By Bob Allen Two new commissioners appointed to an independent panel that advises the State Department on international religious freedom violations are drawing criticism for holding views described as out of the mainstream. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) picked…
White churches on sidelines of Trayvon Martin outrage
By Jeff Brumley The killing of Trayvon Martin has sparked rallies in black communities nationwide and is now leading to questions about why white Christians aren’t more visibly involved. Pastors of both races offer a number of theories about the…
Veteran journalist joins ABP staff
Associated Baptist Press Veteran newspaper reporter Jeff Brumley started March 26 as assistant editor of Associated Baptist Press. He comes to the post from the Florida Times-Unionin Jacksonville, Fla., where he has worked as religion writer since 2004. Before that…
North Carolina’s CBF focuses on reconciliation at assembly
By Robert Dilday Reconciliation topped the agenda of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s annual general assembly March 23-24, as worship services and workshops explored the organization’s role in enhancing Christian unity. Live into God’s gift of unity, BWA…
Class status influences views on poverty, say organizers
By Robert Dilday Attitudes toward poverty are strongly influenced by class distinctions and experience, and frequently lead to misrepresentations of the poor, say two couples who operate a Christian community building organization in a low-income neighborhood of Charlotte, N.C. “There…
Theologians urge Baptists to seek ‘visible unity’
RALEIGH, N.C.—While spiritual unity among Christians is important, discovering tangible ways to express that unity is essential, say two theologians long involved in Baptist dialogues with other faith traditions. Spiritual unity is “a place to begin,” said Steve Harmon, adjunct professor…
Class influences views on poverty, say organizers
RALEIGH, N.C.—Attitudes toward poverty are strongly influenced by class distinctions and experience, and frequently lead to misrepresentations of the poor, say two couples who operate a Christian community building organization in a low-income neighborhood of Charlotte, N.C. “There is a…
Churches cross racial barriers to empower Haitians
RICHMOND, Va.—When Laura Ritter, a member of Chamberlayne Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., arrived in Grand Goave, Haiti. for the first time in January 2011, she was struck by the extreme disparity. “You bring more in your suitcase for the…
CBF of North Carolina focuses on reconciliation
RALEIGH, N.C.—Reconciliation topped the agenda of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s annual general assembly March 23-24, as worship services and workshops explored the organization’s role in enhancing Christian unity. “The division of the church is out of step…
Virginian finds life altered by debilitating disease
MECHANICSVILLE, Va.—Doug Hart is a 29-year-old member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., a husband, a father of three children and an industrial plumber. During the past several months his life has been turned upside down with the…
North Carolina’s CBF focuses on reconciliation at assembly
RALEIGH, N.C. – Reconciliation topped the agenda of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s annual general assembly March 23-24, as worship services and workshops explored the organization’s role in enhancing Christian unity. “The division of the church is out…
Foundation pledges $2 million to ABP
Associated Baptist Press The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation has pledged $2 million over the next two years to Associated Baptist Press, ABP Executive Director David Wilkinson announced March 26. “For decades the generosity of the late John and…