ATLANTA (ABP) — Nearly two decades ago, Dianna Ortiz says, Guatemalan security forces abducted her and took her to a clandestine prison where she was gang-raped; burned more than 100 times with cigarettes; forced to cut another woman with a…
Survey shows megachurches more intimate, less gullible than stereotypes
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A new survey by Baylor University researchers suggests megachurches are more intimate, believers less gullible and atheism less prevalent than popular stereotypes would suggest. Results of the 2008 Baylor Religion Survey were released in a Washington press…
Dellanna O’Brien, former WMU head, dies at 75
FRISCO, Texas (ABP) — Dellanna West O'Brien, who led the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union through some of its most trying times, died Sept. 7 at age 75. She suffered what WMU officials described as “a massive cerebral bleed” Sept….
As Gulf hurricane disaster draws focus, relief continues for Carribbean victims
GONAIVES, Haiti (ABP) — Even as the attention of Americans turns to the disaster caused by Hurricane Ike in their own country, Baptist agencies are responding to massive devastation across the Caribbean islands, battered by three successive tropical cyclones since…
David Wilkinson to become ABP’s executive
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Veteran Baptist communicator David Wilkinson has been named executive director for Associated Baptist Press. Wilkinson, who currently serves as development director for the Baylor University School of Social Work, will replace current ABP Executive Editor Greg…
Saddleback forum points out candidates’ differences, similarities
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Presidential candidates presented their positions on moral issues — and presented themselves as individuals of faith — during the recent Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. The two-hour forum, sponsored by Saddleback Church and held…
Americans act as Georgian Baptists call for aid
FALLS CHURCH (ABP) — Baptists in the United States and elsewhere in the world are responding with aid and prayers for their counterparts in the embattled former Soviet republic of Georgia. The conflict between it and Russia has cost hundreds…
BWA births divisions for justice; scholars spotlight ecology, diversity
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Concern for freedom and justice were on the minds of participants at two recent international Baptist meetings in Prague, Czech Republic. Participants at meetings related to the Baptist World Alliance's annual gathering created a new office for…
Candidates’ healthcare plans reflect different visions
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Differences in presidential candidates John McCain's and Barack Obama's plans for reforming the American healthcare system reflect differing views on the proper role of government. Whether one plan more closely resembles biblical principles of justice and charity…
Former planter files libel suit against Texas Baptists
EDINBURG, Texas (ABP) — A former Hispanic church planter implicated in a 2006 Baptist General Convention of Texas scandal has filed a defamation lawsuit against the BGCT and several other Texas Baptist entities and individuals. Otto Arango, founder of the…
Falling revenue causes LifeWay to cut staff
NASHVILLE (ABP) — LifeWay Christian Resources will cut 5 percent of its workforce by Sept. 30 because revenues are lower than expected, officials of the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing arm have announced. The cuts represent about 100 jobs. Officials would…
In runup to Olympics, China increases persecution
WASHINGTON (ABP) — While China appears to be making some religious-liberty concessions on the eve of the Olympics, critics in the United States say persecution of Christians in the country is on the rise. China is on the U.S. State…