WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (ABP) — With an African-American population estimated as high as 50 million, the "blight of racism" is "still an epidemic assailing" the United States, writer Maya Angelou said April 24 at the Southeast regional gathering of the New…
Carter says Baptist strife hurting evangelism
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (ABP) — Former President Jimmy Carter said baptisms are declining in the Southern Baptist Convention because doctrinal bickering gives Christianity a bad name. Carter, a Baptist Sunday school teacher for 66 years who publicly parted ways with the…
Groups urge Obama to proclaim ‘inclusive’ day of prayer
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Two religious-liberty organizations are calling on President Obama to proclaim an "inclusive" national day of prayer May 7 instead of endorsing a National Day of Prayer Task Force headed by the wife of a prominent Religious Right…
Virginia Baptist educator receives award
RICHMOND — The Baptist Association of Christian Educators recently awarded its Educator of the Year award to Lucy Dorr, long-time Virginia Baptist educator. Lucy Dorr receives award from the Baptist Association of Christian Educators. A graduate of Southern Baptist Theological…
Historical Society to examine diversity among Baptists
RICHMOND — Past and current diversity among Baptists will be examined at the Virginia Baptist Historical Society’s annual meeting, set for Tuesday, May 19, at First Baptist Church in Richmond. “The Swirling Center: The Prospect of Diversity in the Church”…
Southern Seminary closing School of Church Music
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is closing its 65-year-old School of Church Music and Worship, combining it with the School of Leadership and Church Ministry into a new School of Church Ministries. The seminary's board of trustees…
ANALYSIS: Asking the right question in stewardship
One can almost hear the turmoil in the voice of Shakespeare’s Hamlet when he sets his anguished jaw and proclaims “to be or not to be, that is the question.” Faced with the reality that his wicked uncle has murdered…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Financial seminars planned. Crown Financial Ministries, in conjunction with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, will conduct a series of seminars in July on ways to assist families struggling with debt. The seminars are open to pastors and other church leaders….
OUT LOUD
“Religious conviction is the only relevant characteristic that statistically differentiates these highly committed donors from other respondents.” Cygnus Applied Research A survey by the Chicago-based research firm indicates 43 percent of actively religious respondents remain commited to giving in a…