(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…
Baptist help valuable but recovery slow for victims
FALLS CHURCH (ABP) — Two months after Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma and a month after a major earthquake shattered much of China's Sichuan province, Baptist-led recovery efforts continue — but conditions remain desperate in many places. The situation is particularly…
CBF missions blitz helps poverty-stricken Ark. county
Kate Hall, right, teaches a swimming lesson to a Helena-West Helena child during the All Church Challenge July 12-24 in Phillips County, Ark. CBF Photo HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. – His name is Frank, and he hadn't been near the water…
CBF missions blitz helps poverty-stricken Ark. county
HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. – His name is Frank, and he hadn't been near the water in more than 40 years. And who can blame him? The last time he got in the water, he was 11 years old and nearly…
CBF field personnel encourage artists, build bridges in Asian communities
ATLANTA (ABP) — "Did you hear the music they're playing," said a wedding attendee to his friend. "These Christians are just like we are." Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field workers Jonathan and Tina believe that the arts have the power…