WASHINGTON (ABP) — Despite strong objections from some civil rights groups, the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed John Roberts to a seat on the Supreme Court Sept. 29. A few hours after the 78-22 confirmation vote, Justice John Paul Stevens swore Roberts…
Conservative favorite DeLay indicted, replaced by Blunt
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — One of religious conservatives' strongest advocates on Capitol Hill has stepped down from his leadership post after being indicted in a campaign-finance scandal. Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) resigned from his post as House Majority Leader Sept….
FEMA to reimburse churches for housing Katrina victims
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In a largely unprecedented move, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will offer monetary reimbursement to churches and other houses of worship aiding Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Some watchdog groups greeted FEMA's Sept. 26 announcement with skepticism….
Chaplain in Iraq finds new role helping soldiers cope with war
NORTHERN IRAQ (ABP) — In Iraq, Army Chaplain Joe Moffitt sees himself as a spiritual medic who offers healing to souls in trauma. “I have found that pastoral care here is oftentimes more like triage, as compared to that in…
‘One day’ comes sooner than expected for some evacuees
TYLER, Texas (ABP) — For some Texans, “one day” came sooner than they thought. Two weeks ago, Texas volunteers in shelters for Hurricane Katrina victims were talking about how they could be evacuees “one day.” That time came sooner than…
Senate Judiciary Committee approves Roberts, 13-5
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Federal appeals-court judge John Roberts is one step closer to becoming the 17th chief justice of the United States, after gaining the approval of the Senate Judiciary Committee Sept. 22. The committee approved Roberts by a bipartisan…
Texas Baptists prepare for Rita as category 4 storm bears down on coast
DALLAS (ABP) — With Hurricane Katrina fresh on their minds, Baptist General Convention of Texas leaders are preparing relief resources to serve as quickly as possible when Hurricane Rita strikes along the Gulf Coast. BGCT staff members are lining up…
Former Katrina shelter becomes haven for Rita evacuees
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — As Hurricane Rita bears down on the Texas coast, a shelter that housed victims of Hurricane Katrina has been emptied and reopened for evacuees of the new storm. Churchill Baptist Church in San Antonio, which has…
House allows religious discrimination in reauthorizing Head Start program
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Once again, the House of Representatives has voted to allow religious social-service providers using federal money to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion. The Sept. 22 move was the latest in a long series of…