DALLAS — The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board voted May 25 to refuse any financial contributions from a North Dallas church that has ordained as deacons practicing homosexuals, and the board asked the church to stop identifying itself…
Former Baptist camp director charged with abuse found dead
HERTFORD, N.C. (ABP) — A former director of a North Carolina Baptist camp awaiting trial on six child-sex charges was found dead of an apparent suicide May 24. Stephen Carter A newspaper in Hertford, N.C., quoted the sheriff of Perquimans…
The quiet, indispensable work of U.S. foreign aid
By David Gushee Many of the most important public-policy choices facing the United States occur quietly and out of the spotlight. This has the benefit of making them less susceptible to demagoguery and politicking. But, conversely, it means that we…
Book draws on music of U2 to call for Christian unity
No caption submitted BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — A new book written by a Baptist professor applies theological themes found in the music of the Irish rock band U2 to the quest for Christian unity. In Ecumenism Means You Too —…
RIGHT or WRONG? Christian leadership
I’ve talked with lots of friends who say their pastor operates in a heavy-handed, preacher-centered fashion. Just what are the New Testament marks of a Christian leader? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always look to leaders as models…
‘Idaho 10’ member blames UNICEF for group’s arrest
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (ABP) — With the last of 10 Southern Baptist mission volunteers released from a Haitian jail May 17, one of her "Idaho 10" co-laborers is breaking his silence and blames the whole ordeal on meddling by the…
OPINION: When a pastor goes to church
Amy Butler I had a free evening last week, so I decided to go to church. Though I spend quite a bit of time at church, I don’t often go to church in the way that most people think of…
Church should be place of acceptance for people with special needs
WASHINGTON (ABP) — People with disabilities don’t want churches that just “welcome” them, but rather congregations that value them and include them in living a “full life of faith,” a long-time advocate for special-needs ministry said. “Valued is being seen…
Barriers of attitude block people with disabilities from full inclusion in churches
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A longtime advocate for people with disabilities said the greatest barriers to including special-needs individuals in churches are not architectural or language but rather barriers of attitude. “We have within us prejudices,” said Ginny Thornburgh, director of…