It’s a recurring scenario in America’s Christian congregations. As members grapple with their church’s future—eager to increase attendance or renew spiritual energy—one suggestion inevitably emerges. It’s time to start a contemporary worship service. The assumption that guitar- and drum-driven worship…
EDITORIAL: Freeh indeed! Penn State’s sex scandal and implications for the church
The release of the Freeh report the morning of July 12, has focused attention once again to the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal. According to the 267-page report authored by former FBI director Louis Freeh, who was hired by…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Blessed are those who make peace in their own congregations, part 2
In the previous issue of the Religious Herald we began a leadership link series on preventing conflict. In that first installment, we considered Christ’s character traits of humility and sacrifice that made peace. In subsequent issues we will look at…
Project Ruth celebrates two decades
BUCHAREST, Romania (ABP)—Project Ruth’s Mihai Ciopasiu is all too glad to talk about the success the organization has enjoyed the past two decades serving the poorest and most shunned children in Romania. The nonprofit began as a day center with…
Project Ruth celebrates 2 decades
By Jeff Brumley Project Ruth’s Mihai Ciopasiu is all too glad to talk about the success the organization has enjoyed the past two decades serving the poorest and most shunned children in Romania. The nonprofit began as a day center…
Church expelled after affirming gays
By Bob Allen An American Baptist church in Ohio has been excommunicated from its association and state region after going on record as welcoming and affirming gays. Tommy Faris, pastor of University Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, said the church…
Prof: Kitty Wells wasn’t a feminist
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist seminary professor and country-music devotee is challenging eulogies portraying recently deceased singer/songwriter Kitty Wells as a feminist icon. Russell Moore, dean of the school of theology and vice president for academic administration at Southern…
Faith leaders support Tenn. mosque
By Bob Allen More than 100 religious leaders signed an open letter July 18 voicing support for a Tennessee mosque asking a federal judge to permit use of its newly built building to celebrate Ramadan, which begins July 19. Brent…
Chick-fil-A criticized as anti-gay
By Bob Allen Controversy over Chick-fil-A’s support of groups opposed to gay rights re-emerged when Baptist Press carried a story July 16 quoting the company’s president and chief operating officer pleading “guilty as charged” to criticism that the popular fast-food…
Chick-fil-A criticized as anti-gay
By Bob Allen Controversy over Chick-fil-A’s support of groups opposed to gay rights re-emerged when Baptist Press carried a story July 16 quoting the company’s president and chief operating officer pleading “guilty as charged” to criticism that the popular fast-food…
Sojo seeks hate-crime probe of mosque fire
By Bob Allen A progressive evangelical group has launched an online petition urging the U.S. Justice Department to investigate a July 4 fire at a Missouri mosque as a potential hate crime. Sojourners, a Washington-based organization dedicated to social justice…
Petition urges hate-crime probe of mosque fire
By Bob Allen A progressive evangelical group has launched an online petition urging the U.S. Justice Department to investigate a July 4 fire at a Missouri mosque as a potential hate crime. Sojourners, a Washington-based organization dedicated to social justice…