OKLAHOMA CITY (ABP) — A Baptist newspaper in Oklahoma has apologized for publishing an illustration digitally edited to make it appear a controversial proclamation declaring America a Christian nation was endorsed by the state’s Baptist governor. The Baptist Messenger, official…
Church bus accident claims one life; another teen still critical
SHREVEPORT, La. (ABP) — A Baptist church’s youth minister is recovering at home from injuries he received July 12 when the bus carrying his youth group to a Georgia camp rolled over on a Mississippi interstate highway, injuring 23 passengers…
BAPTIST BRIEFS
New Hope honored as Publisher of the Year. New Hope Publishers, the general trade publishing imprint for national Woman’s Missionary Union, was recognized as Publisher of the Year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association at its Golden Scrolls Banquet…
Religious leaders urge inquiry into use of torture
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of high-profile religious leaders from various faiths is pushing President Obama to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged United States-sanctioned use of torture since 9/11. Thirty-three religious leaders met with administration officials after…
Christians and Muslims should speak with, not about, each other, says European Baptist
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (ABP) — Christians and Muslims should speak with each other rather than about each other, a prominent European Baptist leader told reporters prior to a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement July 24. Tony Peck,…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: On evolution
I greatly appreciated Jonathan Waits’s letter in the May 21 edition [“Evolution is uncertain”]. I differ with him in that I am a young-earth creationist, but he was very respectful and pointed out several important facts that many strict evolutionists…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Got faith?
Our nation is experiencing difficult times. Our churches are also facing difficult times. After a lot of soul searching, I have come to the conclusion that the two things are connected. Polls and surveys are constantly revealing our overall disappointment…
Baylor Alumni Association loses links to university
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University graduates who want to reach their alumni association no longer can do it through the school's phone system, e-mail or website. The university recently notified the Baylor Alumni Association it would be removed from…
Peck: Christians and Muslims should speak with, not about, each other
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (ABP) — Christians and Muslims should speak with each other rather than about each other, a prominent European Baptist leader told reporters prior to a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement July 24. Tony Peck,…
FAITH DIGEST
Evangelical scientist nominated to head national agency. Francis Collins, the researcher who mapped the human genome and navigated clashes between his Christian faith and science, has been nominated by President Obama to lead the National Institutes of Health. An atheist…
Leesburg couple faces harrowing experience as hostages in their own home
LEESBURG — Looking down the muzzle of a pistol held by a stranger in your own home changes the day’s priorities. It certainly did for Bob and Frances Belote on Friday, July 10. Both in their 80s, they had just…
Baptist Extension Board expands loan policy to assist churches struggling in flat economy
RICHMOND — Virginia Baptist churches which are struggling with financial shortfalls may find some relief as a result of a new policy adopted July 24 by the Baptist Extension Board. For the first time, the Extension Board is offering loans…