ATLANTA (ABP) — Since 1999, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's church-starting ministry has helped begin 54 congregations nationwide that are either holding services or are in the planning stages. Steve Abbe is the pastor of one of those new churches —…
Colorado court overturns new state voucher program
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Colorado judge has halted the nation's newest school-voucher program before it even gets started. Denver District Judge Joseph Meyer ruled Dec. 3 that a new program designed to provide tax-funded scholarships to low-income Colorado students to…
Islamic group files slander lawsuit against Republican congressman
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Rep. Cass Ballenger's mouth has gotten him into trouble before, but his most recent controversial comments have earned him a lawsuit from the nation's largest Islamic civil-rights organization. In federal court in Washington Dec. 2, the Council…
Senators introduce amendment to ban same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The United States Senate has become the latest battlefield in the ongoing culture war over gay marriage. A quintet of conservative Republican senators introduced the Federal Marriage Amendment Nov. 25, shortly before senators adjourned for their holiday…
Supreme Court weighs arguments in crucial voucher case
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Supreme Court appeared closely divided during Dec. 2 oral arguments in a case that could have enormous ramifications for the future of government funding for religious institutions. All eyes were on Justice Sandra Day O'Connor as…
Supreme Court case has potential to re-order church-state relations
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A case the Supreme Court took up Dec. 2 has the potential to create another legal landmark in a critical time for church-state relations, according to a group of First Amendment experts. The Supreme Court heard oral…
T Thomas recommended to lead CBF of Oklahoma
NORMAN, Okla. (ABP) – Veteran missionary Charles “T” Thomas is expected to be hired by the Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma as coordinator. Thomas, currently missions coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, will be recommended to the Oklahoma…
California Baptists cut funds to SBC, re-establish resolutions committee
SAN DIEGO (ABP) — Adoption of a reduced 2004 budget, re-establishment of a resolutions committee and an assortment of motions highlighted the 63rd California Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. Held in San Diego Nov. 18-19, the convention drew 610 messengers,…
Asian-themed VBS material draws protests of LifeWay
NASHVILLE (ABP) — “Far-out Far East Rickshaw Rally — Racing to the Son is a VBS race that will have kids dashing through the streets of Tokyo, climbing Mt. Fuji, and diving for pearls,” says a promotion of LifeWay Christian…