By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention’s top spokesman for moral and public policy concerns says Russian President Vladimir Putin lacks moral authority to criticize Western countries for abandoning Christian values. “It really kind of makes my blood boil when…
Union University student charged with murder
By Bob Allen A Union University Christian ministry major is being held without bond in Jackson, Tenn., on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the homicide of his fiancée, who was found dead from a…
Former youth pastor gets 12 years for sexting teen he met through church
By Bob Allen A former youth minister at a Baptist church in Texas, who admitted to exchanging sexually explicit text messages and photos with an underage girl from his church, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. Joshua…
Gay Baptist minister sues for right to wed
By Bob Allen A Kentucky Baptist minister and gay-rights activist filed a lawsuit Feb. 14 claiming the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Maurice “Bojangles” Blanchard — who with his partner, Dominique James, was fined 1 cent for trespassing in…
Pharmacist fired for refusing to sell Plan B sues Walgreens
By Bob Allen A Tennessee pharmacist and Baptist church deacon is suing Walgreens in federal court claiming the drug store chain failed to accommodate his religious objection to dispensing Plan B — also known as the “morning-after pill.” Pharmacist Philip Hall,…
Victim of former missionary’s theft loses health, wealth, but keeps sense of humor
By Bob Allen An Alabama woman who lost her home, business and health as a result of a bookkeeper’s scam says in a new book that she never would have met the man who stole tens of thousands of dollars…
Past CBF leader praises SBC’s racial progress
By Bob Allen A past moderator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and pioneer in black church relations in the Southern Baptist Convention prior to a 1991 schism attended the recent meeting of a task force on race appointed by SBC…
BWA, CBF collaborate on UN work
By Bob Allen The Baptist World Alliance and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have joined forces to enhance a Baptist presence at the United Nations, leaders of the two groups announced recently. BWA and CBF leaders finalized a partnership agreement in July…
SNAP asks Baptists not to appeal abuse verdict
By Bob Allen An organization that supports and advocates on behalf of clergy sex abuse victims has asked the Florida Baptist Convention to reconsider plans to appeal a $12.5 million award to a man sexually abused by a minister convicted…