Recently, only uttering the name of the restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has brought about significant controversy in the areas of theology, politics and commerce. Before sharing my own commentary, I must first communicate the lose-lose nature of this article. Alex Gallimore…
Duke Chapel’s first African-American dean is ‘gifted preacher,’ says Baptist House director
DURHAM, N.C.—The selection of Baptist-ordained minister Luke Powery as the first African-American dean of the chapel at Duke University was strongly endorsed July 26 by the director of the Baptist House of Studies at the university’s divinity school. Luke Powery…
Commitment to mission prompts Intermont student’s love of photography, scholarship award
BRISTOL, Va.—A Virginia Intermont College student who aspires to share her love of God as a photographer and missionary has won a prestigious scholarship from the Virginia Press Women’s Foundation. Kayla Robbins (Photo courtesy of Virginia Intermont College) Kayla Robbins,…
Baptist pastor returns to site of Olympic glory
AUGUSTA, Ga.—Jack Robinson is in England at the moment because of the dual callings he sensed as a child and because of the Olympic gold medal he won in London in 1948. And for all of that, the retired Baptist…
Religious freedom organization gets final approval to begin new educational complex in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va.—The First Freedom Center received final approval from the Richmond City Council July 23 to construct a downtown exhibit and hotel complex to highlight religious freedom. The City Council’s action paves the way for the 28-year-old non-profit educational organization…
Campbell’s music conference provides ministry oasis
BUIES CREEK, N.C.—From the vibrations of organist Jane Holstein’s open organ registration in the initial session to the harmony of a variety of instruments, voices and bells in the closing worship service, attendees at Campbell University Divinity School’s second annual…
Is gun control a religious issue? Maybe, but the debate rages
(RNS)—Of all the controversies that have followed in the bloody wake of July 20 shooting rampage in Aurora, Colo., few have provided such a clarifying insight into the moral tensions and contradictions in American culture than the argument over whether…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Blessed are those who make peace in their own congregations, part 2
In the previous issue of the Religious Herald we began a leadership link series on preventing conflict. In that first installment, we considered Christ’s character traits of humility and sacrifice that made peace. In subsequent issues we will look at…
CELEBRATE RETIREMENT: Congregation helps widow who faces eviction from her home
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.(ABP)—Mary Cate Jones never doubted her congregation would help when it learned she faced a foreclosure crisis last month. But raising $35,000 in the last two weeks of May and finding a donor to match the rest? The 78-year-old…
CELEBRATE RETIREMENT: Goal of college degree before 70 becomes reality
BLUEFIELD, Va.—Harriett Libby finished Middlesex High School in Saluda, Va., in 1960, married Howard Roane that September and set her heart on finishing her education with a college degree. But despite a calling to professional ministry, which would require a…
CELEBRATE RETIREMENT: Baby Boomers are reinventing old age
Del Webb, America’s largest homebuilder of active adult communities, released in April its 10th Baby Boomer survey since 1996. It reveals new and compelling facts and opinions from the generation of Americans born between the years of 1946 and 1964…
After 24 years as youth strategist, Ken Dibble to retire
RICHMOND, Va.—After 24 years’ service to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Ken Dibble has announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31. Ken Dibble Dibble has been the board’s youth ministry strategist since 1989. In that role he has focused on…