In 1915 Frederic W. Boatwright was the busy president of the University of Richmond (although at the time the school was still known as Richmond College). He had just lived through the first academic year of the school’s relocation from…
Leonard: Baptists must express ideals in new ways
HOUSTON — Baptist denominational systems across the United States are in transition and being redefined, spawning a number of issues that are complicating and clouding the Baptist landscape, historian Bill Leonard told a group of Associated Baptist Press supporters July…
Virginia musician chosen to lead hymn society
RICHMOND (ABP) — A Baptist woman has been tapped to head an organization of church leaders and artists dedicated to preserving the congregational singing of hymns. Deborah Carlton Loftis, visiting professor of church music at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond,…
BAPTIST BRIEFS
American Baptists reject restructuring. Delegates to the American Baptist Churches USA biennial meeting in Pasadena, Calif., torpedoed a major restructuring backed by denominational officials but criticized by some leaders and churches. They voted 377-217 in favor of the bylaws changes…
Religious liberty demands constant vigilance, congressman insists
HOUSTON — An advocate in the U.S. Congress for church-state separation thanked Baptists for their contributions to religious liberty and reminded them of the need to continue defending the wall of separation. “I have seen too often the political temptations…
Highest freedom is freely giving self to God, Baptist historian says
HOUSTON — Baptists must aspire to the kind of freedom that leads them to relinquish their autonomy to God, historian Walter Shurden told participants at the William H. Whitsitt Baptist Heritage Society’s annual meeting. Shurden received the society’s 2009 Courage…
Conservative evangelicals say ballot is key to win
The ink had barely dried on Maine Gov. John Baldacci’s signature legalizing gay marriage in May when Catholic and evangelical opponents began circulating a petition for a “people’s veto” to override lawmakers with a simple majority at the ballot box….
Ministry network recognized, hailed as emerging trend at commissioning service
HOUSTON — Participants at a commissioning service held in conjunction with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship general assembly not only prayed for six field personnel assuming new assignments, but also recognized representatives of a ministry network serving in China. Pastor Steve…
CBF adopts budget, acknowledges ‘difficult fiscal year’
HOUSTON (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellow-ship adopted a $16.15 million budget but will begin the 2009-2010 fiscal year spending at 80 percent of projected income, anticipating continued reduced giving due to the economy. “It will come as no surprise…