NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales chose the Feb. 20 Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee meeting to announce a new Justice Department focus on religious freedom. But some Christian leaders questioned the move, as well as the Bush…
Did the IMB ‘investigate’ charges? Wade Burleson, IMB say no
Wade Burleson says there was no “investigation” by the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board into his allegations of trustee improprieties—despite the insistence of some trustees that there was. “What idiot told Mr. Burleson there was no trustee investigative committee?”…
Opinion: For next generation of Christian activists, evangelism is not enough
Inside the minds and hearts of today's college students, we can see a glimpse of the how the next generation views our task of Christian engagement with culture. Here at Union University where I teach, most of our students flow…
Carson-Newman president, resigns amid turmoil
James Netherton, the embattled president of Carson-Newman College, is resigning from the Baptist-affiliated school to become executive vice president of Mercer University. Netherton, president of Carson-Newman since 2000, has been under pressure in recent months. He was the target of…
‘Clash of civilizations’ view of Islam, Christianity simplistic, expert says
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — The characterization of Muslim and Christian conflict as a “clash of civilizations” only prolongs problems and encourages dangerous forms of fundamentalism, one prominent scholar told listeners at an ethics conference Feb. 19. Charles Kimball, who has…
Christians, others use film Amazing Grace to spotlight modern-day slave trade
Nearly 200 years after William Wilberforce brought an end to England's slave trade, a wide audience will have a chance to see his story told on film. But the producers of Amazing Grace—and a wide coalition of Christian and other…
Hunger, poverty can be diminished by political action, charity head says
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — The movement to eradicate hunger and extreme poverty for millions of people around the world is not a lost cause, says the president of Bread for the World. In fact, despite the population explosion, the number…
William Wilbeforce’s life is a model for modern Christians, says historian
Though he lived in England two centuries ago, the life and work of William Wilberforce remain important examples for modern-day evangelicals, according to the lead historical consultant for a feature film chronicling the famous abolitionist's life. Kevin Belmonte, a leading…
Missionary visits red-light district in Prague to pray with prostitutes
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Lauran Bethell likes dark streets and late nights. She loves prostitutes. She is a self-described “missionary who hangs out in red-light districts.” Bethell, who works with International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA, spoke Feb….
Wake Forest to establish joint divinity/counseling degree
UNEDITED NEWS RELEASE — WAKE FOREST, N.C. — To better prepare ministers who are often asked to respond to the mental and emotional as well as spiritual needs of church and community members, Wake Forest University has established a new…
Supreme Court will not review policy banning nativity scenes in NY schools
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A year after a New York City mother's appeal, the Supreme Court declined Feb. 20 to review a policy banning nativity scenes but allowing other holiday-season displays in the nation's largest public school district. The justices declined,…
First New Jersey gay couples enter into civil unions
TRENTON, N.J. (ABP) — The first New Jersey gay couples to enjoy the same rights as married couples had their civil unions recognized by that state Feb. 19. The state's law recognizing the unions, passed Dec. 14, went into effect…