Houston Baptist University and the Baptist General Convention of Texas have agreed to a “memorandum of understanding” that maintains their long-standing relationship but with reduced funding for the school. According to Keith Bruce, coordinator of institutional ministries for the BGCT,…
‘Amens’ to a ban: State conventions oppose gay marriage
By Greg Warner As “values voters” in 11 states sent a political message rejecting same-sex marriage, Baptist conventions in at least seven states offered a resounding “Amen” by adopting resolutions against the practice. Most of the statements voiced support…
Church & People News for Dec. 2, 2004
Church & People News for Dec. 2, 2004 S T A F F • C H A N G E S Randy Secrist, to Elon Church, Ruther Glen, as pastor. Greg McClellan, resigning as pastor of New Hope Church, Appomattox….
‘Conformity’ trend in state conventions worries some, encourages others
(ABP) — Those who look for denominational trends are disturbed by several recent actions they say are tightening “the noose of conformity” in Baptist life. In a smattering of actions across the Baptist map, several state conventions are narrowing the…
Networks reject UCC ads, citing gay controversies
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Some progressive groups are protesting a decision by two major TV networks to reject advertisements that stress a major Protestant denomination's inclusiveness. The United Church of Christ announced Nov. 30 that negotiations with NBC and CBS officials…
Young adults waiting longer to marry, but may be more happy, stable
WASHINGTON (ABP) — New data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms young adults are waiting longer to get married. The result, however, may be healthier marriages. Since 1970, the average age at which men marry for the first time rose…
Alabama officials recounting vote to strip racist wording from charter
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP) — Old racial wounds in Alabama are being dredged up as election officials across the state recount votes on a Nov. 2 ballot proposal that, if passed, would remove antiquated racist language from the state Constitution. According…
Ecumenical broadcast features Dallas pastor George Mason
DALLAS (ABP) — George Mason, senior pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, will be the featured preacher for three episodes of a national television and radio program. Mason, pastor of Wilshire for 15 years, will preach on the “Day…
ABP launches weekly summary of news for churches, others
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Associated Baptist Press has begun publishing a free weekly news summary for use by churches and other organizations. ABP Headlines includes abbreviated versions of the organization's latest news stories, along with occasional commentaries and reviews. Headlines…
State Baptist meetings offer mixed results for supporters of Baptist World Alliance
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — If the Baptist World Alliance, which lost its largest member and funder earlier this year, hoped to recoup some of that funding from state Baptist conventions, the organization got little encouragement during the recent round…
India surprises
Think you know India? If your impressions come from old National Geographics, you need to update your mental file about a country that produces more films than Hollywood and whose middle class is larger than the entire U.S. population. By…
Shall we gather at the river? Millions seek cleansing at Kumbh Mela
Dawn came almost unnoticed to the sacred river Shipra. Even the waking sun seemed overwhelmed by the scene unfolding at the water's edge. Hours before, drum-led processions of Hindu monks and mystics had arrived in the sweltering darkness, zealously…