Relationship is at the heart of the restorative justice philosophy — restoring an offender’s relationship with self, family and community. The reconnection often begins in prison, through state-provided programs and/or jail and prison ministries. Then individuals need assistance to reinforce…
Restorative justice aims to heal broken relationships, stop destructive behavior
The woman sobbed quietly into her hands for a few minutes. Composing herself as best she could, she looked into the eyes of the 18-year-old. “I forgive you,” she declared. “But you are going to have to prove to me…
One big happy family! Multicultural adoption increasing among Americans
Transracial adoption has become chic. Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt adopted children from Ethiopia, Cambodia and Vietnam. Pop singer Madonna adopted children from Malawi. And that has brought increased attention, pro and con, to transracial adoption — both…
Grandparents claim bragging rights for adopted children from overseas
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — Wade and Nellie Paris of Harrisonville, Mo., know the blessings of adopting children of a different culture. Now they are grandparents to international adoptees. In 1971, they adopted 7-month-old Susan from Korea. Then in 1975, they adopted…
Multicultural adoptive families ask: How to celebrate child’s heritage?
Couples who adopt children of another race — either internationally or domestically — determine what aspects of the child’s culture to incorporate into the family’s life. Studies show that children who learn about their heritage have higher self-esteem and a…
‘Generosity’ may communicate in ways ‘stewardship’ misses
A 2,000-year-old incident continues to set the standard for what it means to be a generous church. The New Testament records the need: “Our Jerusalem brothers and sisters need our help.” And in the face of difficult financial circumstances, the…
Father, Son & Who?: Baptists struggle with concept of the Trinity
Ghost!” a 5-year-old screeched as he stood in the pew and clutched his mother's neck. “Mama, the preacher said there's a ghost in here!” Although most Baptists in the sanctuary laughed at the outburst, likely at least a few also…
Dellanna O’Brien, former WMU head, dies at 75
FRISCO, Texas (ABP) — Dellanna West O'Brien, who led the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union through some of its most trying times, died Sept. 7 at age 75. She suffered what WMU officials described as “a massive cerebral bleed” Sept….
As Gulf hurricane disaster draws focus, relief continues for Carribbean victims
GONAIVES, Haiti (ABP) — Even as the attention of Americans turns to the disaster caused by Hurricane Ike in their own country, Baptist agencies are responding to massive devastation across the Caribbean islands, battered by three successive tropical cyclones since…