By Bob Allen A Union University Christian ministry major is being held without bond in Jackson, Tenn., on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the homicide of his fiancée, who was found dead from a…
Gay Baptist minister sues for right to wed
By Bob Allen A Kentucky Baptist minister and gay-rights activist filed a lawsuit Feb. 14 claiming the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Maurice “Bojangles” Blanchard — who with his partner, Dominique James, was fined 1 cent for trespassing in…
Faith was ‘right stuff’ for graduates of test pilot school
By Jeff Brumley More than 10 years in the Air Force and successful completion of test pilot school have given Maj. David Aparicio the tools he needs to endure massive gravity forces, evaluate state-of-the-art aircraft and even disarm improvised explosive…
Victim of former missionary’s theft loses health, wealth, but keeps sense of humor
By Bob Allen An Alabama woman who lost her home, business and health as a result of a bookkeeper’s scam says in a new book that she never would have met the man who stole tens of thousands of dollars…
Furman names first female president
By Bob Allen Baylor University administrator and accounting professor Elizabeth Davis has been named president of Furman University, an independent private school in Greenville, S.C., that broke ties with the South Carolina Baptist Convention in 1992. Davis, 51, will become…
Shahan murder case headed to grand jury
By Bob Allen An Alabama Baptist minister charged with murder in his wife’s July slaying waived an initial court appearance Feb. 5. The case against him now is headed toward a grand jury. Attorneys for Richard Shahan, former children and…
‘Salt and light’ can heal addiction, says preacher in wake of actor’s overdose death
By Jeff Brumley Jacksonville, Fla., resident Josiah Monks stood before his congregation Sunday morning and admitted how being fully immersed in Bible and worship a few years back did nothing to ease the nightmare of his addictions. But one-on-one meetings…
Union University names Texas educator as new president
By Ken Camp Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, president of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, since 2009, has been named president of Union University, a Baptist school in Jackson, Tenn., effective June 1. Union University’s board of trustees unanimously…
Virginia pastor takes key role on Fresh Expressions staff
By Robert Dilday The pastor of a multi-campus church in metropolitan Richmond announced Feb. 9 he is resigning to join the staff of Fresh Expressions US, a movement which aims to help churches engage postmodern culture by establishing new creative…