Atheists to launch bus ads. Beginning Nov. 18, holiday ads from the American Humanist Association will appear on Washington, D.C., buses, declaring: “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake.” The $40,000 ad campaign is not necessarily…
EDITORIAL: Pewboy grapples with a hard faith
As Pewboy drove home from Roanoke where he had attended the annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia his stomach was in knots. Noting his apprehension, his confidante, spiritual advisor and sounding board, Altarego, materialized in the passenger's…
Return to Chester
Last week's column told about my character portrayal of William E. Hatcher, the noted old-time preacher, when he recently had a return engagement in Baltimore where he served as a pastor in the 1860s. This week's column tells about a…
FAITHSHAPERS: Teaching baptism
Because of its symbolic nature, baptism is very hard to explain to children. They often see baptism as some sort of magical event that draws their attention and activates their powerful need for inclusion. It is the duty of the…
Who is my neighbor?
ROANOKE — The Baptist General Association of Virginia, acknowledging an uncertain economic environment, approved a reduced budget for 2009 during a quiet annual meeting that drew about 1,250 people. At the Nov. 11-12 meeting, messengers also elected a retired public…
Spirit-filled churches
In the Nov. 6 edition of the Religious Herald, an article attributed to ABP, written by Bob Allen, was entitled “Trinity debate trickles down to gender roles.” One paragraph reads, “In a June sermon .. Bruce Ware, professor of Christian…
Church start uses technology to reach Texas community
MANSFIELD, Texas (ABP) — Patrick Moses has a long commute from his home in Mansfield, Texas, to his job with the Department of Homeland Security in Washington. CBF church planter and Department of Homeland Security officer Patrick Moses poses with…
Proposed resolution cites racial disparities in justice system
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (ABP) — A resolution on racial disparities in the criminal-justice system received a first reading at a Nov. 12-13 meeting of American Baptists’ Board of National Ministries. The proposed resolution, scheduled to receive a second reading…
Activity reported on anti-conversion bill in Sri Lanka
SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA KOTTE, Sri Lanka (ABP) — Religious freedom advocates worry that an anti-conversion bill making its way through Sri Lanka's Parliament could be used to justify discrimination against the small South Asian country's Christian minority. Groups including the National…
Activity reported on anti-conversion bill in Sri Lanka
SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA KOTTE, Sri Lanka (ABP) — Religious-freedom advocates worry that an anti-conversion bill making its way through Sri Lanka’s Parliament could be used to justify discrimination against the nation’s Christian minority. Groups including the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of…
Va. Baptists approve scaled-back budget, hear Campolo’s appeal
ROANOKE, Va. (ABP) — The Baptist General Association of Virginia, acknowledging an uncertain economic environment, approved a reduced budget for 2009 during a quiet annual meeting that drew about 1,200 people. About the only fireworks during the Nov. 11-12 meeting…
Azerbaijani pastor on trial released to house arrest
(ABP) — A jailed Baptist pastor in Azerbaijan was released Nov. 6 until Nov. 17, when his trial on what supporters say are bogus charges was scheduled to resume. Mission News Network reported the release of Hamid Shabanov, 52, leader…