WACO, Texas (ABP) — Expressions of gratitude and best wishes for the future of Baylor University greeted Robert Sloan's announcement he will step aside as the school's president to assume the chancellor's role. Bill Carden, president of the Committee to…
Bush sworn into second term, vows to spread freedom abroad
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Amid snow and protestors, George W. Bush was sworn into his second term as president Jan. 20, vowing that the United States would “seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and…
Attempt to halt inaugural prayers rejected by Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (ABP) — One of the nation's best-known — and most widely disparaged — crusaders against government-sponsored religion failed in his attempt to prevent prayers by clergy at the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. Michael Newdow lost his bid to halt…
Federal judge dismisses challenge to law banning gay marriage
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Florida judge has ruled against the first direct challenge to a federal law banning same-sex marriage. Federal District Judge James Moody of Tampa dismissed a Florida lesbian couple's lawsuit seeking to overturn the federal Defense of…
Virginia, Texas conventions take step toward BWA membership
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Two state Baptist conventions have moved a step closer to full membership in the Baptist World Alliance. The Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Baptist General Convention of Texas were both admitted Jan. 11 into…
Baylor sues gay former student for sending lewd e-mails
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Matthew Bass, a former Baylor University seminary student who was denied a scholarship in 2004 because he is gay, now is being sued by Baylor University for allegedly sending lewd e-mails to employees and their families…
Protestant churches in Thailand launch two-year relief plan for tsunami victims
PHANGNGA PROVINCE, Thailand (ABP) — Major Christian groups in Thailand have begun a two-year relief plan to aid tsunami victims, which will include both immediate relief and rehabilitation. Coordinated by Thailand Protestant Christian Churches, work has already begun in three…
Texas Baptists serve throughout Sri Lanka
BATTICOLOA, Sri Lanka (ABP) — The spirit of God is washing over areas of Sri Lanka that were hard-hit by the tsunamis, revealing a changed topographical and spiritual terrain, according to a missionary in Sri Lanka. God has arranged “divine…
Hungarian Baptist Aid carves unique disaster-relief niche
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (ABP) — Americans might not think of Hungarians as being in the forefront of international relief efforts, but a relatively young Hungarian organization is a pacesetter in worldwide disaster relief. Hungarian Baptist Aid was founded in 1996…
SBC leaders to meet in July with others seeking new worldwide Baptist group
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Southern Baptist Convention leaders will meet with international Baptists leaders in July to create an alternative to the Baptist World Alliance, according to an SBC agency head. Richard Land, president of the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty…
Louisiana College elects Aguillard as president amid campus turmoil
PINEVILLE, La. (ABP) — Joe Aguillard, 47, was elected president of Louisiana College Jan. 17 after a marathon trustee meeting that included protesters and a last-minute alternate nominee. Aguillard, assistant professor and chair of the education division at the Louisiana…
Conservative leaders criticize Bush for comments on marriage law
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Despite clarifications from the White House, some socially conservative groups are criticizing President Bush for comments suggesting he will not pressure senators to pass a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage. The comments, first published in a Jan….