News

Georgia Baptists vote to end relationship with Mercer University after 172 years
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published November 24, 2005

The Georgia Baptist Convention by an overwhelming majority voted to sever its 172-year-old relationship with Mercer University in a historic decision made at its annual session here on Nov. 15th. The vote was based on years of mistrust between the two institutions, and was inflamed by last month's discovery of a student-led gay lesbian bisexual transgender organization that had existed since 2002.

Relationships begun, ended, celebrated at Convention
By Joe Westbury and Sherri Brown, Index
Published November 24, 2005

Messengers at the 184th annual session of the Georgia Baptist Convention were greeted by fellow Georgia Baptists in more than a dozen languages. With the theme "Celebrate the Harvest," members from some of the 310 ethnic and 116 African-American congregations greeted almost 1,900 messengers during the state missions report.

The culture wars make a stop at Thanksgiving
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, c. 2005 Religion News Service
Published November 24, 2005

Ever since John Winthrop proclaimed in 1630 a mission to establish "a shining city on a hill" to inspire the world, America has grappled with notions of a national destiny led by the hand of God.

Ten Commandments Georgia looking forward in statewide promotion
Barrow County case payment complete, legal and promotional debt remain
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published November 24, 2005

With a check of $52,681.59, Ten Commandments Georgia paid the remaining court debt to Barrow County commissioners Nov. 8. The group's president, Jody Hice, and executive director, Mike Griffin, were on hand to present the check to commissioners.

Congressmen urge Bush to protect military chaplains' religious liberty
By Tom Strode
Published November 24, 2005

Members of Congress are calling on President Bush to preserve the religious freedom of chaplains in the armed services.

At Bellevue, thousands say goodbye to Adrian Rogers 'til heavenly reunion
By Tim Ellsworth
Published November 24, 2005

A golden, 8-foot shepherd's staff leaned against the casket.

Hamrick elected Convention president
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published November 24, 2005

Ten months ago Frank Cox, pastor of North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, announced that he was going to nominate evangelist Wayne Hamrick as the president of the Georgia Baptist Convention. True to his word, Cox nominated Hamrick, extolling his virtues as a pastor, church growth strategist and evangelist while declaring, "Wayne Hamrick represents who we are as Georgia Baptists."

GBC Convention photos
Published November 24, 2005

Baptist News Summary

Business dean of Baptist university ousts gay alumnus from board
Published November 24, 2005

A Baylor University alumnus has been removed from an advisory board for the Baptist university's business school because he is gay.

Tennessee Baptists to review 1951 contract stipulating Belmont Univ. ties
Published November 24, 2005

Messengers to the Tennessee Baptist Convention annual meeting cut funding for Belmont University but delayed acting on a proposed resolution defining the relationship between the two entities, further lengthening a process that began three and a half years ago and could open the door to legal action.

Ky. messengers overwhelmingly approve Georgetown proposal
Published November 24, 2005

In a historic, relationship-altering move, Kentucky Baptist Convention messengers voted overwhelmingly Nov. 15-16 to approve a new ministry partnership with Georgetown College.

Long-term recovery now targeted in post-hurricane disaster relief
Published November 24, 2005

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers are gradually scaling back most feeding operations throughout the Gulf States and switching into long-term cleanup, recovery and rebuilding.

Carter reaffirms pro-life stance
Published November 24, 2005

"I never have felt that any abortion should be committed - I think each abortion is the result of a series of errors," former President Jimmy Carter told The Washington Times on Nov 3. "I've never been convinced, if you let me inject my Christianity into it, that Jesus Christ would approve abortion."

NOBTS enrollment numbers remain steady as 2,500 continue coursework
Published November 24, 2005

An initial enrollment tally conducted by the New Orleans Seminary registrar's office revealed an overwhelming majority of students from the seminary's main campus have remained in school following Hurricane Katrina.

Henry announces 'redeployment' from Orlando pastorate
Published November 24, 2005

Jim Henry will step down as co-pastor of First Baptist Church in Orlando March 31, 2006, he has announced in a letter sent to the church members in October.

Religious NewsBriefs

Hindus protest British Christmas stamp
Published November 24, 2005

Britain's 700,000-member Hindu community is protesting a Christmas stamp just issued by the Royal Mail that shows Nativity figures with Hindu marks on their foreheads.

Pope advocates for more "families with lots of children" to counter low fertility rates
Published November 24, 2005

Pope Benedict XVI on Nov. 2 called on Italian lawmakers to provide incentives to large families as Europe continues to struggle with sagging fertility rates.

British Baptist Union loses 30,000 children in two years; increases in adult attendance
Published November 24, 2005

Children's attendance in the Baptist Union of Great Britain has fallen by more than 30,000 during a two-year period, according to a report by Christian Today in London Oct. 25.

Bulgaria denies entry to founder of Unification Church, citing presence as "undesirable"
Published November 24, 2005

Bulgaria barred Sun Myung Moon, founder and leader of the Unification Church, from entering the country for a lecture on world peace and a "symbolic" wedding of a group of couples.

People and Places

Anniversaries
Published November 24, 2005

Honors
Published November 24, 2005

Ordinations
Published November 24, 2005

Ministerial Moves
Published November 24, 2005

Cooperative Program Stories

Acknowledging eight decades of Cooperation
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published November 24, 2005

Georgia Baptists celebrated Thanksgiving a week early this year. At the annual meeting in Columbus, a glowing 80-candle five-tiered cake was presented to messengers, signifying the celebration of 80 years of the Cooperative Program.

Bible Study

Why Care?
By Jim Perdue, Pastor, North Cross Baptist Church, Cumming
Published November 24, 2005

The first chapter of Rick Warren's groundbreaking book, The Purpose Driven Life, begins with these words, "It's not about you.

Why Me?
By Jim Perdue, Pastor, North Cross Baptist Church, Cumming
Published November 24, 2005

God has called each of us to be on mission in our lives. At work, at school, at home and at play, we are called to be missionaries to our culture and to our world. Many Christians presume that missions has nothing to do with them. They may pray for missionaries and give to missions but to them, missions is something that happens in a faraway place.

Columns

Adrian P. Rogers: A Man of God
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published November 24, 2005

"FAREWELL" was the lone word unfurled across the top of front page of The Commercial Appeal on Friday, November 18th. That was the word used by the Memphis, Tenn. newspaper to say goodbye to Adrian Pierce Rogers, the beloved pastor emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church and one of America's most notable and powerful preachers.

Teaching an old dog new tricks
Reflections on "Stained Glass & Starbucks"
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published November 24, 2005

I admit that I don't like change. I used to like it much more when I was younger, especially before I passed the half-century mark four years ago. As a child I could never understand why my parents so embraced the status quo. "Keep things like they are, don't rock the boat," seemed to be their mantra.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published November 24, 2005

My observations over the past thirteen years have caused me to conclude the following. This is a wonderful family of Baptists who love one another and who love the Lord and His church. We are a people who are on mission for Christ, spanning the globe with over 10,000 missionary families and 160,000 volunteers on mission from Georgia Baptist churches every year.

Separate Sex-Ed classes make sense for boys and girls
By James Dobson
Published November 24, 2005