WACO, Texas — Teaching young people the importance of sexual abstinence outside of marriage and sharing information about contraception need not be seen as contradictory messages, a Baylor University researcher has concluded. Michael Sherr, director of doctoral studies at the…
Three associations partner with Mission Board to impact Southwest Virginia
NICKELSVILLE, Va. — Clinch Valley, Powell River and Wise Baptist associations, and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board are emphasizing missions projects in the Lee, Scott and Wise counties of Southwest Virginia. Tony and Jan Johnson are serving as Virginia Baptist…
Associations partner to impact Southwest Virginia
NICKELSVILLE, Va. — Clinch Valley, Powell River and Wise Baptist associations, and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board are emphasizing missions projects in the Lee, Scott and Wise counties of Southwest Virginia. Volunteers from Salem Baptist in Sparta (left to right):…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Daryl J. White, to Monte Vista Church, Hurt, as pastor. • J. Clyde Shelton, to Black Branch Church, Chase City, as interim pastor. RETIREMENTS • Carl Freeman has announced plans to retire as minister of music at…
Muslims see double standard in ‘terrorist’ label
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When 19 Muslim men crashed two planes into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, it was widely labeled “Islamic terrorism,” even as many Muslims cringed at the term. So when nine members of a Michigan-based…
Obama shifts tactics on outreach to Muslim world
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Nearly a year after President Obama told an audience in Cairo that America wanted a “new beginning” with the Muslim world, evidence of that policy shift has, in recent weeks, become hard to ignore. The Obama administration…
Conservatives decry Pentagon for pulling Graham from event
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Conservative Christian leaders blasted the Army’s decision to disinvite evangelist Franklin Graham from a Pentagon event on the National Day of Prayer because he has been critical of Islam. Graham was scheduled to speak at a May…
Faith leaders pan Arizona ‘anti-immigrant’ bill
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Religious leaders are outraged over a bill passed by Arizona legislators that criminalizes illegal immigration, calling the bill “anti-immigrant” and a “social sin.” Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony compared aspects of the legislation, approved April 19 by…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Getting organized to build: What committees are needed?
We continue our journey toward a new building to the glory of God! I previously identified the cross-sectional talents and skills required of persons on a building committee to appropriately address church program needs. This committee is composed of 10…
Baptist jailed in Haiti to stand trial on reduced charge, CNN reports
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (ABP) — Southern Baptist mission volunteer Laura Silsby will stand trial in Haiti on a charge of arranging irregular travel, CNN reported April 26. The network said Judge Bernard Saint-Vil dropped more serious charges of kidnapping and criminal…
HERITAGE: Standing his ground
The foot soldiers of the 1770s who had fought and won the American Revolution were bereaved in 1799 when the news reached their towns and villages that their commander, George Washington, had died. Twenty or so years earlier they had…
VITAL SIGNS: The prophetic pastor
One of the most precarious tasks a preacher faces is that of being a prophet. The role of prophet is one that many ministers feel a deep ambivalence toward. All preachers know that relevant preaching must address the great issues…