The drive to weave ties among local churches is housed deep in the Baptist DNA, some observers of denominational life say. It's an instinct almost as visceral as another, often competing, Baptist charactertistic — a fierce independence of thought and…
Trustees soften controversial IMB policies
KANSAS CITY, MO. (ABP) — Controversial policies for missionaries on baptism and speaking in tongues were slightly softened—but not revoked—by trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board May 8. The trustees, meeting in Kansas City, approved an ad…
Networks: New label or a new way for churches to relate
Some associations of churches call themselves “networks” now. And their directors of missions insist it's more than just a trendy change in terminology. As missions director for a West Texas area that included both Midland and Odessa Baptist associations, Wayne…
Baylor professor becomes Catholic, resigns as head of evangelical group
WACO, Texas—Renowned evangelical philosopher Francis Beckwith has become a Roman Catholic and, as a result, has resigned as president—and also as a member—of the Evangelical Theological Society. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, said…
Baptist chaplain works in Iraq, ministers to those of all faiths
ATLANTA (ABP) — Alan Rogers has baptized soldiers in an Iraqi river under armed Marine protection. Needless to say, it was a quick job. “He courageously made a public proclamation of his faith in front of his squad as they…
CBF, ABC to co-sponsor two couples in unique commission
ATLANTA (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist Churches USA have agreed to co-sponsor two missions couples in mission fields in the United States and Haiti. The missionaries are Marcia and Duane Binkley, who will be commissioned in…
Maciel named seventh president of Baptist University of the Americas
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — René Maciel will become the seventh president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio, Texas. Maciel, 48, currently serves as assistant dean of George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University. He joined…
Analysis: For polarizing figure, Falwell leaves complex legacy
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Few other figures in the second half of the 20th century have proved as polarizing in American popular and political culture as Jerry Falwell, who died May 15 at the age of 73. But the outspoken preacher…
European conservatives say acceptance of gay marriage renders it meaningless
Yolanda King, oldest child of Martin Luther King Jr., dies
NEW YORK (ABP) — Yolanda King, the oldest child of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., died in Santa Monica, Calif., May 15. She was 51. Spokesmen have said the family thinks the cause of death was a heart…
Carol Seeley commissioned as Venturer to South Africa
When Carol Seeley heard Pastor Cheryl Allen's vision for the Touch Life Centre at Troyeville Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa, Seeley knew that this ministry was where God was calling her to serve. Since last fall, Seeley had been…
Opinion: The best way to a full Baptist remembrance
The 400th anniversary of the Jamestown colony is big news, at least here in Virginia. The visit of Queen Elizabeth II excited a flurry of comments on proper protocol, and at least one TV reporter wondered aloud why Governor Kaine…