WASHINGTON (ABP)—Progressive and evangelical leaders have joined together to propose shared policy solutions on issues that have long divided left and right in the so-called culture wars. Two years ago Third Way, a non-profit think tank that supports equality for…
Scholars disagree on Anabaptist, Baptist connection
DURHAM, N.C. (ABP) — While much writing about Baptist history in the 20th century focused on what distinguishes Baptists from other Christians, a group of contemporary scholars believes the Baptist movement now needs to reconnect to its ecumenical roots. Most…
Most Americans believe in multiple paths to salvation, survey reveals
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Most American Christians believe at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life, a new survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life reveals. Even among evangelicals, who profess belief that an individual must…
Scholars disagree on Anabaptist, Baptist connection
DURHAM, N.C. (ABP) — While much writing about Baptist history in the 20th century focused on what distinguishes Baptists from other Christians, a group of contemporary scholars believes the Baptist movement now needs to reconnect to its ecumenical roots. Most…
Study says churches with WMU stronger supporters of SBC
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Southern Baptist churches that have Woman's Missionary Union organizations support the denomination's missions programs at significantly higher levels than congregations without WMU, according to an analysis of reported church giving. Tensions over several issues surfaced in…
Historic Anabaptist writings to be available online
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (ABP) — Writings of Balthasar Hubmaier, one of the most well-known and respected Anabaptist theologians of the Reformation, soon will be available for online research, thanks to a project of European Baptist scholars. The Institute of Baptist…
President Bush discusses faith in TV interview
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In a television interview broadcast Dec. 8, President Bush said he doesn't know if God wanted him to be president, doubts the Bible is literally true, agrees you can believe in God and evolution simultaneously and believes…
NEW: Former SBC missionary accused of embezzling IMB funds now suspected in insurance sca
GULF SHORES, Ala. (ABP) — The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention declined to press criminal embezzlement charges in 2005 against a man now accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in an Alabama insurance scam. According…
Ga. Baptists reject church with woman pastor
JONESBORO, Ga. (ABP) — The Georgia Baptist Convention has decided to refuse gifts from a historic member church that last year called a woman as pastor. Messengers to the Nov. 9-11 annual meeting approved a policy change authorizing convention leaders…
Tough economic times don’t dim lights on Living Christmas Trees
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (ABP) — Rather than cutting back on lavish Christmas programs this year due to the economy, some church leaders insist hard times make them more valuable than ever. Billy Orton, minister of music and worship at First Baptist…
American Baptist agency faces shortfall
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (ABP) — The board of American Baptists' National Ministries met Nov. 12-13 to consider cuts to cover a $1 million gap between the organization's income and expenses. According to American Baptist News Service, National Ministries Executive…
Baptist leaders from Russia, Georgia seek reconciliation
KIEV, Ukraine (ABP) — Baptist leaders from Russia and Georgia met Oct. 30 in Kiev to pursue improved relations between Baptists in the two countries, marred by war earlier this year. Representatives of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia and…