LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Barack Obama and John McCain will make their first joint 2008 campaign appearance to an audience of Christian activists at a Southern Baptist church. The two have agreed to participate in a “compassion forum” at…
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…
Baptist help valuable but recovery slow for victims
FALLS CHURCH (ABP) — Two months after Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma and a month after a major earthquake shattered much of China's Sichuan province, Baptist-led recovery efforts continue — but conditions remain desperate in many places. The situation is particularly…
CBF, Global Women agree to three-year partnership
ATLANTA (ABP) — Leaders of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Global Women recently agreed to enter a three-year partnership to meet the needs of women around the world, CBF officials announced July 29. The partnership will start with two specific…
Church observers ask: Where have all the good men gone?
DALLAS (ABP) — It's not just your imagination. Men are disappearing from the church. According to the Barna Research Group, there are 11 million to 13 million more American women who are born again than there are born-again men. While…
Cowboy churches are lassoing America
DALLAS (ABP) — The “cowboy churches” that are springing up throughout the United States are about more than worshiping God while wearing boots and cowboy hats. They are about finding ways to be relevant in the rodeo-circuit, country/Western culture. In…
Jesus in MySpace: Churches use social networking sites
(ABP)—Social-networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are redefining the way many Americans build and maintain relationships—and also how their churches communicate. In the last few years, relating to social contacts through such sites has become practically ubiquitous among the under-30…
Young CBFers, responding to Sherman, call for end to bitter anti-SBC rhetoric
ATLANTA (ABP)—In response to controversial comments at the recent Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, a group of younger CBF supporters has called for an end to “old rhetoric” and for renewed attention to the world's needs. Seven leaders issued an…
Obama signals support for faith-based programs
ZANESVILLE, Ohio (ABP)—Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama vowed July 1 to carry on the best parts—and dump the worst—of President Bush's so-called “faith-based initiative.” “I still believe it's a good idea to have a partnership between the White House…