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…
Competing state conventions challenge associations
Dual—and sometimes dueling—state conventions often present a challenge for associations of churches. In keeping with Baptist polity, associations are autonomous, stand-alone organizations, just as Baptist churches and state and national conventions are. But in practice, associations have maintained close ties…
ABP board honors three, moves ahead with partnership
DALLAS (ABP)—The board of the nation's only independent news service for Baptists honored two Baptist communicators and a Dallas congregation for their contributions to the cause of Christian journalism April 27. Meeting in Dallas, directors of Associated Baptist Press also…
MC2 offers opportunities for learning and service
RICHMOND — This summer the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's Mission Connection Celebration (MC2), formerly called Family Missions Week, will offer a wide variety of opportunities for missions learning and service. To be held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center July…
Hispanics transforming nation’s religious landscape
WASHINGTON (RNS)—About half the nation's Hispanics —including many who are Roman Catholic—consider themselves charismatics or Pentecostals, creating a new confluence of streams in American Christianity, a new study has revealed. “Simply put, Latinos are transforming the nation's religious landscape,” 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…
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…