WASHINGTON (ABP) — As the May 17 deadline for the United States' first legal gay marriages approaches, members of Congress debated a nationwide ban on same-sex marriage, and one more state legislature narrowly rejected a similar amendment. “Gays are not…
Growth of world religions calls for dialogue, not retreat, speakers say
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Rather than retreating from the challenge of world religions in an increasingly pluralistic society, Christians should enter into honest dialogue with people who hold different beliefs, two speakers told a national conference examining “ultimate questions.” “We…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Caution drives churches’ policies protecting children’s identities
(ABP) — When churches decide whether to publish the names and photos of children, a growing number cite protection as their guiding principle — protecting the children from predators and the church from legal action. Churches probably have little cause…
Creeds build barriers when misused, say Russell Dilday, Keith Putt
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — Creeds have a clarifying role in Christian life but they build barriers between believers when used incorrectly, Baptist leaders told a national leadership conference. Using human words as a tool for enforcing orthodoxy is a misuse…
Capital punishment not the gospel way, Mason says
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — God made peace with mankind through Jesus' “non-violent self-sacrifice rather than violent retribution,” and that is how Christians should make peace with others, said Dallas pastor George Mason. Christian belief and practice should “shape us…
Missions advocate Alma Hunt honored by Baptists Today
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Alma Hunt, who led the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union from 1948-1974, received the fourth annual Judson-Rice Award April 30 at Richmond's Second Baptist Church. The award, which bears the names of Luther Rice and pioneer…
FDA denies over-the-counter approval for ‘morning after’ pill
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The federal Food and Drug Administration has declined permission for over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive — despite recommendations for approval from its own staff and an expert panel. The agency acknowledged May 6 that it had…
Florida judge rules against law restoring woman’s feeding tube
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Florida judge ruled May 6 that a law specifically created to keep a brain-damaged woman alive violates the state's constitution. Pinellas County Circuit Judge Douglas Baird said the bill — passed in emergency session Oct. 21…