WASHINGTON (ABP) — The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States began Jan. 18 with an invocation and ended Jan. 21 with a benediction. Controversy over religion between those bookend events highlighted America’s ongoing give-and-take over…
Youth from three denominations celebrate unity at Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. (ABP) — Youth from three Christian denominations spent Martin Luther King Day Weekend exploring commonalities of their respective faiths through worship, education and community-building activities. Nearly 2,500 students in grades 6-12, group leaders and chaperones traveled to Orlando,…
Youth from three denominations celebrate unity at Disney
ORLANDO, Fla. (ABP) — Youth from three Christian denominations spent Martin Luther King Day Weekend exploring commonalities of their respective faiths through worship, education and community-building activities. From left, Kendale Bridges, Macie Wilkins and Tonda Folk of First Baptist…
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-in president to lead America in building a more civil and just society. Writing on behalf of the…
Ethnic missions pioneer Oscar Romo dies
CUMMING, Ga. (ABP) — Oscar Romo, a pioneer in starting ethnic Southern Baptist churches, died Jan. 16 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. Romo, 79, worked for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, forerunner to today's North…
Ecumenical group says stimulus package should include the poor
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The nation’s most broadly ecumenical Christian group is urging the new administration of President-elect Obama to include help for the poor in any economic-stimulus package. Leaders of Christian Churches Together in the USA met with journalists, members…
Liberals, evangelicals call for common agenda on abortion, sexuality
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…
Survey: Protestants no more loyal to denomination than toothpaste brand
PHOENIX (ABP) — Protestants in the United States are about as loyal to their brand of toothpaste as their denomination, according to one research firm. A new poll by Ellison Research asked churchgoers who attend worship services at least once…
Happy Birthday, Baptists
Some Christians before 1609 held what many refer to as distinctively Baptist beliefs. Baptists in 1609 practiced believer's baptism, but they didn't immerse. Even so, most church historians agree Baptists emerged as a distinct movement 400 years ago. From their…
SECOND OPINION: Is your church an open door?
The church my family and I attended in my early childhood was always unlocked. In fact, I don't think they even had a key to the door! In this country setting where everyone knew everyone else within several miles of…
Baptist history a continuing search for the New Testament church
Some Baptists stress evangelism, and others emphasize the social gospel. Some believe Christ died for all people; others say Christ died only for the elect whom God predestined to salvation. Historically, some defended slavery; others championed civil rights. Even a…
OUT LOUD
“We have one suggestion for Baptist Christians — that they avoid words to describe evangelism (or telling the gospel story) which appear threatening to others, such as ‘evangelistic crusades.' Nor is it necessary to be critical of another faith in…