BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) — The center of Christianity has moved to Africa, and Baptists can be catalysts for changing the continent, Frank Adams told delegates to the Baptist World Centenary Congress July 29. Baptists are called to be a voice…
Coffey elected BWA president; others lift up evangelism, justice
BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) — Delegates to the Baptist World Centenary Congress July 30 elected a British Baptist as their president, received a report on the state of the Baptist World Alliance, and heard an impassioned call for social justice from…
Brit Steve Chalke says churches can become ‘new health service’
BIRMINGHAM, England (BWA) — Like Cinderella, the 21st century church must leave the “scullery” and engage the world as Christ intended it to, Steve Chalke told participants at the Baptist World Centenary Congress July 29. Chalke, a British Baptist minister,…
Baptists beginning to help victims of ‘human trafficking’ industry
BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) –“Sasha” had two children and an abusive husband in the Czech Republic. After being hospitalized from a spousal beating, Sasha accepted an offer to go work in a restaurant in Germany to gain financial independence. Instead, her…
Make AIDS ministry a priority, activists tell BWA focus group
BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) — There are 39.4 million HIV-positive people in the world, about one for every Baptist. With this fact in mind, a focus group at the Baptist World Congress yesterday called upon the Baptist World Alliance to make…
Persecution the norm for Baptists in some parts of world, panel says
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is revised from its earlier release. BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) – Latvian Baptists often encounter “difficulties” from their countrymen working to halt their efforts to spread the gospel, according to Yanis Smits, bishop of the Latvian Baptist…
BWA speakers focus on practical application of compassion
BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) — Christ's love commands compassion for a world filled with suffering and pain, speaker after speaker told participants at the Baptist World Centenary Congress. The Baptist World Alliance set aside an evening of its 100th anniversary celebration…
Regional conferences, prayer unveiled in BWA evangelism strategy
BIRMIMGHAM, England (ABP) — BWA officials launched a new $1.2 million evangelism strategy during a one-day conference in Birmingham, England, on the eve of the group's centennial world congress. Regional training and vision conferences are a key part of the…
Frist splits with White House on stem-cell research
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Senate's majority leader, citing his expertise as a physician, announced July 29 that he would support an expansion of federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. The decision puts Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) at odds with the…
U.S. Islamic groups issue formal fatwa against terrorism
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of North American Islamic scholars issued a formal fatwa, or religious ruling, condemning terrorism July 28. Although several Muslim groups and leaders in the United States have repeatedly condemned terrorism, the fatwa carries the force…
Prominent congressmen offer measure criticizing Russia on religious freedom
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Two prominent members of Congress have introduced a resolution criticizing one of the United States' largest allies for its handling of religious freedom. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) have introduced versions of a…
Joel Gregory, former SBC leader to teach at moderate seminary
WACO, Texas (ABP) — After quite a circuitous journey, Joel Gregory is returning to his roots at Baylor University. Gregory, who earned his bachelor's and doctoral degrees at Baylor long before embarking on a career that climaxed in his briefly…