GREENSBORO, N.C. (ABP) — The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina adopted a resolution endorsing a state proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. Meeting Nov. 7-8 in Greensboro, the convention encouraged member churches to “vigorously organize a strong effort”…
Historic chalice seals relationship between ‘Georgia’ Baptists
ATLANTA (ABP) — A friendship between the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia and Baptists in the Caucasus Republic of Georgia that began with the coincidence of being “Georgians” grew deeper with return of a long-lost communion chalice that carries deep…
Baptists and authority
By David Gushee The sexuality conference in April will raise many issues. But for the theologically minded, the most important issue will probably be the question of religious authority. Who or what carries binding authority in the Christian life? If…
Mercer University grants domestic-partner benefits to gays
MACON, Ga. (ABP) — As one university affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention captured headlines with a new policy that effectively bans gay employees, another historically Georgia Baptist school announced adoption of a domestic-partner benefit policy providing access to health…
Shorter University adds new faith statements
ROME, Ga. (ABP) — Shorter University has adopted a new faith statement that affirms biblical inerrancy and is requiring faculty and staff to sign a pledge rejecting homosexuality. A new mandatory “personal lifestyle statement” asks employees to agree to “be…
About the Baptist sexuality conference
By David Gushee Next April the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University are organizing and hosting a conference on sexuality and covenant. Naturally, people are already talking about what they think the…
Texas Baptists approve renegotiated agreement with Baylor University
AMARILLO, Texas — Messengers to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting approved a renegotiated agreement with Baylor University, replacing a 20-year old agreement that sets the terms for the relationship between the university and the state convention. The…
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship task force suggests organizational change
TUCKER, Ga. (ABP) — A blue-ribbon task force studying the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s organizational structure suggests a smaller governing board than the current 63-member Coordinating Council, along with creation of two new councils to focus on cooperation and global missions….
CBF officers narrowing list of nominees for coordinator search committee
TUCKER, Ga. (ABP) — Officers of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship are sorting through some 200 names submitted by rank-and-file CBF supporters to appoint a nine-member search committee to nominate a successor to Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal, who retires after 15…