By Bob Allen The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has agreed to function as liaison for religious liberty on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance, CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter reported to the group’s Governing Board Jan. 22. Paynter said BWA leaders…
Missouri pastor excited about expanded role at Metro Baptist in NYC
By Vicki Brown and Jeff Brumley Kirkwood, Mo., has benefitted from Scott Stearman’s passion for urban ministry, social justice, human rights and the believer’s role in making a kingdom difference on earth. Now, New York City will benefit from that…
Family suggests memorial gifts for Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler
By Bob Allen The family of deceased Baptist leader Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler is asking that rather than paying their respects by sending flowers, friends honor her memory by supporting causes that were dear to her heart. Crumpler, 84, died Jan….
Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler remembered as hero in Baptist life
By Bob Allen A memorial service for Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler — former head of the Southern Baptist Convention Woman’s Missionary Union and an early champion of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship who died Jan. 2 after a long illness — is scheduled for…
CBF helps sponsor first 5-day spiritual academy in Cuba
By Bob Allen Thirty participants from various denominations convened in November for the first Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation ever held in Cuba. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Florida CBF helped sponsor the enrichment event, which is a ministry of…
CBF leaders urge prayer for and commitment to reconciliation
By Bob Allen Top leaders in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship endorsed Black Lives Matter Sunday, a campaign mourning the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner during worship services Sunday, Dec. 14, sponsored by the Progressive National Baptist Convention. “We invite…
FBC Decatur, Ga., elects openly gay deacon
By Bob Allen A flagship Cooperative Baptist Fellowship congregation in Atlanta voted Nov. 23 to approve a slate of deacons including an openly gay man in a committed, same-sex relationship. The vote followed a three-week sermon series on the Bible…
Obama’s action would be moot if Congress would act on immigration, says CBF head
By Bob Allen While opinions differ on President Obama’s use of executive power, Congress still needs to act on long-term immigration reform, says Cooperative Baptist Fellowship leader Suzii Paynter. “No matter where we stand on administrative action, it’s only a…
Baptist churches aim to plant seeds of hope in the Delta
By Bob Allen Birthplace of blues legends such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Howlin Wolf, the Mississippi Delta is better known for hardship and despair than a message of hope, but faith and community leaders in one small…