The last year was a significant one for Baptists and other Christians. The Religious Herald’s first issue in January will feature the top stories of 2009, based on a vote of its readers.
The Herald staff is encouraging its readers to select the top five stories from 15 suggested by the staff. Readers also may include a story that is not among the staffs’ suggestions.
The 15 suggested stories (in no particular order) are:
- The 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement.
- The growth of evironmental concerns among conservative Southern Baptists.
- The continuing impact of a shaky economy on churches and denominational groups.
- The appointment of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force by the Southern Baptist Convention.
- The 20th anniversary of the founding of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
- The nomination of Virginia Baptist executive John Upton to serve as president of the Baptist World Alliance.
- Virginia Baptists’ Youth Evangelism Conference moves from a single annual event to multiple events across the state.
- The 200th anniversary of the birth of scientist Charles Darwin, author of Origin of Species.
- The New Baptist Covenant continues with regional meetings around the country.
- Evangelical Christians open a baptism center at the site where many believe Jesus was baptized.
- Christians’ continue to grapple with how to relate to Muslims.
- Transition among top leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention with the announced retirements of Jerry Rankin at the International Mission Board and Morris Chapman at the Executive Committee, and the resignation of Geoff Hammond at the North America Mission Board.
- The 500th anniversary of the birth of reformer John Calvin.
- The continuing conflict among American Christians denominations over the role of gays.
- The upcoming 20th anniversary of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Readers can vote for the top five stories by registering a vote in the comments at the end of this story. A simple registration (using the prompt in the menu bar at the left side of the home page) is necessary to make comments to the story.
Readers also may send votes to [email protected].