WASHINGTON (RNS)—A Civil War-era law that lets Virginia churches keep their property when leaving a denomination where a “division” has occurred is constitutional, a county judge ruled June 27, siding with 11 former Episcopal parishes. Fairfax County Judge Randy I….
Pastor aims at half his former self
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (BP)—Harold Chandler ain't half the preacher he once was. Last year, at 349 pounds, he was two cheeseburgers short of 350. Today he is under 190 pounds, well on his way to his goal of 170. He…
Bluefield group performs twice at Carnegie
BLUEFIELD—Piano virtuoso Authur Rubinstein was once approached on a New York City street near Carnegie Hall and asked, “Pardon me sir, but how do I get to Carnegie Hall?” He replied, “Practice, practice, practice.” Although Rubinstein's comment is legend, the…
Jesus in MySpace: Churches use social networking sites
(ABP)—Social-networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are redefining the way many Americans build and maintain relationships—and also how their churches communicate. In the last few years, relating to social contacts through such sites has become practically ubiquitous among the under-30…
EDITORIAL: SBC continues its snub of the BGAV
Since some of the more conservative among us withdrew from the Baptist General Association of Virginia in 1996, the BGAV has given to the Southern Baptist Convention through designated and undesignated gifts more than $85 million. Yet, in that length…
Young CBFers, responding to Sherman, call for end to bitter anti-SBC rhetoric
ATLANTA (ABP)—In response to controversial comments at the recent Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, a group of younger CBF supporters has called for an end to “old rhetoric” and for renewed attention to the world's needs. Seven leaders issued an…
Reaching for a star
In May this columnist was a guest speaker at Manly Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington. The announced topic was on examples of loyalty from within the history of the congregation. While his mouth was speaking, his eyes were scanning the…
Obama signals support for faith-based programs
ZANESVILLE, Ohio (ABP)—Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama vowed July 1 to carry on the best parts—and dump the worst—of President Bush's so-called “faith-based initiative.” “I still believe it's a good idea to have a partnership between the White House…
SECOND OPINION: Who’s in, who’s out—and who decides?
BodyZenSoul Salon is located beside the ZED Café near Francos in the conservative Richmond neighborhood of Lakeside. I doubt that full blown Buddhism is practiced there, but eastern vibes are unmistakable. Just down the street is Divine Magic, complete with…