ROACH, Mo. (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Missouri approved a strategic plan and elected Jim Hill as executive director during the moderate convention's annual meeting April 29-30. Hill, named interim executive director at last year's meeting, will become…
Calif. legislators narrowly defeat legalization of gay marriage
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP) — California legislators narrowly defeated a bill June 2 that would have made that state the first in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage legislatively. The 37-36 vote in favor of the bill, although a narrow majority,…
Congressional leaders re-appoint three to religious-freedom panel
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…
Baylor interim sets decisive course with first-day appointments
WACO, Texas (ABP) – Baylor University's interim president steered the rudder of Baptists' flagship university during his first day at the helm. Bill Underwood announced three high-level administrative appointments, most pointedly replacing the university's top academic officer, David Lyle Jeffrey,…
Missouri appeals court ruling deals partial setback to agencies
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (ABP) — A state appeals court ruling means the Missouri Baptist Convention will be able to continue pursuing its lawsuit against five agencies that removed themselves from MBC control. In a preliminary opinion issued May 31, the…
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…