STAFF CHANGES � Jim Hewitt, to Pocahontas Bassett Church, Bassett, as pastor, effective July 9. � Matthew W. Rondeau, to Mt. Tirzah Church, Charlotte Courthouse, as pastor. � Danny Blalock, to Moore's Swamp Church, Elberon, as full-time pastor. � Skip…
SECOND OPINION: Hold churches accountable for abuse
We need to take another step to stop clergy sexual abuse. Let's post a list of churches that we learn knowingly allow—or force—an abusing minister to move on without doing something to warn others. This sounds harsh. But it's nothing…
NEW: SBC messengers re-elect Page, hear motions on agency policies, clergy sex abuse
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — Frank Page was re-elected without opposition to the traditional second one-year term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the first day of the denomination's annual meeting, which also featured efforts to curb clergy sexual…
Volunteer chaplains
I just wanted to thank you for the great work the Herald did on military chaplains [May 31]. I also wanted to tell you of another avenue that pastors have to help in the effort. Virginia has a little known…
NEW: Virginians named to SBC’s committee on nominations
RICHMOND — Two Virginians have been named to the Southern Baptist Convention's 2007-2008 committee on nominations, Baptist Press has reported. The powerful committee — which nominates people to serve on the convention's boards, commissions and committees — will present its…
First freedom and prime principles
Religious liberty is the first freedom for Americans. Thomas Jefferson authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which since 1786 has provided a benchmark for the western world. James Madison, influenced by Virginia Baptists, reasoned that religious liberty would become…
NEW: SBC says doctrinal statement ‘sufficient,’ but impact on hiring remains unclear
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention affirmed the Baptist Faith & Message June 12 as the “sufficient” doctrinal guide for its agencies and institutions. But SBC leaders immediately disagreed over whether the action will keep those agencies from…
SPECIAL REPORT: Broken Trust—The recycle of clergy sexual abuse
Secrecy about clergy sexual abuse may protect an abuser's current church from embarrassment but often at the expense of his next church—and its children. Like many small, rural congregations that find themselves without a pastor, East Bonne Terre Baptist Church…
OUT LOUD
“I sometimes marvel when people running for office are asked about faith and their answer is, ‘Oh, I don't get into that, I keep that completely separate. My faith is completely immaterial to how I think and how I govern.'…
NEW: SBC messengers re-elect Page,choose Richards over Rogers
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — Although the Southern Baptist Convention re-elected as their president a pastor supported by denominational reformers, they defeated the reformers' candidate for first vice president. Messengers at the denomination's annual meeting re-elected South Carolina pastor Frank Page…
SPECIAL REPORT: Broken Trust—Breaking the cycle: How can churches escape the trap of recycling sex a
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.(ABP)—What can churches do to prevent clergy sex abuse and break the pattern of recycling abusers? Even among activists and experts, there is no consensus—and sometimes loud disagreement—about the steps to be taken. • A ministerial code of ethics….
Immigration issues reveal disparity between views in pulpits and pews
WASHINGTON (RNS)—As Congress debates immigration policy, many prominent religious leaders—from all shades of the theological spectrum—have called for a “comprehensive and compassionate” reform of existing laws. It's part of what they see as their biblical mandate to care for the…