By Bob Allen Alabama’s Southern Baptist governor announced Aug. 6 that he is ending the state’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood, citing controversial videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the harvesting of organs from aborted fetuses. Gov. Robert Bentley indicated…
Videos say what presidential candidates would do to help the poor
By Bob Allen Former U.S. Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton outlined an agenda to “raise incomes and get our economy working for everyone” in a video message released Aug. 5 by a group of Christian leaders…
Glorieta homeowner seeks day in court
By Bob Allen A homeowner couple who claim they were treated unfairly in a Southern Baptist Convention entity’s decision to unload Glorieta Baptist Conference Center said in a court document Aug. 5 that no religious organization should be allowed to…
Federal agencies propose rules for faith-based social service providers
By Bob Allen The White House announced proposed rules Aug. 5 from nine federal agencies clarifying rights and responsibilities of faith-based and community organizations receiving taxpayer funds. The proposals, which must pass through a 60-day period of public comment before…
Bush says he ‘misspoke’ at SBC event
By Bob Allen Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign quickly back-tracked from comments he made Tuesday at a Southern Baptist Convention missions conference that half a billion dollars of taxpayer money is too much to spend on women’s health issues. Democrats jumped…
SBC leader disappointed by Planned Parenthood vote
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention’s top public policy spokesman vowed to continue to seek defunding of Planned Parenthood after Senate Democrats blocked a proposal to redirect the $500 million a year in taxpayer funding that the women’s health…
Ky. Baptist children’s home hires CEO
By Bob Allen A Kentucky Baptist child care agency has hired a replacement for a CEO who resigned in December 2013 amid controversy prompted when he suggested a policy change to allow the hiring of gays. Directors of Sunrise Children’s…
Advocate for women ministers honored for lifetime achievement
By Bob Allen Pam Durso, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry, accepted a lifetime achievement award from Christians for Biblical Equality July 25 in Los Angeles. Durso, who has led the Atlanta-based organization since 2009, was among nine individuals…
Youth pastor’s arrest affects two churches
By Bob Allen Two prominent Southern Baptist churches in Oklahoma are cooperating with police after the arrest of a youth pastor charged with sending inappropriate text messages to four boys at his former congregation. Police in Shawnee, Okla., arrested Brian…