I was interested to read a recent article about baptism [Herald, July 20]. As it happens, I was raised in an independent Christian church and baptized around age 14. About 12 years later, after my wife and I were married…
Baptismal practices
It amazes me that there are well-meaning church folk who continue to squabble over issues such as proper baptism practices. Do we understand that when we fret over “distinctive Baptist practices” that few in our society understand or care about,…
The first fight
I just read a wonderful review of a new book on the America gospel written by Jon Meacham. It said that America's first fight was over faith. It went on to say that when the Founding Fathers gathered for the…
In the schoolhouse or the church house?
Fifty years ago most children received some exposure to the Judeo-Christian faith tradition in the tax-supported public schools. My faintest recollection is that my school had opening exercises with the pledge to the flag, some Bible verses and a prayer….
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for August 3, 2006
STAFF CHANGES Ricky J. Jenkins, resigning as pastor of Pioneer Church, Richmond, to accept a position with the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. Clayton Sweet, resigning as pastor of New Hope Chapel, Pulaski. He and his wife Wanda, who…
ANOTHER VIEW: The stem cell veto
President Bush's veto July 19 of any change in his stem cell research policy was derided by many as a sop to his conservative base. But the price that the president and his party are sure to pay for this…
North Carolina couple does ‘God’s work’ from camper, armory in Katrina territory
Hannah Elliott/ABP GULFPORT, Miss. (ABP) — It would take an act of God for most people to quit their jobs, move away from friends and family and commit to living for two years in a camper in Katrina-ravaged Gulfport, Miss….
Stranded Lebanese academic to address American Baptist missions conference
GREEN LAKE, Wis. (ABP) — A Lebanese Baptist minister critical of American evangelical Protestants' overwhelming support for Israel will address an American Baptist Churches missions conference Aug. 4. Martin Accad's address to participants at the ABCUSA International Ministries world missions…
Gore documentary film exposes diversity in evangelical opinion on environment
DALLAS (ABP) — A recent movie by Al Gore has helped reveal a diversity of opinion among Christians when it comes to the environment. While in recent years some evangelical and conservative groups have begun to acknowledge the case for…
Randel Everett to resign from Leland Center in Va.
ARLINGTON, Va. (ABP) — Randel Everett will resign at the end of the year as president of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies, where he has served for the past nine years. “These past nine years have been an…
Washington Supreme Court latest to rule against same-sex marriage
OLYMPIA, Wash. (ABP) — In the latest of several setbacks for gay-rights activists, Washington's Supreme Court narrowly voted to uphold that state's ban on same-sex marriage July 26. In a 5-4 decision, the state's highest court ruled against two groups…
Missions Connection is ‘hands of Jesus’
“This is my first time to Missions Connection; it's been a great week!” commented one lady from Hardy Central Church. “I want to volunteer to be a youth leader in 2007; I'd like to work with the Pregnancy Center,” stated…