Our church is thinking about electing women deacons. But some members claim this is another example of contemporary liberalism taking over our theology. Is this so? Changing a church’s polity always is a challenge. My best advice is to encourage…
Some black church leaders feel jilted by President Obama
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When President Obama was elected, some black pastors — fresh from a campaign that featured extensive outreach to their churches — expected meetings with the president, or at least to be enlisted as informal advisers. For better…
Michigan Hutaree militia a cult, experts say
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (RNS) — When militia expert Jack Kay first ran across a MySpace page for the Michigan-based Hutaree militia six months ago, he thought it was just another group wrapping itself in God and country. But following raids…
Barbie gets ordained, and she has the wardrobe to match
WASHINGTON (RNS) — With her careers as veterinarian, astronaut and U.S. president behind her, Barbie has at last found her true calling — as an Episcopal priest. Julie Blake Fisher, an Episcopal priest in Kent, Ohio, created Episcopal Priest Barbie…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Editor’s attack on Glenn Beck was unjustified
This is in response to the editorial by James E. White concerning social justice and the Glenn Beck show [Herald, March 18]. I watched that program and I did not understand it as the writer did. Glenn Beck never said…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Where were women on hymnal committee?
Your April 1 issue contained a major article concerning the “New Baptist hymnal unveiled in Atlanta” (headline). The text offers some insights as to how the hymnal was compiled. Also pictured is the five-member editorial board, which was described as…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: New hymnal is welcome addition
Thank you for the two articles [Herald, April 1] about the new Celebrating Grace hymnal. It truly is, as the article says, “a hymnal built by Baptists for Baptists." I have watched the progress in the preparation of this hymnal…
BTSR to suspend operations of its continuing education component
RICHMOND, Va. — Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond will suspend operations of its School of Christian Ministry in July, a move the seminary’s president says will benefit both BTSR and its six-year-old continuing education component. The last group of classes…
Congregational-health expert says churches and ministers are ‘in crisis’
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (ABP) — During his installation March 18 as president of the Center for Congregational Health, Bill Wilson said churches and ministers are "in crisis." That's a breath-sucking observation from the head of an organization that has dealt with…
LENTEN MEDITATION: Them, us and the Passion of Jesus
Engaging Scripture and encountering the Lord of Scripture can be dangerous. Maybe that’s why many of us have learned the art of showing up Sunday after Sunday for “Bible study” without much risk of doing either. That truth came home…
RESURRECTION DAY MEDITATION: After Easter, be more like Jesus
The highest holy day of the year for Christians is here. Christians will rightfully celebrate God’s sacrifice in the death of His Son on a ghastly cross. We will remember His death reverently and soberly. But we also will rejoice…
EDITORIAL: Bluebell Baptist is fired up as worship takes an unexpected twist
Dear Jimmy, Well, nobody can say if it’s not in the bulletin it doesn’t happen at Bluebell Baptist, that’s for sure. Truth be told, I like a measure of predictability. Still, when somethin’ unexpected happens, like it did this past…