WASHINGTON (RNS) — A federal district judge in Wisconsin has ruled that the 1988 law creating the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. “It goes beyond mere ‘acknowledgement’ of religion because its sole purpose is to…
OPINION: Everything you say about China is true somewhere in China
It was a privilege to visit China recently and follow in the steps of each Baptist World Alliance president since the early 1980s, who has made an official visit. Our gracious hosts, the China Christian Council, have been represented at…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Samuel Feemster, to Mount Vernon Church, Arlington, as pastor. • Rodney A. Bracey, to Shalom Fellowship Church, Richmond, as senior pastor. • Samuel Feemster, to Mount Vernon Church, Arlington, as pastor. • Joao da Rocha, to Second…
Barna: Four in 10 ‘unchurched’ have been hurt by churches
VENTURA, Calif. (ABP) — Nearly four of every 10 "unchurched" Americans avoid worship because of negative past experiences in churches or with church people, according to new research by The Barna Group. The research firm that tracks the role of…
Gospel is both local and viral, say contributors to newly-released book
RICHMOND, Va. — The gospel is universal but it takes new shapes in new settings — and spreads in ways that can only be called “viral.” That’s the assessment of a just-released book featuring the insights of 50 youngish leaders…
Petersburg congregation closes, gives buildings to African-American church
PETERSBURG, Va. — In 1957, 30 years after its founding, Elm Street Baptist Church in Petersburg expressed its confidence in the future by building a new 400-seat sanctuary. The following year, as if to justify the church’s attitude, Petersburg was…
VITAL SIGNS: What do you lie to yourself about?
My seminary-student son recently told me about a website called soulpancake.com. Specifically, he mentioned a thread of responses to the question “What do you lie to yourself about?” When I went to the site and began to read the anonymous…
OPINION: Closing a congregation: How does it happen?
From personal experience, I can tell you that closing a congregation doesn’t happen without much spiritual and emotional suffering. The ending of a congregation is a death experience both for the remnant of members and for remaining ministerial staff. They…
OUT LOUD
“The hierarchy, not the faith, is in jeopardy. The pope need not resign. He must do something far more difficult: convert.” Timothy Shriver The chair of the Special Olympics was writing in the Washington Post on the Catholic Church’s sexual…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida discovers her voice
Dear Jimmy, I know you will find this almost as hard to believe as your Uncle Orley, but I am speechless. He says that despite his prayers he is confident that it is only a temporary affliction and that I…
HERITAGE: Black and white in Buckingham
This columnist was the anniversary speaker for Sharon Baptist Church in Buckingham County for its 150th and again on Palm Sunday, March 28, for its 175th. I think it would be wise for the anniversary planning committee to begin lining…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
History meetings will focus on ‘peace-bearing.’ Peace-bearing is the theme of two events set for May 18 at Second Baptist Church in Richmond. At 7:30 p.m. the Virginia Baptist Historical Society will host its annual meeting with keynote speakers Karen…