By Bob Allen An ordained Baptist minister and Princeton Theological Seminary professor has been named the first African-American dean of the chapel at Duke University. Luke Powery, 38, the Perry and Georgia Engle assistant professor of homiletics on the Princeton…
Seminary supports Chick-fil-A
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist seminary is responding to controversy over Chick-fil-A’s support of organizations that oppose gay marriage by heeding the fast-food chain’s familiar advertising slogan: “Eat Mor Chikin.” Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced July 25 the school…
Seminary supports Chick-fil-A
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist seminary is responding to controversy over Chick-fil-A’s support of organizations that oppose gay marriage by heeding the fast-food chain’s familiar advertising slogan: “Eat Mor Chikin.” Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced July 25 the school…
CBF staff member takes pastorate
By Bob Allen Rick Bennett, director of missional congregations for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship since 2004, is leaving the Atlanta-based CBF to become pastor of First Baptist Church in Elkin, N.C. Elected in a called business meeting July 22, Bennett’s…
Historic Mo. church calls woman pastor
By Bob Allen After nearly 200 years and 34 pastors, First Baptist Church in Columbia, Mo., has called its first woman pastor. The prominent congregation jointly aligned with American Baptist Churches USA, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of…
Shooting victim chooses forgiveness
By Amber Cassady From his hospital bed, one of the 58 people injured in a July 20 shooting rampage in an Aurora, Colo., movie theater that claimed 12 lives has become a spokesman for Christian forgiveness. Pierce O’Farrill, a member…
Jimmy Carter: Prison reform issue of race
By Bob Allen Former President Jimmy Carter says the disproportionate number of African-Americans who are incarcerated is a remaining vestige of racism in the United States. “When the black Baptist leaders speak out and say what do Baptists need to…
Jimmy Carter: Prison reform issue of race
By Bob Allen Former President Jimmy Carter says the disproportionate number of African-Americans who are incarcerated is a remaining vestige of racism in the United States. “When the black Baptist leaders speak out and say what do Baptists need to…
Free Will Baptists rename college
By Bob Allen Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tenn., is being renamed Welch College in hopes the new name will convince potential students the school is not just for ministers. The name change was adopted by the National…
Colorado tragedy affects Texas family
By Bob Allen The impact of last week’s shooting rampage at a Colorado movie theater was felt as far away as Texas, where a family well-known among Texas Baptists mourned the loss of a brother and son. Texas native Gordon…
Religious freedom organization gets final approval to begin new educational complex in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va.—The First Freedom Center received final approval from the Richmond City Council July 23 to construct a downtown exhibit and hotel complex to highlight religious freedom. The City Council’s action paves the way for the 28-year-old non-profit educational organization…
Chaplain at same-sex wedding leaving SBC
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist-endorsed Air Force chaplain portrayed recently in national media as watching approvingly the blessing of a same-sex civil union in the chapel he oversees informed officials at the SBC North American Mission Board July 19…