MONTGOMERY, Ala. (ABP) — Attorneys for Alabama's former chief justice have asked for his reinstatement by claiming Roy Moore did not commit an ethical violation when he defied a federal court's order last year. Moore's attorneys said he was bound…
Regents’ study of Baylor controversy offers suggestions for healing rifts
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University's board of regents has urged President Robert Sloan to take aggressive steps to heal the fragmented academic community. They also have called for the sale of a controversial jet airplane and significant changes in…
Baylor punishes basketball program again after internal study finds more violations
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University assessed additional penalties on its men's basketball program Feb. 26, citing an internal review that uncovered widespread violations in recruiting, finances and drug testing. The Baylor basketball scandal broke last summer, after player Patrick…
California Supreme Court decision OKs regulation of Catholic group
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The California Supreme Court has ruled that a Catholic social-service agency must provide contraceptives as part of its prescription-drug benefit for employees — raising alarms among some religious-liberty watchers. By a 6-1 vote, the court ruled that…
Many medical chaplains feel like pastors too
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — If military and prison chaplains serve in “pastoral roles,” then so do chaplains in hospitals, hospices and nursing homes. So say a number of medical chaplains and the professional organizations that oversee their work. There…
Mainstream speakers urge Baptists to regain religious-liberty commitment
NASHVILLE (ABP) — The strong commitment to religious liberty by the early Baptists who shaped American democracy is now at risk of disappearing, said several speakers during the third annual convocation of the Mainstream Baptist Network Feb. 27-28. Participants in…
Iraq interim constitution draft establishes Islam, Islamic laws
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Nearly a year after American forces liberated Iraq from the oppressive government of Saddam Hussein, some religious-liberty advocates are worried the country's new constitution won't protect religious minorities. Members of the Iraqi Governing Council reportedly reached agreement…
Texas Baptists ‘revisioning’ teams to seek ‘compelling vision’ for state convention
DALLAS (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas has launched a process of “revisioning” that is expected to lead to reorganization of the convention's work. Charles Wade, executive director, announced formation of four “Revisioning Teams” of 10-13 people each…
Texas Baptist leader dies in car crash
LUBBOCK, Texas (ABP) — Billy Ray Parmer, former two-time Baptist General Convention of Texas second vice president, died Feb. 28 in a car crash outside Abernathy, Texas. Parmer, 78, pulled his sports utility vehicle around two stopped cars at an…