WASHINGTON (ABP) — Congressional leaders have re-appointed three long-time advocates for religious liberty to a federal panel charged with monitoring worldwide conditions for freedom of conscience. The leaders re-appointed Felice Gaer, Ricardo Ramirez and Nina Shea to the United States…
In ‘Larry King’ interview, Clinton cautions conservatives, liberals on religion
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Former President Bill Clinton cautioned both Democrats and Republicans on their use — or lack thereof — of religious language in a television appearance June 1. Appearing on CNN's popular “Larry King Live” program, Clinton told conservatives…
Supreme Court upholds law designed to protect inmates’ religious rights
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A unanimous Supreme Court upheld a federal law May 31 that makes it easier for prison inmates — and others — to assert their religious freedom. The justices validated the constitutionality of the Religious Land Use and…
CBF Council officers name search committee for new Global Missions coordinator
ATLANTA (ABP) — The officers of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's governing Coordinating Council have appointed a seven-member search committee to fill the position of Global Missions coordinator, a position vacated by Barbara Baldridge June 1. Jack Snell, Global Missions associate…
Colorado, Maryland governors deal blows to gay-rights bills
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (ABP) — Two governors have vetoed gay-rights bills passed by their states' legislatures. On May 27, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R) vetoed a bill that would have banned private employers in the state from discriminating on the basis…
Top cadet sends religious e-mail as Air Force controversy grows
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The controversy over alleged bias in favor of evangelical Christians at the United States Air Force Academy grew May 31, as the school's top cadet sent a graduation-eve e-mail message laced with religious references to thousands of…
Baldridge resigns unexpectedly as head of CBF global missions
ATLANTA (ABP) — Barbara Baldridge, coordinator of global missions for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, will resign effective May 31, citing unspecified personal reasons. Baldridge, 54, has served in the top CBF missions post since 1999, first jointly with her husband,…
North Carolina Baptist pastor apologizes for Quran sign
FOREST CITY, N.C. (ABP) — A North Carolina Baptist pastor has reversed course, removing a sign outside his church suggesting the Muslim holy book should be put in a toilet. In the face of national media attention and overwhelmingly negative…
Resolution wants churches to investigate schools
COLUMBIA, S.C. (ABP) — A group that tried last year to get Southern Baptists to encourage parents to pull their children out of public schools is now asking the Southern Baptist Convention to urge churches to investigate whether their local…