ATLANTA (BP)—When Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, was named the winner of the William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership, it recognized not just a year of extraordinary charitable giving but a lifestyle devoted to giving. Cathy,…
Obama inaugural events bracketed by prayers, controversy and ecumenism
WASHINGTON (ABP)—The official events connected to the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States started Jan. 18 with an invocation and ended Jan. 21 with a benediction. And the religious content of—and religious controversy over—the…
Youth EnCounter expands to six events across Virginia
RICHMOND—“Youth EnCounter is expanding exponentially,” explained Ken Dibble, youth ministry strategist for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. “To reach as many youth as possible with the gospel, we're bringing Youth EnCounter closer to local communities, at less cost, so that…
CBF leader writes President Obama with ‘heartfelt requests’
ATLANTA (ABP)—Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal sent an Inauguration Day letter congratulating Barack Obama and urging the newly sworn president to lead America in building a more civil and just society. Vestal pledged to pray for Obama, his…
Churches in 18 Virginia associations complete 2008 ACP
Virginia Baptist leaders are acknowledging the 18 district associations affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia in which all churches completed the 2008 Annual Church Profile (ACP). Leaders also have praised the contact persons who collected the information. Each…
What does Obama’s inauguration mean for Christians and Americans in general?
Transformation: From exclusion to inclusion By Elwanda Cornelius More than ever the world has looked to our nation as it is being transformed from being exclusive to becoming inclusive. This dream is becoming more of a reality with the election…
Virginia Baptists fall just shy of funding 2008 BGAV budget
RICHMOND—Virginia Baptists funded their 2008 budget at almost 98 percent—a noteworthy event in the midst of a severe economic crisis, said leaders of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Last year, BGAV churches contributed $14,092,291 toward the state association's Cooperative…
BTSR’s SCM offers classes
Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond's School of Christian Ministry has announced several online continuing education opportunities open to anyone regardless of educational background, beginning in March. Each course is $125, with scholarships available to cover 50 percent of the registration…
VBMB sets up fund to help struggling churches
RICHMOND—The Virginia Baptist Mission Board's executive committee voted Jan. 12 to establish a Helping Hands Fund to assist churches that are experiencing difficulty due to financial circumstances beyond their control. The fund has been established with an initial gift of…
Liberals, evangelicals call for common agenda on abortion, sexuality issue
WASHINGTON (ABP)—Progressive and evangelical leaders have joined together to propose shared policy solutions on issues that have long divided left and right in the so-called culture wars. Two years ago Third Way, a non-profit think tank that supports equality for…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Fannin New professor at BTSR. Coleman Fannin has joined the staff of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond as visiting professor in theology and ethics. He will hold the position during the sabbatical leave of Elizabeth Newman, professor of theology….
Firm helps missionaries with documentaries, web sites
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) —A group of five former Auburn University students has started a nonprofit organization that helps mission groups by making documentaries, offering graphic design, producing Web sites and creating other media to highlight the work of missionaries. “For…