NEW YORK (ABP) — The Church of England recently issued a statement identifying organ donation — even by living donors — as a Christian duty motivated by compassion and a mandate to heal. But what about donating a womb for…
Neurotheology opens doors for scientific study of belief
NEW YORK (ABP) — Some scientists say neurotheology — an emerging discipline that addresses the correlation between neurological and spiritual activity — proves God created the brain. Others claim “the brain created the god.” At the root of the debate,…
John Leland Center, Hampton University reach agreement on undergraduate degrees
ARLINGTON (ABP) — A Virginia Baptist seminary and a historically African-American college in the state have reached a unique degree-granting agreement for undergraduate students. The John Leland Center for Theological Studies, based in Arlington, and Hampton University in Hampton reached…
Arkansas Baptists narrowly reject opening on communion, baptism
VAN BUREN, Ark. (ABP) — Arkansas Baptist State Convention leaders narrowly rejected an attempt Nov. 7 to remove a peculiar constitutional provision on communion and baptism that historians say is rooted in a 19th-century Baptist controversy. Messengers to the body's…
IMB trustees censure Burleson, bar him from board activities
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (ABP) — In a rare move, trustees of a Southern Baptist Convention agency voted Nov. 6 to censure one of their own and effectively bar him from carrying out the duties of his office. However, reform-minded Oklahoma pastor…
IMB attorney says board has power to suspend trustee
RICHMOND (ABP) — Although the Southern Baptist Convention is the only group with power to unseat a trustee of one of its agencies, the International Mission Board's attorney said Nov. 8 the board has the legal power to effectively bar…
Tennessee Baptists gear up for struggle over trustees
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (ABP) — Tennessee Baptists are gearing up to fight a battle that most Southern Baptist state conventions finished a decade ago. Many of the state's moderates feel it is no longer worth fighting. Nonetheless, some conservatives and moderates…
Churches use podcasts as portable outreach tool
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Little white headphones that began, about five years ago, revolutionizing the way Americans listen to music may also revolutionize the way they learn about God. Hundreds of churches and other Christian institutions are using podcasts or other easily downloadable…
Baptist World Alliance welcomes peace letter from Muslim scholars
MCLEAN (ABP) — A letter asking for peace between Muslims and Christians received a warm welcome from leaders of the Baptist World Alliance Oct. 17. Signed by more than 130 Muslim scholars, theologians and clerics, the 29-page tome asked for…