking
NEW YORK (ABP) — Baptist-affiliated Samford University ranked No. 6 in the list of the most religious campuses in the Princeton Review's annual ranking of "The Best 373 Colleges in the United States." Samford's campus is home to the Beeson…
Kenya adopts Constitution despite opposition from Christian groups
NAIROBI, Kenya (ABP) — Kenyans voted overwhelmingly Aug. 4 to approve a new, reform-minded Constitution even though some conservative Christian groups in the African nation and the United States have opposed it because of concerns related to Islamic law and…
Alliance of Baptists urges easing of Cuba travel restrictions
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (ABP) — The Alliance of Baptists has applauded recent changes in relations between the United States and Cuba and urged Congress to end travel restrictions to the island nation for all Americans. Meeting July 29-Aug. 1 in…
Ground Zero controversy part of rise in anti-Islamic sentiment, experts say
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The most recent prominent spat in the United States over building a new Islamic facility — the so-called “Ground Zero mosque” in New York — is indicative of a broader movement that is becoming increasingly suspicious of…
Supreme Court to hear Westboro Baptist Church case Oct. 6
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court has set a court date to hear arguments that a controversial Baptist church's street protests at military funerals are protected by the Constitution. Westboro protesters at a demonstration in Charleston, S.C., from a picture…
Evangelical group still waiting for apology
CONROE, Texas (ABP) — An organizer of a recent women's-rights convention for evangelical Christians said the group is still awaiting a response more than a week after demanding a public apology from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood for…
Global Baptist group confirms Va. Baptist executive as president
HONOLULU (ABP) — The Baptist World Alliance has elected John Upton, a denominational executive with experience on the mission field and in the pastorate, as its new president. John Upton was elected president of the BWA at the 20th Baptist…
Baptists discuss where Christianity embraces, offers critique of culture
HONOLULU (ABP) — Should Christians ever abandon their cultures for the sake of the gospel? Baptists from all over the planet struggled with what to “embrace” and what to “release” of their cultures during a discussion session held in conjunction…
Australian pastor to world’s Baptists: Become ‘jubilee people’
HONOLULU (ABP) — Christians are called to join Jesus as “jubilee people,” Australian pastor Allan Demond told participants at the 20th Baptist World Congress in Honolulu July 31. Allen Demond (PHOTO/Peter Traynham) “Imagine if there was a place on Earth…
Science-versus-religion battle unnecessary, Baptists say
HONOLULU (ABP) — Science and religion do not need to quarrel, a molecular engineer and an ethicist told participants at the 20th Baptist World Congress. Clayton Teague, director of the United States National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, and Bill Tillman, professor…