LAKELAND, Fla. (ABP) — Two Cuban Baptist leaders held two weeks while authorities investigated what they regarded as suspicious economic activity have reportedly been released from jail. Pancho Garcia-Ruiz Rubén Ortiz-Columbié, 68, and Francisco "Pancho" Garcia-Ruiz, 46, were arrested Oct….
Jailed Cuban Baptists accused of illegal economic activity
MIAMI (ABP) — Cuban authorities say two Baptist leaders held in jail for 11 days in a city on the eastern end of the island are suspected of illegal economic activities. Associated Baptist Press first reported Oct. 13 that Rubén…
D.C. convention’s Haggray elected pastor of FBC in Washington
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Jeffrey Haggray is stepping down after eight years as executive director of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention to become pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Washington. Jeffrey Haggery, leader of the District of Columbia…
Two Cuban Baptist leaders in custody but authorities’ charges are unclear
DELTONA, Fla. (ABP) — Two Cuban Baptist leaders arrested Oct. 3 in the city of Santiago de Cuba remain in jail, reportedly without formal charge and with few details of why they are being held. Rubén Ortiz-Columbié is pictured here…
American sexual ethics today, Part 1
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two columns contrasting prevailing cultural attitudes on sexuality with classic Christian ethics and calling for Christians to reclaim their own heritage in a countercultural practice of Christian community. The second will be published…
European Baptist leaders ponder future of international seminary
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (ABP) — European Baptist leaders gathered in Prague, Czech Republic, Oct. 1-2 to discuss the future of the cash-strapped International Baptist Theological Seminary. The seminary is owned and operated by 51 Baptist unions and conventions that make…
What is the future of moderate Baptists?
By David Gushee In this column, I go where angels fear to tread: I want to muse over the future of moderate Baptists. My thoughts will be especially informed by my recent years of service with students at Mercer University….
Depression cited in North Carolina pastor’s self-inflicted death
HICKORY, N.C. (ABP) — Baptists in North Carolina reacted with shock to the apparent suicide Sept. 27 of a well-liked pastor active in denominational life. Sandy Ridge Baptist Church leaders said Pastor David Treadway, a member of the Baptist State…
Pakistani asks world’s Baptists for prayer support as pressure increases
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — A pastor in Pakistan has asked his fellow Baptists around the world to pray for the nation’s beleaguered Christian community as it faces increasing pressure from the Muslim majority. In an e-mail to the Baptist…