Without question immigration currently is a hot button issue for all Americans, all Christians and all Virginia Baptists. Daniel Carro, coordinator of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists and professor of divinity at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies,…
Pentagon investigation faults generals for endorsing evangelical ministry
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of high-ranking Pentagon officials improperly endorsed and aided an evangelical Christian ministry, according to a Defense Department investigation recently made public. The Department of Defense inspector general's report was dated July 20 and released to…
Imagining the future
In the summer of 1877, “the June meeting” or annual meeting of the General Association was held in Danville. Jeremiah Bell Jeter, one of the grand old men of the Association, was present and actively engaged in the meeting. Jeter…
History conference draws diverse group of Baptists
CHARLESTON, S.C. (ABP)—Perhaps the most notable thing about the recent “Baptist History Celebration,” held in the mother church of Southern Baptists, is that it happened at all. But historians from an astonishing array of Baptist groups—liberal, conservative, fundamentalist, moderate, African-American,…
Baptist experience
At a time when many are trying to rewrite Baptist history and many are ashamed to put the name “Baptist” on their church sign, the publication by William E. Hull of his newest book, The Meaning of the Baptist Experience,…
Progressive Baptists protest hip-hop lyrics, global warming & Iraq war
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Delegates to the annual meeting of the Progressive National Baptist Convention have called for protests of music lyrics demeaning to women and minorities. “We are speaking out publicly against the denigration of women, minorities and the kind of self-hatred…
Succession sometimes sticky when beloved pastor leaves
(ABP) — When the only pastor an entire generation at a church has known leaves, there's no set model for ensuring a smooth transition, experts say. The right way to do it at one time in a church's history may…
How long before the new pastor really feels part of a church?
(ABP) — When a beloved pastor leaves a church, the replacement often faces an uphill battle in winning the trust and respect of the congregation. Sometimes, the newcomer faces a challenge simply in getting people to remember his name. Winfred…
North Carolina WMU decides to leave convention’s control
CARY, N.C. (ABP) — The Woman's Missionary Union of North Carolina has voted to remove itself from the North Carolina Baptist Building — and the state convention executive director's attempt to assert authority over its staff. The dramatic move culminates…
Southern Baptist morality activist confesses to soliciting prostitute
SALISBURY, N.C. (ABP) — Moral activist and conservative Southern Baptist Convention leader Coy Privette received “deferred prosecution” on six charges of aiding and abetting prostitution during his hearing Aug. 22. Privette, a Rowan County, N.C., commissioner and former executive director…
Illinois church knowingly placed convicted sex offender in pulpit
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (ABP) – Despite warnings from a denominational official as well as another church, a Southern Baptist congregation near Chicago allowed a convicted child molester to preach for years. In the end, it took media inquiries for Jeffrey Hannah,…
Will Huckabee’s strong Iowa showing bring money, credibility to campaign?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Could a Baptist preacher become the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee – or more? Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's surprisingly strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Straw Poll has significantly raised the profile of the pastor-turned-politician. But…