ATLANTA (ABP) — According to Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Gregory, leader of the Atlanta archdiocese, there is a new thing happening among Baptists and Roman Catholics – cooperation, increased understanding and potential for greater relationship. “This could and can only…
Supreme Court agrees jury erred by basing death penalty on Bible
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The nation's highest court has upheld a Colorado court's ruling that said jurors erred when they consulted biblical law to sentence a murderer to death. On the first day of its 2005-2006 term Oct. 3, the federal…
Christians must reclaim prophetic role, Paynter says at ABP award banquet
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — God's people embody Christ's character when they reclaim their prophetic voice and speak truth to power, a Christian lobbyist told participants at an awards banquet sponsored by Associated Baptist Press. “In the realm of convictions and…
Roberts confirmed, sworn in despite groups’ objections
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Despite strong objections from some civil rights groups, the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed John Roberts to a seat on the Supreme Court Sept. 29. A few hours after the 78-22 confirmation vote, Justice John Paul Stevens swore Roberts…
Conservative favorite DeLay indicted, replaced by Blunt
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — One of religious conservatives' strongest advocates on Capitol Hill has stepped down from his leadership post after being indicted in a campaign-finance scandal. Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) resigned from his post as House Majority Leader Sept….
FEMA to reimburse churches for housing Katrina victims
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In a largely unprecedented move, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will offer monetary reimbursement to churches and other houses of worship aiding Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Some watchdog groups greeted FEMA's Sept. 26 announcement with skepticism….
Chaplain in Iraq finds new role helping soldiers cope with war
NORTHERN IRAQ (ABP) — In Iraq, Army Chaplain Joe Moffitt sees himself as a spiritual medic who offers healing to souls in trauma. “I have found that pastoral care here is oftentimes more like triage, as compared to that in…
‘One day’ comes sooner than expected for some evacuees
TYLER, Texas (ABP) — For some Texans, “one day” came sooner than they thought. Two weeks ago, Texas volunteers in shelters for Hurricane Katrina victims were talking about how they could be evacuees “one day.” That time came sooner than…
Texas Baptists prepare for Rita as category 4 storm bears down on coast
DALLAS (ABP) — With Hurricane Katrina fresh on their minds, Baptist General Convention of Texas leaders are preparing relief resources to serve as quickly as possible when Hurricane Rita strikes along the Gulf Coast. BGCT staff members are lining up…
Former Katrina shelter becomes haven for Rita evacuees
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — As Hurricane Rita bears down on the Texas coast, a shelter that housed victims of Hurricane Katrina has been emptied and reopened for evacuees of the new storm. Churchill Baptist Church in San Antonio, which has…
House allows religious discrimination in reauthorizing Head Start program
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Once again, the House of Representatives has voted to allow religious social-service providers using federal money to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion. The Sept. 22 move was the latest in a long series of…
SBC Executive Committee increases salary structure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has voted to raise the salaries for some of its upper-level employees as questions continue about the openness of its salary structure. The vote came during the committee's Sept. 20…