Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day observance of Lent.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Though traditionally viewed as a Catholic rite, increasing numbers of Baptists are discovering the discipline of Lent. Belmont University, until recently affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist…
Parachurch groups not yet feeling economy’s pinch, survey says
WINCHESTER, Va. (ABP) — Faith-based charities haven't been hit as hard by the economic downturn as expected, says a new survey by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The ECFA, established in 1979 to accredit Christian non-profit organizations that model…
Parachurch groups not yet feeling economy’s pinch, survey says
WINCHESTER, Va. (ABP) — Faith-based charities haven’t been hit as hard by the economic downturn as expected, says a new survey by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The ECFA, established in 1979 to accredit Christian non-profit organizations that model…
Supreme Court: Sect can’t force Utah city to erect monument
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In a groundbreaking, but limited, free-speech case handed down Feb. 25, the Supreme Court said the city of Pleasant Grove, Utah, can’t be forced to accept the gift of a monument to a small religious sect’s precepts…
Obama, in first address to Congress, focuses on economy, justice goals
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In his first address to a joint session of Congress Feb. 24, President Obama focused squarely on the economic crisis that faces the United States and related problems with health care, education funding and fossil-fuel dependency. “We…
CBF partner groups adjust to contingency spending cuts
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partner agencies commenting on an CBF director of communications Lance Wallace, center, guides Coordinating Council members on a tour of new CBF offices. The staff recently relocated from offices in the McAfee School of…
CBF partner groups adjust to contingency spending cuts
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partner agencies commenting on an CBF director of communications Lance Wallace, center, guides Coordinating Council members on a tour of new CBF offices. The staff recently relocated from offices in the McAfee School of…
BGCT officials authorize potential use of emergency reserve funds
DALLAS (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board has granted the state convention’s treasurer permission to tap up to $2.5 million in emergency-reserve funds this year. Chief Financial Officer Jill Larsen reported Texas Cooperative Program receipts in…
Baptists, liquor-store owners unite against Tennessee proposal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — They might seem like unlikely allies, but booze peddlers and Southern Baptists are teaming up in opposition to proposed legislation that would allow the sale of wine in grocery and convenience stores in Tennessee. Currently Tennessee…
Yearbook notes membership declines for Catholics, Southern Baptists
NEW YORK (ABP) — The nation’s two largest Christian denominations are experiencing slight but statistically significant membership declines, according to the latest edition of the National Council of Churches’ Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Released Feb. 23, the 77th…
St. Louis church committed to its urban neighborhood for good, for God
Third Baptist Church is in St. Louis’ Grand Center district, which boasts 12,000 theater seats, 12 galleries and museums and more than 1,500 cultural events each year.ST. LOUIS, Mo. — With 12,000 theater seats, 12 galleries and museums and more…
Supreme Court agrees to hear case involving cross on federal land
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could lead to the first major church-state decision under the panel’s current makeup. The justices announced Feb. 23 they would hear Salazar v. Buono (No. 08-472). The…