MONTCLAIR, N.J. (ABP) — A New Jersey pastor who formerly worked for American Baptist Churches USA has been chosen to lead one of America's largest black Baptist denominations. Walter Parrish III, senior pastor of Union Baptist Church in Montclair, N.J.,…
Texas governor signs landmark human-trafficking legislation
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Texas has become the first state in the nation to provide assistance to domestic human trafficking victims with a landmark law that Gov. Rick Perry (R) signed into law Aug. 20. Among the groups that helped…
Baylor, Buckner partnership plants seeds of hope in Kenya
Rose Wasilwa, regional director in Kitale for Buckner Kenya; Neal Knighton of Buckner International; and Katy Reynolds participate in the dedication of the Reynolds Center in Kitale, Kenya (Buckner photo). KITALE, Kenya (ABP) — One family’s desire to honor its…
Lutherans open door to gay clergy, agree to disagree on sexuality
MINNEAPOLIS (ABP) — Delegates to the national assembly of America’s largest Lutheran denomination voted by a wide margin Aug. 21 to open the door to allowing clergy in committed same-sex relationships to serve openly. The vote came just two days…
Baptist schools ranked in U.S. News and World Report
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP)–Forty-two member institutions of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities have been listed in the 2009 rankings of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com. U.S. News and World Report, which began…
Former pastor, sons charged with Ponzi scheme
SULLIVAN, Ind. (ABP) — A former preacher and his three sons are behind bars and charged with stealing millions of dollars from Christians led to believe their investments were being used to build churches. Vaughn Reeves, 65, and sons Chip,…
Lakewood Manor focuses on ‘tough conversations’
RICHMOND — The National Caregiver’s Library and Lakewood Manor, a continuing care retirement community, have partnered to host Tough Conversations, a 4-part seminar designed for adults who would like to learn how to dialogue with a parent, loved one or…
Blessing schools
Some Christians may have written off public education, but others are discovering innovative ways to develop meaningful relationships with public schools. Over the last decade, the Exodus Mandate captured the attention of some evangelicals with its call to “leave government…
Virginia jail agrees to stop censoring religious mail
STAFFORD — A Virginia jail will stop censoring religious mail after protests from civil rights organizations that clerks had turned Bible-quoting missives from an inmate’s mother into tattered strips of paper signed “Love, Mom.” Rappahannock Regional Jail authorities agreed to…
Church 2 Church Ministry: A covenant of partnership
SOUTH BOSTON — Ash Avenue Baptist Church in South Boston is not a mega-church. Worship attendance averages 140. John Eure has served as pastor for eight years and he is the church’s only full-time staff member. Ash Avenue is a…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Bryant Owens, to Clintwood Church, Clintwood, as pastor. • Charles R. Doyle, now serving as interim pastor of Rosalind Hills Church, Roanoke. CHURCH NEWS • Biltmore Church, Glen Allen, will host a Caregiver’s Support Group co-facilitated by…
SECOND OPINION: The SBC’s membership in 2050: A, B, C or none of above?
If you have been reading Baptist news the past few weeks, then you may know the answer to the following question, but just for fun, let’s make it multiple choice: In A.D. 2050, the membership of the Southern Baptist Convention…