Ministry to inmates’ children and spouses can help keep families together through incarceration and after release. Generally, offenders are placed in prisons away from home — often across the state or even in another state. Reed Hanna of St. Louis…
Coming in January: Ask the Architect
Beginning with our first issue in January, Richmond architect Jim DePasquale, AIA, will write a column called “Ask the Architect.” Jim DePasquale Virginia Baptist churches vary in many details of their styles and practices, but they almost universally have buildings….
Relationships, reconnection foster restoration of offenders
Relationship is at the heart of the restorative justice philosophy — restoring an offender’s relationship with self, family and community. The reconnection {mosimage}Then individuals need assistance to reinforce new behaviors and to return to their communities as productive citizens worthy…
For some, creches are big business
ARLINGTON, Va. (RNS) — For James Govan, Christmas starts before Thanksgiving and doesn’t end until early in February as he displays some of his 500 nativity scenes around his home in Arlington, Va. “I keep telling people it’s a disease…
Restorative justice aims to heal relationships, repair harm
The woman sobbed quietly into her hands for a few minutes. Composing herself as best she could, she looked into the eyes of the 18-year-old. “I forgive you,” she declared. “But you are going to have to prove to me…
Relationships, reconnection foster restoration
Relationship is at the heart of the restorative justice philosophy — restoring an offender’s relationship with self, family and community. The reconnection often begins in prison, through state-provided programs and/or jail and prison ministries. Then individuals need assistance to reinforce…
Creating carol for the troops inspires student, prof at Ky. Baptist school
The Chamber Choir at Campbellsville University sings the debut performance of "What is Christmas?" (Campbellsville U.) CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Thousands of American soldiers will be apart from their families this Christmas, but Campbellsville University graduate student Matt Hodge has…
Former high-profile preacher admits to fathering child
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — A former pastor once touted by Southern Baptist leaders as America's next great black preacher has admitted to fathering the child of a woman who claims he raped her during a counseling session in 2004. Before…
Clergy drop in poll rating honesty and ethics of professions
PRINCETON, N.J. (ABP) — Americans' views of the honesty and ethics of clergypersons has dropped to a three-decade low, according to the latest Gallup poll. The annual ranking of ethics of various professions found that 50 percent of Americans rated…
Baptist churches encouraged to invite a woman to preach
ATLANTA (ABP) — Baptist Women in Ministry is seeking pulpits for an annual emphasis to promote and encourage women preachers. The organization, which promotes and nurtures Baptist women in church leadership roles, has begun soliciting churches for the fourth Martha…
Baptist churches encouraged to invite a woman to preach in February
ATLANTA (ABP) — Baptist Women in Ministry is seeking pulpits for an annual emphasis to promote and encourage women preachers. The organization, which promotes and nurtures Baptist women in church leadership roles, has begun soliciting churches for the fourth Martha…
Texas cowboy pastor braving elements, hunger to focus on needy
Pastor Jason Norton of King’s Trail Cowboy Church in Van Alstyne, Texas, collects goods for needy families. VAN ALSTYNE, Texas (ABP) — Rain and snow don’t deter mail delivery, at least according to the old saying. Neither can they deter…