The recent media firestorm over Ann Coulter's comments on whether or not the Jewish people require “perfection” follows the predictable pattern. Like Captain Renault in the movie Casablanca, the hosts of various news programs professed themselves “shocked, shocked” to discover…
CBF council OKs UN anti-poverty goals, hears of year-end budget shortfall
DECATUR, Ga. (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's governing board, at its Oct. 11-12 meeting, endorsed the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, joining many governmental and religious bodies in the global fight against extreme poverty, hunger and disease. Jack Glosgow,…
Yale panel: Does political engagement have a theological foundation?
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (ABP) — Political engagement does have a theological foundation, panelists suggested during a recent exchange at Yale Divinity School. Theologians, lawyers, pastors and ethicists shared their views Oct. 12 at the day-long event, called Voices & Votes…
Budget deficit leads NCC to cut 14 staff positions
NEW YORK (ABP) — Days before hiring a new general secretary, the National Council of Churches cut 14 staff positions due to a budget deficit. The Christian ecumenical group announced Oct. 3 the nomination of Michael Kinnamon, a professor, academic…
In single day, church plants 24,000 Purpose Driven books in S.C. prisons
COLUMBIA, S.C. (ABP) — Giving Rick Warren's best-selling The Purpose Driven Life to prisoners is nothing new for church volunteers. In fact, O.J. Simpson reportedly received a copy of the inspirational book from ministers at Clark County Detention Center in…
Missouri Baptist Convention may move headquarters to nearby town
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — The Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board will evaluate the sale of its downtown Jefferson City, Mo., headquarters and may accept a gift of property in a neighboring town. The board plans to consider the issue…
Evangelicals, liberals seek dialogue on ‘culture war’ issues
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A unique coalition of liberals and conservative evangelicals announced Oct. 10 that they are trying to bring about a cease-fire in the most contentious battles of the so-called “culture wars.” The question is, can they get both…
Gay-inclusive anti-discrimination bill on hold due to transgender provision
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A bill that would provide the first nationwide anti-discrimination protections for gay and lesbian people is on hold while members of Congress debate whether it should include protections for transgender persons as well. On Sept. 27, House…
Correction
Please make the following correction in the Oct. 4 ABP story, “Dan Stringer, Baptist executive for three conventions, dead at 79”: Change the first paragraph to read as follows: “Dan Stringer, believed to be the only person to serve as…
Texas convention launches internal audit on more alleged improprieties in the Valley
DALLAS (ABP) — For the second time in less than a year, the Baptist General Convention of Texas is looking into alleged misuse of church-starting funds in the Rio Grande Valley. BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade reported to the Executive…
Expatriate Baptist minister nominated for position in Kenyan Parliament
DALLAS (ABP) — A Kenyan Baptist minister appears likely to be elected to parliament in his homeland. Solomon Kimuyu has been nominated by the Kenya African National Union to represent Machakos township, about 35 miles east of Nairobi, in Kenya's…
Baptist Joint Committee to begin looking for new property on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is one step closer to having its own “Center for Religious Liberty” on Capitol Hill. Directors of the organization voted Oct. 1 to engage the services of a real-estate agent…