By Bob Allen Voters want and need reliable and truthful information about candidates at all levels of government and from all political perspectives. But in an information age that overwhelms the electorate with sheer volume at breakneck speed, what factors…
Head of Baptist medical/dental group stepping down
By Bob Allen Dr. Fred Loper is stepping down May 31 as executive director of the Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship to become medical director of a local charitable Christian medical clinic in the Oklahoma City area. Fred Loper Loper, formerly…
Minister says ‘personhood’ bill violates separation of church and state
By Bob Allen A Baptist minister said Feb. 28 that Oklahoma’s proposed “personhood bill” would violate religious freedom because it makes a particular theological view of when life begins the law of the land. Bruce Prescott, executive director of Mainstream…
CBF council member hurt in wreck
A By Bob Allen North Carolina pastor is recovering from injuries received in an accident while returning home from last week’s meeting of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinating Council. Roger Gilbert, pastor of First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, N.C.,…
Faith leaders condemn Franklin Graham for questioning Obama’s faith
By Bob Allen Heads of four historically black Baptist denominations joined other faith leaders Feb. 28 in an open letter condemning recent comments by Franklin Graham questioning whether President Obama is a Christian. Signed by leaders of the Progressive National…
Baptists oppose gay-marriage ban
By Bob Allen About 100 people attended a statewide rally Feb. 25 at a Baptist church to oppose an upcoming vote to ban gay marriage in North Carolina. The gathering at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., was the…
CBF council affirms task force report
By Bob Allen The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinating Council affirmed the 2012 Task Force report Feb. 24, pending adjustments from listening sessions the previous day that will be resubmitted for final approval by e-mail. A timeline calls for more work…
CBF leader says it’s time to revisit ban on hiring gays
Baptist college sues over contraceptive mandate
By Bob Allen A Baptist college in Louisiana is suing the federal government over a requirement that religious schools and hospitals cover contraceptives in insurance for their employees, including birth control pills that induce abortion. The Alliance Defense Fund filed…