BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Meeting in a city known for both racism and reconciliation, the Alliance of Baptists pledged to remake itself into “an anti-racist organization.” The action came as the Alliance began its 20th year with its annual convocation…
At least half of Mercer trustees, all future presidents to be Baptist
MACON, Ga. (ABP) — Following a formal separation initiated by the Georgia Baptist Convention last November and several pronouncements by university leaders calling for a clear Baptist identity, Mercer University trustees voted April 21 to amend the school's charter to…
BJC director: Americans believe lies about church-state separation
ABILENE, Texas (ABP) — Americans are besieged by lies about the relationship of church and state, Brent Walker insisted during the Maston Christian Ethics Lectures at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology, April 10-11. “The lies I want to talk…
Baptist dilemma is balancing freedom, structure says honoree Cecil Sherman
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (ABP) — Historically, Baptists are reluctant to organize beyond local congregations out of fear that such structures will impinge freedom, said longtime Baptist leader Cecil Sherman during an April 21 event honoring his service. “To get a job…
‘Jericho’ walks help church planters begin indigenous church planting
AMARILLO, Texas (ABP) — Neal Hughes feels certain about two things: Churches need to be started in multihousing environments, and doing so begins with prayer. Hughes, a missionary for the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, should know. As pastor…
Maine high court upholds law barring religious vouchers
PORTLAND, Maine (ABP) — Maine's highest court has turned away an attempt to force a state voucher program to include religious schools. In a 6-1 ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court said April 26 a state law that bans a…
BGCT hires accountant to study church fund mismanagement
DALLAS (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas has enlisted an independent accountant to investigate possible mishandling of church-starting funds in the lower Rio Grande Valley. “Allegations came to our attention, and we began an internal probe,” Charles Wade,…
Southside-YMCA partnership ‘win-win’ deal for both groups
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — The YMCA is moving back to its Christian roots with a pilot program they hope to replicate nationally, thanks to some creative thinking by church leaders at Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. After a chance…
Former SBC takeover leader indicted in tax conspiracy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) — One of the men instrumental in the Southern Baptist Convention's 1990 move to defund its historic public-affairs agency is facing federal charges. Sam Currin, who served as a member of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious…