Baptist News Global

FAITH DIGEST

Charity drops ‘Christian’ from name. Christian Children’s Fund, a Richmond-based organization that helps needy children across the globe, has decided to change its name to ChildFund International as part of its plan to broaden its outreach. The charity was founded…

How do you spell lust? Try M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

WASINGTON (RNS) — Las Vegas may be known as “Sin City,” but when it comes to transgressions per capita, parts of the Bible Belt may burn much hotter, suggests a new study by Kansas State University geographers. The project, conducted…

Poll shows mixed feeling about same-sex marriage, gay rights

WASHINGTON (RNS) — A large survey on American attitudes toward homosexuality reveals mixed feelings about gay rights, with Americans saying states should not be forced to recognize same-sex unions, but also saying gay couples should have access to federal spousal…

Religious people make better citizens, but youth are increasingly secular

WASHINGTON (RNS) — First, the silver lining: people of faith are better citizens and better neighbors, and America is “amazingly” religious compared to other countries, Harvard University professor Robert Putnam said. Now, the cloud: young Americans are “vastly more secular”…

Financial management grads cite spiritual, as well as financial, gains

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Completing an in-depth study of biblical financial management not only dramatically improves a person’s financial position, but it also benefits their walk with Christ, family relationships and contribution to church life, according to research recently conducted…

For financial guru Dave Ramsey, sour economy has an upside

EDMOND, Okla. — In a gloom-and-doom economy, Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey fashions himself as a prophet of hope. Part stand-up comedian, part economics professor, Ramsey built a multi-million-dollar business by dispensing simple financial advice: Live on a budget. Don’t…

Pakistan-Taliban fighting creates 2.2 million refugees

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (BP) — An estimated 2.2 million people have been driven from their homes by fighting in Pakistan's Swat Valley — raising the specter of a humanitarian crisis rivaling the refugee exodus during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, relief…

Baptists minister to war victims in Sri Lanka

WASHINGTON (ABP) — Sri Lanka’s government has declared victory in its 26-year civil war, but a resulting humanitarian crisis is far from over. Leaders of Sri Lankan Baptist Sangamaya (Union) handed out water, milk, footwear and other supplies to about…

India’s elections praised by Christians

NEW DELHI (BP) — Hindu nationalists, who had exercised their clout against India's Christians and Muslims until the centrist Congress Party’s revival in elections five years ago, find themselves further marginalized after this year’s national and state elections. In voting…

BAPTIST BRIEFS

IMB cuts back missionary appointments. In response to reduced giving during the current economic downturn, trustees of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board approved suspending new appointments to the International Service Corps and Masters programs and reduce the number of…

SBC needs overhaul, says writer of ‘Great Commission Resurgence’ document

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (ABP) — The lead author of a “Great Commission Resurgence” document circulating among Southern Baptist Convention leaders says a major overhaul of denominational structures must occur if the convention is going to engage younger pastors. Danny Akin,…

Former SBC president embraces creation care

DULUTH, Ga. (ABP) — A former president of the Southern Baptist Convention acknowledged to a group of Christian environmentalists that he is a recent convert to the concept of creation care. “We ought to motivate every follower of Christ in…

Matthew Vines sets off a debate over what it means to be ‘queer’

Dear Mike Johnson, be careful what you ask for

What, to the white Christian, is America 250?

Four years later, anti-abortionists battle on other fronts