ATLANTA (ABP) — A document written three-quarters of a century ago to protest rising nationalism in Nazi Germany’s Protestant churches provides instruction for American Christians navigating through today’s culture wars, say a Baptist ethicist and Methodist filmmaker working together against…
Baptists respond to cyclone in Bangladesh
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Baptist World Alliance has responded to Cyclone Aila, which killed nearly 200 and destroyed thousands of homes May 25 in Bangladesh and India. Baptist World Aid, the BWA's relief-and-development arm, sent grants totaling $12,000 for emergency…
Poll shows little change on marriage, but more support for other gay rights
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Results from a Gallup poll released May 27 show that a majority of Americans continue to oppose same-sex marriage — but that the youngest voters support equal marriage rights for gay couples by a wide margin. And…
Amnesty International seeks ‘New Deal’ for human rights
LONDON (ABP) — The head of Amnesty International welcomed President Obama's decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center and said millions of people around the world view his election as signaling a new era in human rights. Announcing the…
BWA, BGCT heads convey Pentecost messages
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — The head of the Baptist World Alliance said Pentecost should inspire Christians to speak courageously to centers of power. Pentecost Sunday — May 31 on most Christians' liturgical calendar this year — commemorates the descent of the Holy…
Faith-based groups push for health-care reform
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (ABP) — Ads airing on Christian and mainstream radio stations in several states are attempting to frame health care as a moral issue. Sponsored by a broad coalition of faith-based groups led by PICO National Network, the…
Group says IRS should review Liberty University’s tax-exempt status
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A church-state watchdog group says the IRS should review Liberty University’s tax-exempt status for its decision to revoke recognition of its Democratic Party student club. University officials ordered the student group May 15 to cease using the…
Man accused of kidnapping grandchildren avoids prison
Tennessee officers escort Marvin Maples to a court hearing in February.VIDALIA, Ga. (ABP) — A Baptist pastor who hasn’t seen his two children since they disappeared 20 years ago with their maternal grandparents says he is disappointed with a plea…
‘Year of the Bible’ resolution roils Congress
{youtube}IUKnAaPvyNo{/youtube}WASHINGTON (ABP) — A battle over the Bible is brewing in the halls of Congress, and political blogs are buzzing about a Southern Baptist congressman’s desire to designate 2010 as “The National Year of the Bible.” Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.),…
The Yoked Team updated May 27, 2009
Calif. high court upholds Prop 8, but does not revoke existing marriages
SAN FRANCISCO (ABP) — The same California court that handed gay-rights supporters a major victory last year handed them a significant, but expected, defeat May 26. Nonetheless, the state Supreme Court’s 6-1 decision to uphold a state constitutional amendment halting…
Experts: Sotomayor’s record on religion unlikely to stir controversy
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Supporters of separation between church and state reacted cautiously May 26 to President Obama’s selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor meets with President Obama prior…