LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Saddleback Community Church is the largest congregation in the Southern Baptist Convention. But is it really Southern Baptist? Pastor Rick Warren told a group of high-profile journalists in May that the 40,000-member church no longer…
Counselors help tsunami victims deal with emotion damage too
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — In Matara, Sri Lanka, school teachers have moved all the classes to the upper floor because the children refuse to meet in the school's ground-level rooms. The memory of the Dec. 26 tsunami is still…
Popular Bible curriculum lacks academic credibility, critic says
Part two: (ABP) — Not only does a popular Bible curriculum for public schools promote one religious point of view, it lacks academic credibility, says reviewer Mark Chancey. The Bible in History and Literature, a 290-page curriculum resource produced by…
Bible’s role in classroom buttressed by Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C. (ABP) — While the cultural debate about religion in schools is nowhere near settled, the Supreme Court has resolved at least this much: Students should know what's in the Bible. In the Supreme Court's 1963 ruling on Abington…
For teachers, faith in classroom requires delicate balance
(ABP) — Many Christian public school teachers see their vocation as more than a job. They view it as a divine calling. But some wrestle with how to follow Christ without stepping out of bounds. Teachers should start by keeping…
N.C. proposed budget keeps CBF, but would limit CBF messengers
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (ABP) — The executive committee of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention board of directors narrowly approved a budget proposal Aug. 16 that retains direct funding for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, but could also limit representation from churches…
N.C. Baptist Retirement Home seeks to alter relationship
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (ABP) — Directors of the North Carolina Baptist Retirement Home are seeking to “adjust certain aspects of their relationship” with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention “while reaffirming other traditional ties.” The move comes after a convention nominating…
Birmingham medical missions team manages despite seizure of supplies
CIUDAD BOLIVAR, Venezuela (ABP) — It sounds like a logistical nightmare. A 33-person medical team touches down in Venezuela, ready to run a five-day clinic with 41 trunks of medicine, eyeglasses and other supplies — 41 trunks that never arrived…
Taizé founder Brother Roger stabbed to death during worship
TAIZE, France (ABP) — The legendary founder of a monastic community that united Christians from Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic and evangelical traditions was stabbed to death during a prayer service Aug. 16. Brother Roger, leader of the Taizé Community in the…