By Bob Allen The approaching 25th anniversary of President George H.W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act is an opportunity for churches to celebrate progress and recognize work that remains to make society more open and accessible to people…
Quadriplegic NAMB missionary receives $26 million settlement after crash
By Bob Allen A North American Mission Board student missionary paralyzed in a 2009 rollover crash has been awarded $26 million in a settlement with the Southern Baptist Convention entity’s insurers. Lawyers representing 27-year-old Jeremy Vangsnes — an All-American collegiate…
The pastor’s dilemma: To friend or not to friend
By Jeff Brumley A Baptist pastor and columnist recently wrote that becoming friends with members of his church was bumping up against his seminary training. “The standard and dominant view is that the office of pastor has clearly defined boundaries…
SBC leader calls for probe into Planned Parenthood video
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention’s top spokesman for public policy concerns said “it is time for the reborn to stand up for the unborn” after viewing an undercover video purported to show a Planned Parenthood official discussing the…
LifeWay makes offer on new Nashville property
By Bob Allen LifeWay Christian Resources is eyeing an acre and a half in downtown Nashville for its new headquarters, according to local media reports. The Metro Development and Housing Agency, a Nashville government agency, is expected on July 21…
Evangelical Christians staunchest supporters of Israel: LifeWay poll
By Bob Allen Christian Zionism — a theological view that God’s promises to ancient Israel in the Old Testament apply today to modern Israel — holds a strong grip on U.S. evangelicals, according to a recent survey by LifeWay Research. The research…
Church joins movement offering hands-on ministry experience to young people
By Linley McCord Pastor Richard Rogers sees young members as vital to the church’s health and survival. So, University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas, launched a program to employ young members in leadership roles. Located near Sam Houston State University,…
Appeals court denies Obamacare challenge
By Bob Allen A federal appeals court ruled July 14 that requiring a religious nonprofit to opt out of mandated contraceptive coverage under Obamacare is not a substantial burden on religious exercise. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said…
Fox News personality fills pulpit at Southern Baptist church
By Bob Allen American Christians are on the verge of having their faith criminalized, Fox News pundit Todd Starnes warned a Southern Baptist church in Georgia in a July 5 “Faith, Family & Freedom Celebration” aired on local television. “There is…
Hispanic faith could revive the rest of the church, say speakers
By Jeff Brumley and Kalie Lowrie Hispanic Baptists and other Christians have so much to offer the American church and society that they must avoid the pitfalls of secularism and consumerism, Latino religious leaders say. That was part of the message…
BWA aids U.N. report on Eritrea
By Bob Allen The United Nations recently issued a scathing report on human rights in the northeast African nation of Eritrea researched with input from the Baptist World Alliance. A June 4 report by the U.N. Human Rights Council found…
White House expands religious objections to birth control
By Bob Allen The Obama administration released rules July 10 allowing “closely held” for-profit corporations to claim a religious objection to mandated coverage of contraceptives under Obamacare. Final regulations by the Department of Health and Human Services specify that in…