FAIRFAX — A two-week trial began Nov. 13 that will determine whether a state law from 1867 governs the property dispute between the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and 11 congregations that voted to leave the church. The congregations, among them…
N.C. colleges provide scholarships for CBF missionary children
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Seven historically Baptist colleges and universities in North Carolina will offer undergraduate tuition scholarships for children of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship global missions field personnel. The schools are Campbell University in Buies Creek, Chowan University in Murfreesboro, Gardner-Webb…
Have we gone too far in the race for parenthood?
NEW YORK (ABP) — In Brazil, a 51-year-old woman gave birth to her own twin grandchildren. She used embryos from her 27-year-old daughter, who had tried for four years to conceive. In January, a Texas-based “human embryo bank” announced prospective…
Mid-Atlantic CBF missions day unites churches in ministry to poor
WASHINGTON — Since 2006, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Brandon and Tirzah Turner have been serving in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md., ministering among the poor and encouraging local CBF partner churches to do the same. On Nov. 3, the…
Surrogacy: Ethicists in quandary when ‘Mommy’ becomes relative term
NEW YORK (ABP) — The Church of England recently issued a statement identifying organ donation — even by living donors — as a Christian duty motivated by compassion and a mandate to heal. But what about donating a womb for…
Campbell Divinity School opens World Religions and Global Cultures Center
BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Campbell University Divinity School has opened a new World Religions and Global Cultures Center to enhance students' understanding of other cultures and religious beliefs. Michael Cogdill, dean of the Campbell Divinity School and George Braswell, director…
Neurotheology opens doors for scientific study of belief
NEW YORK (ABP) — Some scientists say neurotheology — an emerging discipline that addresses the correlation between neurological and spiritual activity — proves God created the brain. Others claim “the brain created the god.” At the root of the debate,…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for November 22, 2007
STAFF CHANGES • Larry Cheek, to First Church, Collinsville, as pastor. • Derik W. Hamby, to Randolph Memorial Church, Madison Heights, as full-time pastor. • Tom Parker, resigning as pastor of Oak Grove Church, Cana. • Greg Compton, resigning as…
Virginia Baptists approve budget, elect officers, expand partnerships
RICHMOND — Virginia Baptists increased their support last week for a variety of state, national and international ministries — and for the second year in a row persuaded their budget committee to modify its proposal because of concerns about funding…
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … a superhero in a burqa?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Move over, Fantastic Four. There's a new team of superheroes in town. Meet Jabbar the Powerful, a Hulk-like strong man, and Noora the Light, who can create holograms. Darr the Afflicter wields powerful pain waves. One hero,…
2007 BGAV Resolutions
Resolution of Appreciation With praise and thanksgiving to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we have gathered, and to whose glory we consecrate our work together, We the messengers of the 184th of the Baptist General Association…
New book probes poetry’s power to stir the soul
CHICAGO (RNS) — Poetry is that unusual combination of words with the power to move, delight, nurture and transport readers beyond the here-and-now. It also can nourish our souls, according to the authors of a new book celebrating how poetry…