COLUMBIA, S.C. – An economics professor at a South Carolina Baptist university was charged with fraud April 5, after federal authorities discovered $134 million missing from investment funds he managed. The academic has since claimed amnesia and reportedly checked into…
SBCV leader nominated as president of NAMB
After a 10-month search to replace former head Bob Reccord, the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board has recommended Virginian Geoffrey Hammond as its next president. Hammond, 49, is currently senior associate director of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of…
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…
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”…
Baptist churches more vulnerable to clergy sex abuse, say experts
A recent sex scandal involving two North Texas pastors and the women who accused them of molestation is unusual because the victims—by now beyond the statute of limitations for sex-abuse cases—urged authorities and media to publish their names in conjunction…
Not just for Christmas anymore
Some might say Mary, the mother of Jesus, doesn't know her place. Instead of staying in her traditional Protestant role—quietly overlooking the manger in Christmastime crèches—Mary is emerging as an increasingly popular figure in books, articles and movies. And here's…
Summit calls global church to focus to AIDS crisis
When 5,500 people die of AIDS every day, the need is not for charity but for justice, says Bono, and the church must do something about it. “That's a lot of our brothers and sisters to be losing for no…
Tutu says apartheid, sin shattered when humans gather together with God
Speaking to an overflow crowd at a Dallas Episcopal church Sept. 13, Desmond Tutu, the Nobel laureate and former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, said his nation's victory over the “ghastliness of apartheid” would not have happened without support from…