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…
Correction
In the Nov. 19 ABP story “Critics: Doctrinal standard leaves evangelical society ‘exposed',” please change the 23rd paragraph to the following: “So far, Beckwith, who is no longer a member of the society, has not commented publicly on the proposed…
California Baptists adopt budget, reject bill related to Baptist Faith and Message
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP) — Messengers to the California Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting Nov. 13-14 adopted an $11.6 million budget, turned down a constitutional amendment related to the Baptist Faith and Message and re-elected the body's president. “Connecting to…
Opinion: Getting past reaction in shaping the Baptist future
One of the enduring tendencies in human life is reaction. Unhappy with the prevailing tendencies of a person or group we oppose, especially in situations of sharp conflict, we swing sharply in the other direction. Oftentimes when we do so…
Child killed in Mexico after accident with Baptist volunteers
DALLAS (ABP) — A Baptist team of volunteers on their way to feed flood victims in Southern Mexico accidentally killed a child in a traffic accident Nov. 15. Members of Texas Baptist Men, a men's missions organization, were driving through…
Georgia Baptist resolution criticizes Baptist blogs
AUGUSTA, Ga. (ABP) — Georgia Baptists approved a record budget and a controversial resolution against blogging during their annual meeting Nov. 12-13. Gathering in Augusta, more than 1,400 messengers attended the Georgia Baptist Convention meeting, themed “Back to the Basics.”…
State resolutions focus on alcohol, gambling, homosexuality, abuse
WASHINTON (ABP) — The pleasures of the flesh — specifically liquor and sex — were among the most popular subjects of resolutions passed by Southern Baptist-affiliated state conventions this fall. Although many state conventions avoided resolutions on controversial issues of…
Mississippi Baptists enjoy peaceful annual meeting
JACKSON, Miss. (ABP) — Messengers to the 2007 annual meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention elected a president by acclamation for the fifth year in a row and adopted a record budget Oct. 30-31. Meeting at First Baptist Church of…
Oklahoma Baptists vow to continue ministering to illegal immigrants
MOORE, Okla. (ABP) — Messengers to the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Nov. 12-13 passed a resolution emphasizing non-discriminating ministry to illegal immigrants and adopted a record budget of $24.6 million. “Finishing the Task” was the…
Some denounce Florida Baptist move requiring teetotaling from leaders
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (ABP) – Baptist critics are calling the Florida Baptist Convention's move to require alcohol abstinence from members of its boards and committees misguided. The new measure was easily approved by the 1,258 messengers attending the annual meeting,…
Bioethics: When ‘mommy’ becomes a relative term
NEW YORK (ABP) (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…
Bioethics: Christian consensus lacking on end-of-life issues, professor says
BROWNWOOD, Texas (ABP) — When it comes to questions concerning end-of-life issues, the answers sometimes don't come any easier for Christians than they do for other people. While each year the Southern Baptist Convention devotes Sunday school lesson material to…