The “mother church” of Southern Baptists—from whose pulpit legendary pastor Richard Furman once defended the institution of slavery—will host Baptists of multiple races, denominations and regional identities for a historic conference in August. The First Baptist Church of Charleston, S.C.,…
Did the IMB ‘investigate’ charges? Wade Burleson, IMB say no
Wade Burleson says there was no “investigation” by the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board into his allegations of trustee improprieties—despite the insistence of some trustees that there was. “What idiot told Mr. Burleson there was no trustee investigative committee?”…
Carson-Newman president, resigns amid turmoil
James Netherton, the embattled president of Carson-Newman College, is resigning from the Baptist-affiliated school to become executive vice president of Mercer University. Netherton, president of Carson-Newman since 2000, has been under pressure in recent months. He was the target of…
Christians, others use film Amazing Grace to spotlight modern-day slave trade
Nearly 200 years after William Wilberforce brought an end to England's slave trade, a wide audience will have a chance to see his story told on film. But the producers of Amazing Grace—and a wide coalition of Christian and other…
William Wilbeforce’s life is a model for modern Christians, says historian
Though he lived in England two centuries ago, the life and work of William Wilberforce remain important examples for modern-day evangelicals, according to the lead historical consultant for a feature film chronicling the famous abolitionist's life. Kevin Belmonte, a leading…
Definition of ‘evangelical’ up for debate in theology
One out of every four adults who call themselves “evangelical” is not a “born-again” Christian, according to a recent report from the Barna Group. And that's just the beginning of the confusion surrounding the term “evangelical.” For instance, some political…
Gay-friendly church in N.C. invites investigation
A church in Charlotte has turned itself in to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, admitting it is in violation of the convention's new stance against homosexuality. The deacons at Myers Park Baptist Church sent an open letter to…
Former pastor Mike Huckabee aims at White House
The latest long-shot presidential candidate is a Southern Baptist Baby Boomer from Hope, Ark., who served as governor of his home state. But this isn't Bill Clinton, and he isn't a Democrat. Instead, he's a Republican, an ex-pastor and former…
Accrediting agencies asked to probe seminary’s dismissal of female professor
A supporter of a professor who lost her job at a Southern Baptist seminary—allegedly due to gender discrimination—has filed complaints with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Association of Theological Schools asking them to investigate “a serious breach”…