HORNSBY, Tenn. (ABP) — In May 2005, Tim West was a robust, 203-pound pastor ministering to his congregation at Hornsby Baptist Church. Twelve months later he lay in bed, his weight down to 93 pounds, praying that God would call…
Just-named Christian Coalition head steps down in dispute over mission
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Just weeks after Joel Hunter’s appointment as executive director of the Christian Coalition of America signaled a broader and softer image for the organization, a dispute over that new direction has forced him to step down. According…
Opinion: Divorce is not a spectator sport
Have you heard the latest? Pamela Anderson is divorcing Kid Rock after just four months of marriage. Did you know that Kevin Federline (aka K-Fed), Britney's estranged husband, is now nicknamed K-Fed-Ex? Isn't that hilarious? Did you see the tongue-in-cheek…
Journalists, conservative evangelicals prod each other over portrayal in press
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Evangelicals want secular journalists to be more accurate in their portrayals of conservative Protestants, and journalists in turn want respect from evangelical leaders and an understanding that the news business is not the promotion business. That was…
Poll shows voters care more about Iraq, poverty than abortion, gays
WASHINGTON (ABP) — “Kitchen-table” issues like poverty and greed were more important to voters in this year's midterm elections than issues usually trumpeted by religious groups, according to polls released recently. Commissioned by Faith in Public Life and Catholics in…
Vietnam becomes first country to earn removal from religious-violators list
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The State Department's latest list of nations that are the most severe violators of religious freedom no longer includes Vietnam — a first since the department began issuing the list. But an independent government watchdog group isn't…
Pro-lifers call on Rick Warren to bar Obama from AIDS summit
DALLAS (ABP) — Members of Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Southern California are hosting a two-day summit on the global AIDS crisis in an effort to “serve the hurting like Jesus did.” But the event is not without critics —…
Evangelical pundit Hewitt touts value of blogs, Mitt Romney
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Evangelical leaders shouldn't be afraid of expressing their beliefs in the blogosphere — or of a potential Mormon as president — conservative law professor and radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt recently told a group of evangelical theologians….
BGCT to turn over probe results to law-enforcement officials
DALLAS (ABP) — Officials with the Baptist General Convention of Texas will give law-enforcement agencies the documents produced by an independent investigation that revealed financial malfeasance in its church-starting efforts. Executive Director Charles Wade will provide officials “complete copies of…
Court refuses to hear appeal of Maine voucher decision
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court declined Nov. 27 to consider overturning a Maine state court's decision against the use of tuition vouchers at religious schools. The justices' refusal to hear the appeal underscores their unwillingness — despite the court's…
Missionary kid returns to Nigeria with trailer-sized Christmas gift
DALLAS, Texas (ABP) — Many people renew family ties during the holidays, but for Mary Kay Posey, this year's 19-hour trip home will be particularly special. When she returns to Nigeria this month, she'll get the chance to carry on…
Pray for Sudan
The passage of the resolution on genocide in Sudan at the Baptist General Association of Virginia meeting was an extremely significant event. What has been happening in Darfur, West Sudan, the past two years has been happening in Southern Sudan…