The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Oct. 25 that the state's constitution requires that marriage rights be available to same-sex couples on an equal basis with heterosexuals. But the court left state legislators to decide whether to refer to the…
Independent Drake won’t accept traditional obscurity role of 2nd VP
The Southern Baptist Convention expects very little from its vice presidents–nothing, in fact–unless the SBC president becomes incapacitated. Traditionally, those elected each year to the mostly honorary VP positions are seen but not heard. But when Southern Baptists elected Wiley…
Independent Drake won’t accept traditional obscurity role of 2nd VP
The Southern Baptist Convention expects very little from its vice presidents–nothing, in fact–unless the SBC president becomes incapacitated. Traditionally, those elected each year to the mostly honorary VP positions are seen but not heard. But when Southern Baptists elected Wiley…
Southwestern trustees adopt policy opposing ‘private prayer language’
Trustees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary overwhelmingly adopted a policy Oct. 17 that puts the school on record opposing charismatic expressions of the Holy Spirit, including so-called “private prayer languages.” Trustees also heard news of one of the largest donations…
ANOTHER VIEW: Forgive or die
Few recent tragedies have affected me as deeply as the horrific murders at the Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pa. It seems that each day brings more mayhem in our blood-soaked country. But this one–this image of 10 little girls…
Muslim refugees say goodbye to Lebanese Baptist shelters
Hundreds of Lebanese Muslims who had taken refuge in Lebanese Baptist institutions said good-bye to their hosts Aug. 17. Meanwhile, Lebanese Christian leaders continued to care for refugees still in Beirut. As a cease-fire took hold in the month-long conflict…
Alliance of Baptists fined $34,000 for activities in Cuba
The government agency charged with enforcing the United States' ban on travel to Cuba has notified the Alliance of Baptists that it will be fined $34,000 for allegedly engaging in tourist activities while in Cuba for religious purposes — a…
ANALYSIS: Gore documentary film exposes diversity in evangelical opinion on environment
A recent movie by Al Gore has helped reveal a diversity of opinion among Christians when it comes to the environment. While in recent years some evangelical and conservative groups have begun to acknowledge the case for environmental concern, the…
U.S. Baptist volunteers safe, thanks to Lebanese leader
As fighting between Israeli forces and Islamic radicals continued to decimate Lebanon July 24, groups of Baptist volunteers from the United States who had been trapped in Beirut were reported safely evacuated. The American Baptist News Service reported that Jennifer…