BATESVILLE, Ark. (ABP) — Kinley Stevens, 2, couldn't wait to go Christmas shopping for her mom, dad, sister and even her dog, Ace. But the experience would be far from typical as she and her grandmother, Pearline Mohlke, would go…
Mercer, Georgia Baptist Convention come to terms on ending relationship
ATLANTA (ABP) — Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Convention have agreed to terms that will end their 172-year-old relationship. The convention will end funding of the school after 2007, but Mercer will get control of trustee elections and all…
While megachurches cancel worship, others adjust Christmas schedules
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — While some high-profile evangelical churches around the country are canceling their usual worship services since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, many more are carrying on — though sometimes on modified schedules. Leaders of the…
Progressive Christian leaders arrested while protesting House budget cuts
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In an attempt to call attention to congressional budget cuts, more than 100 Christian leaders were arrested at a frigid Capitol Hill protest Dec. 14. The leaders — from mainline Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches —…
Is the ‘war on Christmas’ worth fighting against?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Is the “war on Christmas” one worth fighting? Despite the dutiful culture warriors lining up to defend the religious trappings of the holiday, some Christian ethicists aren't so sure it's a wise battle to pick. Since November,…
Largest Baptist universities face watershed leadership changes
(ABP) — Three of the largest Baptist universities in the nation have each chosen a different strategy in selecting the president who will shape the school's future. Now pundits wonder which model will emerge as the new face of Christian…
Makers of Jordan River body lotions not deterred by river’s pollution
(ABP) — Would-be pilgrims searching for rebirth in the waters of the Jordan River can now buy it in handy 8 oz. bottles — new body lotions available just in time for Christmas. And buyers won't even have to wade…
Arkansas college president nominated to lead Samford University
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Andrew Westmoreland, president of Arkansas Baptists' Ouachita Baptist University, has been nominated to become president of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. The Samford search committee will recommend Westmoreland during a special meeting of trustees Jan.10, the…
No matter the size, churches can point visitors to Christ at Christmas
(ABP) — Regardless of size or budget, any church can make sure visitors hear the message of Christ during the season, according to those involved in church Christmas productions. The live camel, flying angel and quadraphonic sound are nice, but…
N.Y. court reverses marriage ruling, as gay-rights activists sue in Iowa
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A New York state appeals court has overturned a lower court's ruling in favor of gay marriage. Meanwhile, the effort to secure the right to marry has expanded to Iowa's courts. A five-judge panel of the New…
No word from captors on Baptist, 3 other Christian hostages in Iraq
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Militants threatening to execute a British Baptist and three other Christian hostages by Dec. 10 had conveyed no word of their captives' fate as of the afternoon of Dec. 12, according to multiple news reports. That left…
Women’s ministry brightens Christmas for families of Mexican prisoners
SAN CRISTOBAL, Mexico (ABP) — Christmas 2005 will be a little more hopeful for families of the prisoners accused of the Acteal, Mexico, massacre — thanks to a Baptist woman's ministry. But for the eighth consecutive year, the celebration will…