It's human nature to focus inward, especially during lean times. We do it as individuals, as families and as a nation. Let the world take care of itself for a while, we say. Enough already with endless global crises and…
Parents of adopted child seek to help him learn his blended heritage
ROUND ROCK, Texas — A family's heritage can be a great source of pride — something parents carefully pass down to children so they know and embrace their culture. But adoptive parents of children with mixed ethic heritage face special…
Historic Anabaptist writings to be available online
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (ABP) — Writings of Balthasar Hubmaier, one of the most well-known and respected Anabaptist theologians of the Reformation, soon will be available for online research, thanks to a project of European Baptist scholars. The Institute of Baptist…
OPINION: The need for a new religious freedom statute
In the colonial period of our history, Baptists played a prominent role in promoting religious toleration. Their efforts gave birth to the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, which disestablished the Anglican Church. The statute rejected the government's preference…
Christians have opportunities to shape lives through foster care
While Scripture advocates taking care of orphans and widows, the church has abdicated that responsibility to the state, some Christian child-advocates insist. “It shortchanges people and the church,” said Robbi Haynes, of marketing and recruitment for MBCH and Family Ministries,…
FAITH DIGEST
Lutheran publisher announces cutbacks. Augsburg Fortress, publishing arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is cutting back operations, closing its nine bookstores in the United States, laying off more than 50 employees and declining to publish new books in…
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
I. Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan…
Hispanics aim for $1 million Lottie Moon Offering this year
RICHMOND (BP) — Members of Vida Nueva (New Life) Baptist Church know all too well about sacrifice. Many of them are immigrants making low wages. But the congregation of fewer than 100 has found reason to celebrate and to give…
NPR comments force out NAE’s Cizik
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Backlash over comments about gay rights on a public-radio broadcast has apparently cost a prominent National Association of Evangelicals lobbyist his job. Richard Cizik resigned Dec. 10 as the NAE's vice president for governmental affairs, according to…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for Dec. 18, 2008
CHURCH NEWS • The Christmas story comes to life at Bethlehem Village, sponsored by churches in the Afton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville area. Located on the grounds of Hebron Church, Afton, the village will be open Dec. 19 to 23 from…
Oldest IMB emeritus missionary dies at 102
RICHMOND (BP) — The International Mission Board's oldest emeritus missionary, Howard McCamey, was honored in a memorial service in Dallas Dec. 5. He died Nov. 26 at age 102. Longtime members of Gaston Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas, Howard and…
Kentucky Baptist paper names journalist as editor
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Kentucky Baptists have tapped veteran denominational journalist Todd Deaton to become the next editor of their historic newspaper, the Western Recorder. Deaton, 45, has been managing editor of the Baptist Courier, newspaper of the South Carolina…