AUSTIN (ABP) — Facing a budget deficit, Texas lawmakers are considering eliminating all professional prison chaplains, a move that could affect the way volunteers from churches minister in that arena. With Texas facing a $15 billion budget shortfall, the Texas…
TV jamming in Middle East affects Christian network
NICOSIA, Cyprus (ABP) – A satellite television network for, and run by, Christians in the Middle East said Feb. 24 that programming thought to have been blocked by Libya has been restored. Officials at SAT-7, a network targeted to minority…
To help in Middle East: Encourage U.S. to advocate for values
NORMAN, Okla. (ABP) — As the Middle East writhes in birth pains to deliver something yet undefined, a scholar who specializes in faith and global politics says Christians in America can support the progress toward freedom by encouraging their own…
SBC leadership group declines moving to biennial meetings
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has recommended against changing from an annual meeting to holding its convention every other year. Responding to a motion from last summer's convention to move from an annual to biennial…
Committee opts not to oust Alliance churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) –Membership in a group that welcomes and affirms gays does not automatically disqualify a church from participation in the Southern Baptist Convention, the SBC Executive Committee decided Feb. 22. Two years ago the convention expelled a Texas…
SBC Executive Committee proposes funding cut
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention will ask messengers at this year's annual meeting to reduce its own share of the Cooperative Program unified budget by two-tenths of a percent in the first step…
SBC Executive Committee inaugurates new leader
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention gathered Feb. 21 to witness a new chapter in denominational life with the inauguration of Frank Page as president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee. Southern Baptist Convention leaders…
Bill Self, prominent CBF pastor, announces retirement plans
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (ABP) – The pastor of a leading church in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announced Feb. 20 that he plans to retire after his successor is named. Bill Self, senior pastor of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Ga.,…
Mother, son confess to stealing church funds
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (ABP) — A mother and son pleaded guilty in federal court Feb. 19 to stealing more than $1.5 million from a Southern Baptist church where the mother worked for 47 years. Barbara Whitt, 69, and Michael Whitt, 43,…