NEW YORK (ABP) — Observers of religion in public life have been scratching their heads about inclusion of a Baptist scholar known for advocating the separation of church and state in a recent Newsweek magazine article titled "Faces of the…
Accrediting agency issues warning to Criswell College
DALLAS (ABP) — A regional accrediting agency has issued an official warning to Criswell College, citing issues regarding “institutional effectiveness” in planning and assessment. The Bible college — established about 40 years ago by First Baptist Church of Dallas and…
At 111, ‘Jewell’ still going strong
IRONTON, Mo. (ABP) — From the standpoint of years alone, one resident of the The Baptist Home in Ironton, Mo., outranks every other senior citizen in Missouri. Jewell Stehlik celebrated her 111th birthday Oct. 25 and holds the distinction of being the oldest person in…
Survey says many skip religious aspect of Christmas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The vast majority of Americans celebrate Christmas and most consider it a religious holiday, but for many Jesus isn't the only — or even the main — reason for the season, according to a new report…
American Baptist leaders return from study tour in Middle East
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — A delegation of 12 American Baptist leaders recently returned from a 13-day study tour in the Middle East. Goals of the trip included helping American Baptists become more familiar with the life of the church…
Wayland students, staff care for platoon 6,500 miles from home
PLAINVIEW, Texas (ABP) — Students and staff at a Baptist university in Texas turned their attention far from campus, hoping to spread Christmas cheer to troops overseas. Wayland Baptist University student activities coordinator Ericka Miller (left) works on packing boxes of…
Report details hopeless conditions in Gaza
LONDON (ABP) — Residents of Gaza see no hope for a brighter future — and that's one of the most distressing aspects of the situation in the Middle East, according to an international Christian aid-and-development group’s advocacy officer for the…
Layman follows unlikely path to ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — A Baptist layman with an engineering background might not seem a logical choice to lead a spiritual-formation ministry run by United Methodists. Not surprisingly, the path that led Johnny Sears to Upper Room Ministries in Nashville,…
Suspects plead guilty to church arsons
TYLER, Texas (ABP) — Two men accused in a string of East Texas arsons early in 2010 pleaded guilty Dec. 15 in a Smith County court to burning five churches. Jason Bourque According to the Tyler Telegraph, Jason Bourque, 20,…