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…
Involving emerging leaders
Guest Editorial for Jan. 13, 2005 Jimmy Draper, president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, recently discussed with Facts & Trends magazine why he's concerned about the SBC's declining baptisms and interested in greater denominational involvement by…
Remembering and imagining
Andrew Broaddus, a Baptist statesman, delivered a farewell address in 1833 before a meeting of the Dover Baptist Association, which he repeatedly had served as moderator and for which he had preached the introductory sermon for some 46 years. At…