WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Episcopal Church USA, on the verge of a split with its worldwide religious body over homosexuality, is being “pushed toward a decision by impatient forces within and outside this church,” according to the group's head. But…
Negrut, ‘hero’ to SBC conservatives, accused of plagiarism in Romania
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — Paul Negrut, the president of the Romanian Baptist Union and a “hero” to Southern Baptist conservatives, is accused of plagiarizing a book by an American author — ironically, for use in a Romanian seminary class…
Leader of alternative Va. convention nominated as NAMB president
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (ABP) — After a 10-month search to replace disgraced former head Bob Reccord, the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board has recommended Virginian Geoffrey Hammond as its next president. Hammond, 49, is currently senior associate director of…
BTSR hosts 9th preaching and worship conference
UNEDITED NEWS RELEASLE — RICHMOND,Va. – “Let Justice Roll” is the theme of the Ninth annual Chester Brown, Hampton Baptist Church Preaching and Worship Conference, May 21-23, at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond. Plenary and worship sessions will explore Christ's…
Ark. tornado prompts response by churches, convention
DUMAS, Ark. (ABP) — Within a few hours after an F-3 tornado tore a path of destruction through a southeast Arkansas town Feb. 24, Arkansas Baptists disaster-relief volunteers and area church members were on hand aiding victims and assessing the…
Baptist workers help provide training to church leaders in China
ATLANTA (ABP) — What's the greatest spiritual need in China today? According to Bill and Michelle Cayard, Houston-natives who have worked in China since 2003, the country desperately needs more churches and trained leadership. Case in point: Sichuan, a Western…
Archaeologists, evangelical leaders criticize Titanic director’s latest film
DALLAS (ABP) — Archaeologists, biblical scholars and Christian leaders are casting doubt on explosive claims about the life of Jesus in a new documentary from Hollywood director-producer James Cameron. The film, called The Lost Tomb of Jesus, presents evidence producers…
Combative high court hears arguments over ability to file religion lawsuits
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Feb. 28 in a case that, on the surface, is about technical issues — but could end up having significant ramifications for the way courts handle church-state cases. At stake, advocates…
Controversial Soledad cross remains after Calif. court declines appeal
SAN DIEGO (ABP) — Supporters of a controversial cross on government land in San Diego won the latest round in a lengthy war over the monument Feb. 21. The California Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a lower…
Former Southern Baptist history group to join American Baptists at Mercer
ATLANTA (ABP) — In a move that will put an American Baptist history collection and a formerly Southern Baptist history group under the same roof, the Baptist History and Heritage Society announced Feb. 23 that it will relocate to Mercer…
Another Baptist minister arrested, charged with child sex exploitation
CAMDEN, S.C. (ABP) — Another Southern Baptist minister has been arrested on child sex-abuse charges, this time for sending pornographic photos of himself to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl. Kevin Ogle, 42, pastor of Northgate Colonial Baptist Church…
American religious delegation travels to Iran to seek peace
WASHINGTON, D.C. (ABP) — A Christian delegation led by Quakers and Mennonites met with political and religious leaders in Iran to improve relations between the United States and the volatile nation. Representatives from the American Friends Service Committee and the…