(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…
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…
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…
Riverside Church taps Braxton, former Wake prof, as new pastor
NEW YORK (ABP) — One of the most prominent churches in mainline Protestantism has tapped a former Wake Forest Divinity School professor to fill its historic pulpit. Brad Braxton The pastor-search committee of Riverside Church, a landmark on the Upper…
BWA births division for justice; scholars spotlight ecology, diversity
WASHINGTON, DC (ABP) — Concern for freedom and justice were on the minds of participants at two recent international Baptist meetings in Prague, Czech Republic. Participants at meetings related to the Baptist World Alliance's annual gathering created a new office…
Falling revenue causes
LifeWay to cut staff
NASHVILLE (ABP) — LifeWay Christian Resources will cut 5 percent of its workforce by Sept. 30 because revenues are lower than expected, officials of the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing arm have announced. The cuts represent about 100 jobs. Officials would…
Celebrity Christians: Are their ups and downs more significant than ours?
What is it about high-profile Christians that leads some believers to accord them celebrity status—and what is it about their missteps that rivets the attention of their less-public fellow believers? RICHMOND, Va.—“Stay out of the limelight.” That’s Amy Grant’s advice…
Cowboy churches lassoing America
DALLAS (ABP) — The “cowboy churches” that are springing up throughout the United States are about more than worshiping God while wearing boots and cowboy hats. They are about finding ways to be relevant in the rodeo-circuit, country/Western culture. In…