WACO, Texas (ABP) — Expressions of gratitude and best wishes for the future of Baylor University greeted Robert Sloan's announcement he will step aside as the school's president to assume the chancellor's role. Bill Carden, president of the Committee to…
Bush sworn into second term, vows to spread freedom abroad
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Amid snow and protestors, George W. Bush was sworn into his second term as president Jan. 20, vowing that the United States would “seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and…
Attempt to halt inaugural prayers rejected by Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (ABP) — One of the nation's best-known — and most widely disparaged — crusaders against government-sponsored religion failed in his attempt to prevent prayers by clergy at the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. Michael Newdow lost his bid to halt…
Federal judge dismisses challenge to law banning gay marriage
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Florida judge has ruled against the first direct challenge to a federal law banning same-sex marriage. Federal District Judge James Moody of Tampa dismissed a Florida lesbian couple's lawsuit seeking to overturn the federal Defense of…
Virginia, Texas conventions take step toward BWA membership
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Two state Baptist conventions have moved a step closer to full membership in the Baptist World Alliance. The Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Baptist General Convention of Texas were both admitted Jan. 11 into…
Baylor sues gay former student for sending lewd e-mails
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Matthew Bass, a former Baylor University seminary student who was denied a scholarship in 2004 because he is gay, now is being sued by Baylor University for allegedly sending lewd e-mails to employees and their families…
Protestant churches in Thailand launch two-year relief plan for tsunami victims
PHANGNGA PROVINCE, Thailand (ABP) — Major Christian groups in Thailand have begun a two-year relief plan to aid tsunami victims, which will include both immediate relief and rehabilitation. Coordinated by Thailand Protestant Christian Churches, work has already begun in three…
Texas Baptists serve throughout Sri Lanka
BATTICOLOA, Sri Lanka (ABP) — The spirit of God is washing over areas of Sri Lanka that were hard-hit by the tsunamis, revealing a changed topographical and spiritual terrain, according to a missionary in Sri Lanka. God has arranged “divine…
Hungarian Baptist Aid carves unique disaster-relief niche
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (ABP) — Americans might not think of Hungarians as being in the forefront of international relief efforts, but a relatively young Hungarian organization is a pacesetter in worldwide disaster relief. Hungarian Baptist Aid was founded in 1996…
‘Under God’ case refiled, halt to prayers requested
The famous atheist who failed last year in his attempt to get the phrase “under God” removed from the Pledge of Allegiance is trying again. California physician and attorney Michael Newdow filed a lawsuit in federal court Jan. 3 challenging…
Church & People News for January 20, 2005
S T A F F • C H A N G E S Todd Gaston, to Mount Ararat Church, Stafford, as senior pastor, effective Jan. 30. He had served the church as pastor for student ministries since 2002. Clyde Mawyer…
Prominent church-state issues likely to resurface in 109th Congress
By Robert Marus As the 109th Congress goes to work in an atmosphere already charged with partisanship, legislative battles over religious and moral issues are virtually certain to remain as prominent as they were in the last session, according to…