DALLAS (ABP) – Spanish evangelicals are feeling an increased urgency for evangelism in the aftermath of terror attacks that killed almost 200 people March 11, according to a Baptist leader in Spain. Spanish Baptists, though still recovering after four explosions…
Federal panels turn spotlight on Turkmenistan’s rights violations
WASHINGTON (ABP) — When one thinks of international violators of religious freedom, totalitarian communist regimes such as North Korea or China often come to mind — as do theocratic Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia or Iran. But members of…
As gay-marriage deadline nears, states, Congress scramble to respond
WASHINGTON (ABP) — As the May 17 deadline for the United States' first legal gay marriages approaches, members of Congress debated a nationwide ban on same-sex marriage, and one more state legislature narrowly rejected a similar amendment. “Gays are not…
Growth of world religions calls for dialogue, not retreat, speakers say
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Rather than retreating from the challenge of world religions in an increasingly pluralistic society, Christians should enter into honest dialogue with people who hold different beliefs, two speakers told a national conference examining “ultimate questions.” “We…
Pastor says God delivered hope following 1999 church shooting
DALLAS (ABP) – Nearly five years after it happened, Pastor Al Meredith still remembers vividly the phone call that changed his life and the path of his congregation: “You've got to get down here. Someone's shooting the kids.” It was…
Gay cruise draws new attention to SBC agency’s Carnival stock
DALLAS (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Annuity Board faces another round of criticism for owning $14 million worth of stock in Carnival Cruise Lines, which is hosting “the First Annual Official Gay Days Cruise” beginning May 30. The four-night Bahamas…
Religious freedom commission warns about Iraq in annual report
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The future of religious freedom in the rebuilt Afghanistan may be in grave danger — and the United States should avoid similar problems as it rebuilds Iraq, according to a federal panel's annual report. Those observations were…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Creeds build barriers when misused, say Russell Dilday, Keith Putt
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Creeds have a clarifying role in Christian life but they build barriers between believers when used incorrectly, Baptist leaders told a national leadership conference. Using human words as a tool for enforcing orthodoxy is a misuse…
Capital punishment not the gospel way, Mason says
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — God made peace with mankind through Jesus' “non-violent self-sacrifice rather than violent retribution,” and that is how Christians should make peace with others, said Dallas pastor George Mason. Christian belief and practice should “shape us…
Missions advocate Alma Hunt honored by Baptists Today
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Alma Hunt, who led the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union from 1948-1974, received the fourth annual Judson-Rice Award April 30 at Richmond's Second Baptist Church. The award, which bears the names of Luther Rice and pioneer…