DALLAS (ABP) — The Religious Right suffered a surprise setback in Texas when incumbent Don McLeroy — a creationist and critic of church-state separation — narrowly lost his re-election bid for the powerful State Board of Education to challenger Thomas…
African-American Baptist organizations pledge $50 million for Haiti relief
CHICAGO (ABP) — America's five largest historically African-American Baptist organizations are cooperating to raise $50 million to help rebuild Haiti and provide aid to victims of a Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the area surrounding the capital of Port-au-Prince. Called…
Supreme Court declines Okla. county’s attempt to display 10 Commandments
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court has declined to hear a case that could have allowed it to clarify its rules on displaying the 10 Commandments and other religious artifacts on government property. And, as a result, an Oklahoma county…
Baptist expert says Establishment Clause applies to foreign policy
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Baptist church-state specialist is voicing concern about a think-tank report urging a new direction for United States foreign policy focused on the role religion plays in world affairs. Writing for the On Faith blog at WashingtonPost.com,…
Former Baptist editor Fletcher Allen dies at 78
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (ABP) — A retired denominational journalist who worked three decades for Baptist newspapers in three states died Feb. 27 after a long battle with cancer. Fletcher Allen Fletcher Allen, 78, of Franklin, Tenn., worked 17 years as associate…
Va. Baptist Foundation awards grant
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to the Shiloh Baptist Association to replace the association’s disaster response trailer. The trailer, purchased in 2005, has been a valuable tool for the association, a fellowship of about…
‘Buckets of Hope’ to aid Haiti victims
RICHMOND — Many Virginia Baptist churches are filling buckets with food this month to assist victims of Haiti’s Jan. 12 earthquake. “Buckets of Hope” is a nationwide emphasis of the Southern Baptist Convention to provide food for Haitians. “Individuals, families,…
Baptist Extension Board expands loan policy to assist struggling churches
RICHMOND — Virginia Baptist churches which are struggling with financial shortfalls may once more find some relief as a result of a new policy adopted in February by the Baptist Extension Board. The Extension Board has made an additional $100,000…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Kevin Kelly, now serving as pastor of River Shore Church, Portsmouth. • Randal Walton, to Amherst Church, Amherst, as interim pastor. • Jimmie Miles, to Mount Vernon Church, Glen Allen, as consultant for discipleship and education. •…
Chowan University hosts ‘SeniorFest’; BGAV’s Upton is featured speaker
MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Chowan University will host its fourth annual SeniorFest March 25 with special guest speakers, live music, informative breakout sessions, a buffet lunch and door prizes. This year, the popular senior adult-oriented event hosted by the Baptist-affiliated school…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Build now!
Oh my goodness! Nine months ago we covered this urgent topic when the Religious Herald published a feature story emphasizing the unprecedented reasons why a church should build now! Well, if we thought June 2009 was appropriate for such a…
At Carter’s church, former president’s Sunday school class still a draw
PLAINS, Ga. (RNS) — With its aging storefronts and small train depot, its graceful pecan trees and clipped fields of peanuts, cottons and hay, peace still seems possible in this tiny town. And nowhere is that peace protected more fiercely…