NEW YORK (ABP) — National Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA marked the 178th anniversary of its founding April 27 by announcing the agency will reclaim its historic name of American Baptist Home Mission Societies. "Outside of American Baptist circles…
As controversy lingers, Shroud of Turin still draws a crowd
TURIN, Italy (RNS) — As hoteliers and souvenir vendors from Lourdes to Mexico City can readily attest, a sacred pilgrimage can quickly morph from a spiritual event into a commercial bonanza. And although religious tourism has recently become a booming…
Obama shifts tactics on outreach to Muslim world
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Nearly a year after President Obama told an audience in Cairo that America wanted a “new beginning” with the Muslim world, evidence of that policy shift has, in recent weeks, become hard to ignore. The Obama administration…
Conservatives decry Pentagon for pulling Graham from event
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Conservative Christian leaders blasted the Army’s decision to disinvite evangelist Franklin Graham from a Pentagon event on the National Day of Prayer because he has been critical of Islam. Graham was scheduled to speak at a May…
Faith leaders pan Arizona ‘anti-immigrant’ bill
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Religious leaders are outraged over a bill passed by Arizona legislators that criminalizes illegal immigration, calling the bill “anti-immigrant” and a “social sin.” Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony compared aspects of the legislation, approved April 19 by…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Getting organized to build: What committees are needed?
We continue our journey toward a new building to the glory of God! I previously identified the cross-sectional talents and skills required of persons on a building committee to appropriately address church program needs. This committee is composed of 10…
Baptist jailed in Haiti to stand trial on reduced charge, CNN reports
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (ABP) — Southern Baptist mission volunteer Laura Silsby will stand trial in Haiti on a charge of arranging irregular travel, CNN reported April 26. The network said Judge Bernard Saint-Vil dropped more serious charges of kidnapping and criminal…
HERITAGE: Standing his ground
The foot soldiers of the 1770s who had fought and won the American Revolution were bereaved in 1799 when the news reached their towns and villages that their commander, George Washington, had died. Twenty or so years earlier they had…
VITAL SIGNS: The prophetic pastor
One of the most precarious tasks a preacher faces is that of being a prophet. The role of prophet is one that many ministers feel a deep ambivalence toward. All preachers know that relevant preaching must address the great issues…
OUT LOUD
“The story of evangelical theology is not so much getting someone saved and getting them to heaven, but it is Christ redeeming not only the individual person but all creation as well. You’re seeing a transformation of, or a maturity…
EDITORIAL: Pewboy asks the right questions about baptism
Long ago on a Sunday afternoon in early August, I gathered with other baptismal candidates, our families and our church family on the bank of Sandy Creek near Antonia, Mo. After singing a hymn, and shooing the cows we waded…
Contraception and abstinence not contradictory messages, Baylor researcher says
WACO, Texas — Teaching young people the importance of sexual abstinence outside of marriage and sharing information about contraception need not be seen as contradictory messages, a Baylor University researcher has concluded. Michael Sherr, director of doctoral studies at the…