PRAGUE, Czech Republic (ABP) — About 400 delegates to the Baptist World Alliance's annual gathering in Prague, Czech Republic, ended their meeting July 25 with approval of a major re-structuring of the organization's governing structure. Baptists from more than 60…
Alabama memories
When I read about Aunt Ida meeting that hard Baptist [“Aunt Ida meets at hard Baptist,” Herald, July 24], it brought back so many memories of when I was a teenager in Alabama. I was about 14 when we moved…
Pastors’ challenges differ by region, speakers say
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (ABP) — Global Baptist pastors' problems are as different as the countries and regions in which they minister, according to speakers at the July 21-24 Baptist World Alliance annual gathering in Prague. Over the past year, the…
Thanks for the bees
One of the last places I expected to find an article about the demise of the honeybee was the Religious Herald [“To bee or not to bee,” Herald, July 24]. But it was a pleasant surprise! And I think the…
Saudi king’s conference rejects terrorism
(RNS) A global conference of about 300 interfaith leaders concluded July 18 in Spain with a declaration that rejects terrorism and calls for a special United Nations session on dialogue. Calling terrorism “one of the most serious obstacles confronting dialogue…
FAITHSHAPERS: Tricky Topics: Prayer
Our daughter Abby is starting to scare us. We thought she would unquestioningly believe everything we told her for several more years, but no such luck. She learned to thank God for things as we say our prayers at bed…
Obama, McCain’s first joint appearance set for Warren’s Saddleback Church
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Barack Obama and John McCain will make their first joint 2008 campaign appearance to an audience of Christian activists at a Southern Baptist church. The two have agreed to participate in a “compassion forum” at…
‘God 1, Sports 0’ sounds like good score to Jersey pastors
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (RNS) — It is a weekly ordeal at Pastor Donald Mossa's church. The moment the youth choir sings its last note, a swarm of parents descends to rush their kids to soccer games. Or they call to…
Baylor President John Lilley removed for failure to ‘unite Baylor family’
GRAPEVINE, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University President John Lilley has been fired for failing to “bring the Baylor family together,” reported Howard Batson, chairman of the university's board of regents. Regents voted to remove Lilley from office, effective immediately, during…
Faith in the face of uncertainty: Religious giving tops $100 billion
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Giving to religious charities and congregations passed the $100 billion mark for the first time in 2007, according to a recent report by the Giving USA Foundation. Giving to religious groups increased 4.7 percent, bringing the total…
In runup to Olympics, China increases persecution
WASHINGTON (ABP) — While China appears to be making some religious-liberty concessions on the eve of the Olympics, critics in the United States say persecution of Christians in the country is on the rise. China is on the U.S. State…
What honors a soldier most — faith traditions or military regs?
ARLINGTON (RNS) — Strik-ing symmetry marks the rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery — rows upon rows of identical white limestone markers, perfectly spaced in every direction. But underground, Muslims are laid to rest on their right side, facing…