By Bob Allen Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention wielded significant influence on the White House during the presidency of George W. Bush, according to a former White House aide promoting a new memoir. “The Bush administration had a superb…
Historic MLK Day service held in Russia
By Bob Allen Protestants gathered Jan. 15 in Moscow for what is thought to be the first celebration of Martin Luther King Day in Russia. About 70 mostly young people attended the service led by Moscow City Church and the…
Mohler says insurance mandate not just ‘Catholic’ issue
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist seminary president applauded Roman Catholic bishops for refusing to obey an insurance mandate forcing employers to offer coverage for contraceptives and sterilization, and predicted that evangelical leaders will soon face similar choices. “Our religious…
Former Baptist minister paroled for sex crimes
By Bob Allen A former music minister at an Arkansas Baptist church convicted of sexually abusing children has been granted parole, according to media sources. David Pierce David Pierce, 59, won release from prison after serving two years and four…
SBC leader questions judgment of Christians who support Obama
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention’s top public-policy expert says that Christians who still support President Obama are not using their heads. Richard Land, president of the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said on the Jan. 28 broadcast…
Baptist pastor opposes N.C. gay-marriage ban
By Bob Allen A prominent progressive Baptist congregation weighed into the debate over North Carolina’s proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage Jan. 29. Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., sponsored an adult forum titled N.C. Amendment 1: Personal Freedom,…
Baptist pastor opposes N.C. gay-marriage ban
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) — A prominent progressive Baptist congregation weighed into debate over North Carolina’s proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage Jan. 29. Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., sponsored an adult forum titled N.C. Amendment 1: Personal Freedom,…
Former pastor’s wife running for lieutenant governor
By Bob Allen A former pastor’s wife and seminary graduate has entered the Democratic race for Missouri’s lieutenant governor, hoping to unseat a Republican incumbent. Judy Baker Judy Baker, who served in the state House from 2005 until 2009 and…
SBC agency opposes cockfighting
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity has joined in an effort to pass a law making it a felony to own or use a bird for cockfighting in South Carolina. “God never intended for his chickens to…
Alaska Airlines suspends prayer cards
NEW YORK (RNS) — After causing a bit of turbulence with some passengers, Alaska Airlines will no longer serve prayer cards with in-flight meals, the company announced Jan. 25. The cards, which take a line or two from the Book…
COMMENTARY: The ultimate badge of honor
(RNS) — Even though men and women from every faith have been members of our armed forces since the Revolutionary War, the struggle for Catholic and Jewish chaplains to gain equality within the American military has been long and difficult….
Richmond girl recognized for exuberance in missions
RICHMOND, Va. — Missions is part of Hannah Craft’s spiritual DNA, say those who know the 12-year-old well. A member of North Run Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., Craft has always shown enthusiasm for learning about and doing missions, says…