NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Touting his desire to build a “more compassionate society,” President George W. Bush thanked Southern Baptists June 21 for being “soldiers in the army of compassion” who make a difference in America and the world. Bush…
Southern Baptists re-elect Welch as president during opening day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Bobby Welch was re-elected to a second term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention without opposition June 21. Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., has endeared himself to Southern Baptists with…
Bush to address culture-war allies at SBC meeting for 4th year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — For the fourth year in a row, President George W. Bush will speak — by live video — to messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention when they meet next week in Nashville, Tenn. Bush will address…
Yearlong evangelistic effort will reveal health of SBC, president Welch says
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Sixteen months from now, Southern Baptists should know if they have been able to reverse their evangelistic decline — or if there is a deeper problem that will require a more drastic remedy — said Bobby…
Terri Schiavo autopsy says she was brain damaged, blind, not abused
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The autopsy results for Terri Schiavo, released by Florida officials June 15, conclude that she was not abused prior to collapsing and lapsing into an unconscious state 15 years ago, that she was blind at the time…
New Jersey appeals-court panel rules against gay marriage
TRENTON, N.J. (ABP) — A divided New Jersey appellate court ruled June 14 against same-sex marriage, but gay-rights activists who filed the suit have promised to appeal. A three-judge panel of the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division ruled 2-1…
Violence in Rio Grande city Forces mission trips out
NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico (ABP) — Escalating violence in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, prompted the Texas Baptist River Ministry office to issue a safety advisory for the border city and led some volunteer church groups to cancel their planned trips. At least…
News pioneer W.C. Fields to headline ABP dinner at CBF General Assembly
GRAPEVINE, Texas (ABP) — Wilmer C. Fields, a pioneer in the field of Christian journalism, will be the featured speaker at the annual Associated Baptist Press dinner at the CBF General Assembly. The dinner will be held Thursday, June 30,…
Carlton Dotson sentenced to 35 years for murder of Baylor basketball player
Editor's note: This story updates one issued June 9. WACO, Texas (ABP) — Former basketball player Carlton Dotson was sentenced to 35 years in prison June 15 for killing his former Baylor University basketball teammate Patrick Dennehy — despite his…
Virginians to host reception at BWA Congress in England
More than 220 Virginia Baptists have registered so far to attend the Baptist World Alliance's Centennial Congress, slated for July 25-30 in Birmingham, England. The BWA is expected to approve the Baptist General Association of Virginia for full admission into…
In what may be his last crusade there, Billy Graham will preach this month in Ne
By Jason Anthony In 1957, when Billy Graham's New York City crusade launched him into the national spotlight, he took the chance to cross racial lines in an age of segregation. From June 24 to 26, Graham, now 86, will…
Virginia pastor publishes ‘Beach Week’ devotional book
By Jim White Though the view of the ocean was partially obstructed by a sea of rooftops between the beach and the balcony upon which he stood, Pastor Mark Jordan could feel himself relaxing as he breathed in the cool…