I have been surprised and even occasionally shocked to hear the reasons some give for not attending the annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Some cite family responsibilities that tether them to home as the reason they…
Washington Baptist University continues its mission to Koreans
Most Virginia Baptists don't know about Washington Baptist University, but they should. Located in Annandale, it does not have a lawn or quadrangle or football stadium. But what it lacks in campus sprawl it more than makes up for in…
Baptist World Aid seeks funds for Congo
FALLS CHURCH (ABP) — The head of an international Baptist relief agency has sent out an urgent fundraising appeal to ease the suffering of victims of civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just back from a conference in…
Dobson claims election sets pro-lifers back years
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (ABP) — Focus on the Family founder James Dobson said Nov. 6 that Barack Obama's election could set America's pro-life movement back 35 years. In the first of a two-part broadcast on his radio show, Dobson admitted…
Azerbaijani pastor’s trial delayed, attorney cries foul
The long-awaited trial of an Azerbaijani Baptist pastor arrested in June has had another delay. Hamid Shabanov, 52, was supposed to stand trial Oct. 31 on what supporters say are bogus weapons charges. But his family and lawyer told the…
Gay marriage dealt setback in California
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In a razor-thin outcome, California voters overturned same-sex marriage rights in the nation's most populous state, as similar bans on gay marriage were approved in Arizona and Florida. The verdicts by voters in three large and growing…
Southern Baptists in Congress return to D.C.
WASHINGTON (BP) — No Southern Baptist members of Congress lost their seats in voting Nov. 4. Both senators and all 23 representatives who are members of Southern Baptist churches and were on the general-election ballot gained victories. Two members of…
OPINION: An open letter to President-elect Barack Obama
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Dear President-elect Obama, First, congratulations on your successful campaign to become the 44th president of our beloved United States of America. This was a historic election in terms of the massive increase in voter participation as…
Virginia Baptists entrusted to ‘pay it forward’
Who could have imagined that a category 5 tornado that nearly leveled an entire Kansas town would become a stewardship opportunity for Virginia Baptists? The tornado that destroyed 95 percent of Greensburg, Kan., on May 4, 2007, with winds of…
All churches urged to participate in the Annual Church Profile
Each year through the Annual Church Profile (ACP) process, Virginia Baptist churches submit important data, including information about church leadership, membership, finances, baptisms, Sunday school, discipleship, missions and Vacation Bible School. The ACP is a statistical testimony to the work…
Publishers seek to give the Bible a thoroughly modern makeover
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Bible is getting a makeover as publishers try to catch every type of customer's attention and draw in new readers who would be unlikely to pick it up in its traditional form. With different packaging, The…
SECOND OPINION: On giving
As we are all well aware, we are in the midst of a global economic crisis. The world is facing a financial maelstrom and so too are churches and religious bodies, including all the partners in the Baptist General Association…