WASHINGTON (RNS)—A Civil War-era law that lets Virginia churches keep their property when leaving a denomination where a “division” has occurred is constitutional, a county judge ruled June 27, siding with 11 former Episcopal parishes. Fairfax County Judge Randy I….
Young CBFers, responding to Sherman, call for end to bitter anti-SBC rhetoric
ATLANTA (ABP)—In response to controversial comments at the recent Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, a group of younger CBF supporters has called for an end to “old rhetoric” and for renewed attention to the world's needs. Seven leaders issued an…
Survey finds U.S. faith is more nuanced than most might think
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Think you know what Americans believe about religion? Think again. Seven in 10 Americans who follow one particular faith believe many “religions” can lead to eternal life. Despite the intense attention paid to evangelical and Catholic voters in a…
EDITORIAL: SBC continues its snub of the BGAV
Since some of the more conservative among us withdrew from the Baptist General Association of Virginia in 1996, the BGAV has given to the Southern Baptist Convention through designated and undesignated gifts more than $85 million. Yet, in that length…
Pastor aims at half his former self
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (BP)—Harold Chandler ain't half the preacher he once was. Last year, at 349 pounds, he was two cheeseburgers short of 350. Today he is under 190 pounds, well on his way to his goal of 170. He…
OUT LOUD
“I looked on the church paper as a voice to influence the church rather than just a mouthpiece reflecting what was happening in it. It needs to be a trumpet giving a good sound and having a powerful influence.” Kenneth…
Power comes to Tappahannock
As Virginia Baptist youth leader across the state are gearing up for the annual YouthEnCounter, to be held July 31-Aug. 1 in Richmond, some are looking at last spring's Regional Youth EnCounter as a model for additional youth resources. Over…
What changes in the SBC?
There are few conventions like a Southern Baptist Convention. Many things are voted on, but our nonbinding resolutions will not enslave its members. Not all of our Christian friends can make that claim. Our new president stated that “radical change”…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for July 10, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Ray Farrow, to Mine Road Church, Spotsylvania, as pastor. • Eric Pelter, to Mount Hermon Church, Mineral, as pastor. • Paul Beith, to Pioneer Church, Richmond, as pastor. • Dax Bostic, to Corinth Church, Council, as pastor….