WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS)—For centuries, Christianity’s theory of “just war” has helped religious and political leaders determine when, if ever, war is justified and how to conduct a moral military campaign. Now, as the United States prepares to reduce troop levels…
Revival of outdoor baptismal services connects churches to communities
(Editor's note: The originally published version of this story omitted the name of one of the two writers, John Hall, from its byline.) DENTON, Texas (ABP) — Some Baptist churches are going back to the future — and making a…
Board distances BGCT from gay-affirming Dallas church
DALLAS (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board voted May 25 to refuse any financial contributions from a Dallas church that has ordained as deacons practicing homosexuals, and the board has asked the church to stop identifying…
Passport VP nominated as CBF moderator-elect
ATLANTA (ABP) — Colleen Burroughs, vice president of the Passport youth camping ministry she started with her husband in 1993, will be nominated as moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Atlanta-based CBF announced May 24. If elected, she would…
Colleen Burroughs nominated as CBF moderator-elect
ATLANTA (ABP) — Colleen Burroughs, vice president of the Passport youth-camping ministry she started with her husband in 1993, will be nominated as moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Atlanta-based CBF announced May 24. Colleen Burroughs If elected, she…
Former Baptist camp director charged with abuse found dead
HERTFORD, N.C. (ABP) — A former director of a North Carolina Baptist camp who was 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…
Douglas Green, husband of seminary president Molly Marshall, dies
SHAWNEE, Kan. (ABP) — Douglas Green, husband of Baptist theologian and Central Baptist Theological Seminary President Molly Marshall, died after a long illness late May 23 at his home in Shawnee, Kan., according to a seminary press release. He was 85….
EDITORIAL: Is it time for a name change?
It’s an old joke. A man stood before the judge seeking to change his name. The judge spoke, “I can certainly understand that a name like Joe Halfwit could cause problems for you. What would you like your new name…
HERITAGE: Seek & Find
It’s the tiniest gift shop in Virginia; but it also is likely the only store in Virginia which has no overhead, no payroll and clears 100 percent of its sales as pure profit. And it certainly is the only store…
VITAL SIGNS: Seven things church members wish their ministers knew, but are afraid to tell them
After I shared with a group of laity what clergy are thinking, in the interest of fairness I asked them what they wish their ministers knew, but that they are afraid to share with them out of respect or fear…
OUT LOUD
“Saying this year’s increase in baptisms is good news is like bragging your state moved from the 47th to 46th state in educational achievement. It’s better, but it’s not time for a parade.” Ed Stetzer The Southern Baptist researcher was…
PENTECOST REFLECTION: A commitment to universal mission
The story of the first Pentecost reminds us of the universality of the church’s mission. Churches everywhere are called to participate in God’s mission to the whole of creation. This includes the obligation to proclaim, in word and deed, the…