WASHINGTON (RNS) — As the U.S. Supreme Court ends its 2010-2011 term, legal scholars say one decision is likely to resonate within church-state debates for years to come. The justices rejected a challenge to an Arizona school tuition credit program…
‘One Nation Under God’ — narrow nationalism or proper patriotism?
When American Christians pledge allegiance to their nation and its flag — sometimes in worship services — does that reflect narrow nationalism or proper patriotism? Some Baptists believe it all hinges on how they interpret “one nation under God.” Nationalism,…
Patriotism, spiritual ties may pull Christians in opposite directions
RICHMOND, Va. — When war erupted between Russia and Georgia in 2008, repercussions included more than the 2,000 deaths and tens of thousands of refugees attributed to the conflict. Casualities also included relations between the two countries’ Baptist fellowships, torn…
OUT LOUD
“Your prayers should complement, not compete with, proper medical care.” Jeffrey S. Jones The Clackamas County (Ore.) circuit judge was addressing two members of an Oregon City faith-healing church as he sentenced them to 90 days in jail for failing…
VITAL SIGNS: Are you closed?
A friend recently shared with me an interesting story. When his church decided to replace its sign out front, it meant that the old one had to come down. For about a week, there was no sign in front of…
‘Baptist’ comes first for Seventh Day Baptists
JANESVILLE, Wis. (ABP) — Are Christians wrong to worship on Sunday when the biblical Sabbath is Saturday? Rob Appel, executive director of the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference answers with a question of his own: “What day did Christ go…
Summit offers ideas, networking to fight poverty
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — Missouri's poverty rate stands at 15.5 percent, with the rate among children under 18 at 18.9 percent. Individuals and groups, including churches, are partnering to help lower those numbers. Missourians to End Poverty — a…
CBF of North Carolina presents $100k to Global Missions Offering
TAMPA, Fla. (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s meeting at the national CBF General Assembly June 23 was highlighted by a presentation of a $100,000 check to CBF missions coordinator Rob Nash and the announcement that North…
CBF of North Carolina presents $100k to Global Missions Offering
TAMPA, Fla. — After its assembly in March the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina challenged members to support the national CBF Global Mission Offering. As an incentive and in appreciation for church support of its own budget, CBFNC offered…
Mid-Atlantic CBF moves toward ‘collaborative mission’
TAMPA, Fla. — Representatives of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the Mid-Atlantic concurred June 23 that the movement’s future in the multi-state region lies not what in the Fellowship can do for them, but what they can do together to…
SBCV executive Jeff Ginn resigns to accept Louisiana pastorate
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — Jeff Ginn has resigned as executive director of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia to become senior pastor of a Louisiana church, Baptist Press reported June 27. Ginn, who has been SBCV’s executive for three years,…
CBF of Virginia to focus on Latino concept of ‘familia’ during 2011-2012
TAMPA, Fla. — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia will spend the next year focusing on the Latino concept of familia as a way to broaden the scope of the CBF state affiliate’s ministries. “We want to talk about what…