ATLANTA (ABP) — Mega-author John Grisham, whose recent novels have revealed his deeply rooted Christian faith, will deliver a rare public speech at the New Baptist Covenant meeting in late January. Grisham, a member of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville,…
SBC presidency showdown looms after Mohler announces intention
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Evangelical scholar and seminary president Al Mohler will be nominated for the Southern Baptist Convention presidency next June, but he likely will face opposition for the prominent post. Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in…
Vestal: New collaboration shows reconstruction of Baptist family
DECATUR, Ga. (ABP) — The Baptist “family” is undergoing “something of a reconstruction” these days, according to Daniel Vestal, executive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. After decades of infighting within and isolation between various Baptist denominations, an unprecedented opportunity…
The Spirit in stone
A church building is “God's calling card,” telling the watching world what we believe, says one Christian architect. So what message are we sending? If your sanctuary could speak, what would it say? The truth is, it does speak—every day,…
Revival of the arts
FALLS CHURCH (ABP)—Architect Larry Cook believes “any building completely devoid of art is devoid of spirituality.” The Virginian is one of a growing number of architects who welcome the return of symbolism and spirituality to church buildings. After decades of…
CBF governing council endorses New Baptist Covenant
WASHINGTON, D.C. (ABP)—Leaders of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship endorsed the New Baptist Covenant, saying the mission of the diverse Covenant coalition is consistent with the Fellowship's core values. The New Baptist Covenant, launched by former president and Baptist layman Jimmy…
SPECIAL REPORT: Broken Trust—The recycle of clergy sexual abuse
Secrecy about clergy sexual abuse may protect an abuser's current church from embarrassment but often at the expense of his next church—and its children. Like many small, rural congregations that find themselves without a pastor, East Bonne Terre Baptist Church…
SPECIAL REPORT: Broken Trust—Breaking the cycle: How can churches escape the trap of recycling sex a
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.(ABP)—What can churches do to prevent clergy sex abuse and break the pattern of recycling abusers? Even among activists and experts, there is no consensus—and sometimes loud disagreement—about the steps to be taken. • A ministerial code of ethics….
NEW: SBC says doctrinal statement ‘sufficient,’ but impact on hiring remains unclear
SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention affirmed the Baptist Faith & Message June 12 as the “sufficient” doctrinal guide for its agencies and institutions. But SBC leaders immediately disagreed over whether the action will keep those agencies from…
Republicans join Democrats on New Covenant program
ATLANTA (ABP)—Organizers for next January's New Baptist Covenant gathering announced the speakers for the historic three-day meeting—with former President Jimmy Carter making good on a pledge to enlist prominent Republican Baptists to complement the mostly Democratic headliners. Republican Senators Lindsay…
Baylor professor becomes Catholic, resigns as head of evangelical group
WACO, Texas—Renowned evangelical philosopher Francis Beckwith has become a Roman Catholic and, as a result, has resigned as president—and also as a member—of the Evangelical Theological Society. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, said…
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…