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…
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…
‘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…
David Wilkinson to become ABP’s executive
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Veteran Baptist communicator David Wilkinson has been named executive director for Associated Baptist Press. Wilkinson, who currently serves as development director for the Baylor University School of Social Work, will replace current ABP Executive Editor Greg…
Saddleback forum points out candidates’ differences, similarities
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Presidential candidates presented their positions on moral issues — and presented themselves as individuals of faith — during the recent Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. The two-hour forum, sponsored by Saddleback Church and held…
BWA births divisions for justice; scholars spotlight ecology, diversity
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Concern for freedom and justice were on the minds of participants at two recent international Baptist meetings in Prague, Czech Republic. Participants at meetings related to the Baptist World Alliance's annual gathering created a new office for…
Former planter files libel suit against Texas Baptists
EDINBURG, Texas (ABP) — A former Hispanic church planter implicated in a 2006 Baptist General Convention of Texas scandal has filed a defamation lawsuit against the BGCT and several other Texas Baptist entities and individuals. Otto Arango, founder of the…
Saddleback forum points out candidates’ differences, similarities
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Individual stand on moral issues — from personal character to the international arena — was the foundation of the Aug. 16 Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. The two-hour forum, sponsored by Southern Baptist mega-congregation…
CBF, Global Women agree to three-year partnership
ATLANTA (ABP) — Leaders of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Global Women recently agreed to enter a three-year partnership to meet the needs of women around the world, CBF officials announced July 29. The partnership will start with two specific…