By Jeff Brumley Baptists living in war-torn African nations are being asked to press their governments for peace amid fighting that has claimed more than 5 million lives and displaced close to 1 million. The All Africa Baptist Fellowship, or…
Former youth pastor gets 12 years for sexting teen he met through church
By Bob Allen A former youth minister at a Baptist church in Texas, who admitted to exchanging sexually explicit text messages and photos with an underage girl from his church, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. Joshua…
Gay Baptist minister sues for right to wed
By Bob Allen A Kentucky Baptist minister and gay-rights activist filed a lawsuit Feb. 14 claiming the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Maurice “Bojangles” Blanchard — who with his partner, Dominique James, was fined 1 cent for trespassing in…
Faith was ‘right stuff’ for graduates of test pilot school
By Jeff Brumley More than 10 years in the Air Force and successful completion of test pilot school have given Maj. David Aparicio the tools he needs to endure massive gravity forces, evaluate state-of-the-art aircraft and even disarm improvised explosive…
Pharmacist fired for refusing to sell Plan B sues Walgreens
By Bob Allen A Tennessee pharmacist and Baptist church deacon is suing Walgreens in federal court claiming the drug store chain failed to accommodate his religious objection to dispensing Plan B — also known as the “morning-after pill.” Pharmacist Philip Hall,…
Victim of former missionary’s theft loses health, wealth, but keeps sense of humor
By Bob Allen An Alabama woman who lost her home, business and health as a result of a bookkeeper’s scam says in a new book that she never would have met the man who stole tens of thousands of dollars…
Evangelical context may contribute to divorce, says Baylor sociologist
By Jeff Brumley It’s been known for years that American conservative Protestants divorce at the same or higher rates than either more moderate Christians or those of no religious affiliation at all. But a Baylor University professor said sociologists are…
Past CBF leader praises SBC’s racial progress
By Bob Allen A past moderator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and pioneer in black church relations in the Southern Baptist Convention prior to a 1991 schism attended the recent meeting of a task force on race appointed by SBC…
BWA, CBF collaborate on UN work
By Bob Allen The Baptist World Alliance and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have joined forces to enhance a Baptist presence at the United Nations, leaders of the two groups announced recently. BWA and CBF leaders finalized a partnership agreement in July…
Baylor profs to study nature, value of faith
By Jeff Brumley Philosophy scholars at Baylor University have received a $1.5 million grant to investigate religious beliefs in order to “shed new light on faith,” according to a news release about the three-year study. The gift from the Templeton…
Unequally yoked? Christians increasingly navigate interfaith marriage
By Ken Camp Not that long ago, many Baptist youth ministers warned students about the dangers of interdenominational dating. After all, it could lead to marrying a Methodist, and would a child from that home be sprinkled or immersed? Today,…
For interfaith couples considering marriage — talk early
By Ken Camp Ministers who provide premarital pastoral counseling to interfaith couples should help them think seriously about their faith and the faith of a future spouse, a Baptist pastor with experience in interfaith dialogue suggests. “I’ve found it best…