WASHINGTON (ABP) — After impassioned debate on the separation of church and state Sept. 26, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would make it harder to sue the government for violations of church-state separation. House members voted 244-173…
British Baptist minister leads environmental protest at airport
NOTTINGHAM, England (ABP) — Twenty-four environmental protesters, led by a British Baptist minister, were arrested Sept. 24 for breaching the security perimeter at the Nottingham East Midlands airport. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the protesters cut through fences around…
Church fights turn high-tech: Web is new weapon of choice
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (ABP) — Bellevue Baptist Church is on the cutting edge of a growing trend — at least when it comes to conflict. Like members from several other prominent churches nationwide, congregants at the Memphis-area megachurch are using web…
American Baptists will move historical collections to Atlanta
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — The American Baptist Historical Society, which claims the largest collection of Baptist resources in the world, is moving to the heart of the Deep South — Atlanta. The collection will have a new home on…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for September 21, 2006
Staff changes Ben Laird, to Trinity Church, Martinsville, as pastor. Chris and Karen Harbin, to Central Church, Lowesville, as co-pastors. Ronnie Campbell, to Bethany Church, Baskersville, as pastor. Gregory Todd Randall, to Clarksville Church, Clarksville, as senior pastor. Richard L….
Making a difference: Churches mentor via Big Brothers Big Sisters program
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — A Birmingham chapter of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters program is using a new, faith-based approach to matching adults with children in need of mentors. The initiative, called Faithful Friends, is unique to the agency…
Missouri Baptist executive targeted in Sept. 22 closed-door meeting
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — The conservatives who control the Missouri Baptist Convention are divided over the leadership of their executive director, David Clippard, who could face a vote of dismissal tomorrow (Sept. 22). A closed-door meeting of the board…
William Carey University president Larry Kennedy succumbs to ALS
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (ABP) — Larry Kennedy, the president of William Carey University, died Sept. 21. He was 64. The president of the Baptist-affiliated school since 1998, Kennedy died from complications with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He had…
Christians from Muslim backgrounds find joy in togetherness
A total of 251 persons registered for the conference, 97 of which had been Muslims before converting to Christianity. Others were seekers or were Christian Background Believers who attended in a supportive role. One Jewish Background Believer also attended. Three…
Alliance directors approve next step in Cuba fine, new staffing plan
SILVER SPRING, Md. (ABP) — Directors of the Alliance of Baptists have authorized the next step in appealing a proposed $34,000 fine for alleged violations of the federal government's economic embargo on Cuba. Meeting in suburban Washington Sept. 14-16, the…
Fredericksburg Church gets grant for missional ministry
With a history of doing missions work both in its hometown and around the world, Fredericksburg Baptist had a commitment to helping others. But Jeanne Anderson, minister with adults and missions, said when the congregation conducted the “It's Time” study,…
SBC Exec. Committee approves fiscal-responsibility amendment
NASHVILLE (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee approved Sept. 19 an amendment to convention documents that urges SBC leaders toward greater financial responsibility. Southern Baptist messengers will hear the recommendation at the June 2007 annual meeting in San…