Laura Hillenbrand published the life story of Louie Zamperini in November of 2010. It has remained on the best sellers list since its publication. People have fallen in love with the story of resilience and redemption of a juvenile delinquent…
Baptist fire chief fired over anti-gay book controversy
By Bob Allen Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has been fired over controversy about a Christian-themed book he wrote criticized as promoting discriminatory attitudes against gays. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced the termination in a press conference Jan. 6, Cochran’s…
Baptist pastor charged with abuse
By Bob Allen An American Baptist pastor in New York state is under arrest on felony charges of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl. New York State Police arrested Thomas Wilson, 63, of Watertown, N.Y., on one count of first-degree sexual…
Prayers for 2015
In this first blog article of 2015, I am reflecting back on the year that has just ended and am sharing some of my prayers for the year that lies ahead. First, I pray for health and happiness for all…
Trial postponed for accused Baptist preacher
By Bob Allen The trial of a Missouri Baptist preacher charged with child sexual abuse has been continued until Jan. 16, according to court documents quoted by a local newspaper. Travis R. Smith, 44, arrested in 2012 on felony charges…
Ebola, race, marriage and Obamacare top stories in 2014
By Bob Allen Following is a summary of some of the year’s major headlines. Baptists and race. Will Baptists remember 2014 as a sea change in race relations? Fifty years after the civil rights movement and nearly 20 years after…
What were people reading in 2014?
By BNG staff 1. Probation terms altered to permit sex offender pastor to minister to childrenA Florida judge changed terms of probation for Darrell Gilyard, a pastor who returned to the pulpit after serving a prison term child sex abuse,…
The Amazing Christmas Truce of 1914
As has been noted from time to time this year, the Great War, later to be called World War I, began one hundred years ago this past summer. By August 1914, Britain and France were fully engaged in war against…
As economy sours and tension persists, Russian Baptists ‘bind wounds’
By Robert Dilday Despite economic woes and continuing tension with Ukraine, Baptists in Russia are “busy binding up wounds, both the physical and the spiritual ones,” leaders said in a statement Dec. 22. “We thank God when the guns in…