Posted: 5/03/04

Interfaith coalition raises concerns about
plight of 44 million uninsured Americans

Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe churches and other religious organizations should help raise awareness and concern about the 44 million people in the United States–including 8.5 million children–who lack health coverage, a broad-based group of religious leaders announced recently.

Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has joined representatives of the National Council of Churches, the United Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Islamic Society of North America, the Salvation Army and other religious organizations on the Cover the Uninsured Week interfaith advisory board.

The religious leaders are encouraging faith organizations and congregations to learn more about the issue of the uninsured and to call for a solution to the problem during Cover the Uninsured Week, May 10-16.

The faith community has a moral obligation to make sure everyone has health care coverage, said Eileen Linder, chairperson of the interfaith advisory board.

“There are many issues about which religious leaders disagree, including when we go to war and to whom we should extend the rites of marriage. But health coverage is an issue around which faith leaders are unifying more than ever before,” she said.

Cover the Uninsured Week includes a series of national and local activities. It is part of a year-round, nonpartisan effort to support securing health care coverage for every person in the United States.

“The men, women and children who have no health care coverage are not strangers to us. Some of them are in our families. Others live in our communities. They pray, work and study with us,” Land said.

“Uninsured Americans include followers of every religion and members of every race. It is time for national and local faith leaders to ensure that all of us have the health care coverage we need to live in the fullness of health in which we are intended to live.”

The religious leaders noted eight out of 10 uninsured Americans are in working families.

In 2002, the number of people without health coverage increased by more than 2 million, the largest one-year increase in a decade.

The Institute of Medicine estimates 18,000 adults in America die each year because they are uninsured and lack access to medical care.

Posted: 5/03/04

Religious supporters, opponents
of abortion rights rally in Washington

By Adelle Banks

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON–Standing at a worship service shortly before the official start of the March for Women's Lives, Theresa Helfrey held two signs stapled together. One declared the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s call for justice, and another supported NARAL, a prominent abortion rights organization.

She said the juxtaposition of the two signs was completely appropriate for her participation in the massive rally for reproductive rights that brought throngs of supporters to the nation's capital recently.

“We believe in our God,” said Helfrey, 22, of Hollywood, Fla. “And we also know that that being gave us the power to choose and for the government to take that away from us is just ridiculous.”

Helfrey joined hundreds of others next to the U.S. Capitol's reflecting pool for the “Prayerfully Pro-Choice Interfaith Worship Service” that the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice hosted hours before hundreds of thousands of people marched and rallied through downtown Washington.

The service was one of several that combined prayer with protest as others prepared to march in Washington's first large-scale abortion rights event in 12 years.

“I believe God stands with women as they end pregnancies, just as God stands with women who deliver babies and with women who give their babies to adoptive parents,” declared Mark Pawlowski, a member of the Clergy Advisory Board of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, reading from a “pro-choice credo” at the service.

“God does not choose God's allegiances. God stands with all of us, regardless of where we stand.”

He was joined by clergy and lay people of Jewish, Unitarian, Buddhist and Sikh traditions and the crowd sang “Dona Nobis Pacem” in Latin, English and Hebrew.

Prior to the prayer service, people from a range of faiths took part in a 24-hour vigil the coalition organized.

Close to the end of the vigil, seven people representing four different denominations joined an American Baptist minister on a bright blue tarp.

The Baptist led them in the reading of a prayer and the passing of the peace, a Christian ritual of shaking hands with fellow congregants.

Debbie Harris, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from Palmyra, N.J., said her daughter encouraged her to attend the vigil and the march in a first-time demonstration of her views about reproductive rights.

“Justice and fairness, I think, are all part of faith,” said Harris, a construction company bookkeeper, standing in the shadow of the Capitol.

Barbara Kavadias, director of field services for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, said people gathered morning, noon and night at the 24-hour vigil that began on Saturday.

Some of the prayers moved participants to tears, said the Conservative Jewish laywoman.

Prayer topics ranged from “the pain people have from the suffering that existed prior to the Roe vs. Wade decision” to concerns about lack of adequate resources for women to access abortion, child care and medical assistance for their children.

About 10 blocks away from the services in favor of the march, worshippers gathered at Freedom Plaza as they prepared to stand in opposition to abortion.

Archbishop Randolph W. Sly, leader of the Eastern Province of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, opened a Eucharistic service for more than 200 people who took part in Operation Witness, an effort opposing the March for Women's Lives.

“Psalm 23 says that he even will prepare a table in the presence of our enemies and here is the table and we're in the presence of the enemies of life,” declared Sly, opening the service beside a small table holding a gold chalice and gold crucifix.

“But we're here to celebrate life and to celebrate Jesus.”

Lauren Martin, a nurse from Woodbridge, Va., carried a sign saying "My baby was a casualty of my choice. I'm sorry, baby." Martin said she hoped–and prayed–for changes of heart among the march participants more than changes in laws.

“I'm praying for the people that they can feel God's love like I felt it because I was them,” said Martin, a member of an Assemblies of God church who regrets her abortion.

“They could be where I am and I pray that they will have the experience of God's love and forgiveness.”

Posted: 5/03/04

Latin American Baptist union elects
Texas church starter as president

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

The Union of Baptists in Latin America has elected as president a Texas Baptist church-starting strategist.

Otto Arango, director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated Church Starting Institute, was named president of the body that represents one of six Baptist World Alliance regional fellowships.

National conventions from all South and Central American nations, several Caribbean countries and Mexico are represented in the organization.

Arango said he hopes to further church-starting efforts throughout Latin America with the same strategy that dramatically is expanding Baptist work in Mexico. Through his strategy, laypeople are encouraged to become trained church starters. They start Bible studies in their homes that evolve into churches.

Using this technique, Mexican Baptists started 800 churches last year, nearly doubling the size of the National Baptist Convention of Mexico. About 10,000 more people are enrolled in church-starting classes. Mexican Baptists are aiming for 10,000 Baptist churches in the country by 2010.

Arango is looking for similar results from the Latin American union. He challenged messengers to start 50,000 churches in 10 years. He hopes to have church-starting specialists in each Latin American Baptist church.

“To me, it's a great opportunity and platform to carry the vision across Latin American countries,” he said.

The church-starting emphasis could renew and strengthen Baptist efforts across Latin America, said Arango, who was elected to a five-year term. It also could have positive effects in areas of Spain, Canada and the United States where there is a large Latin American population, he added.

“We hope, according to our prayer, that we bring revival,” he said.

Posted: 5/03/04

Around the State

Maston Scholars were recognized at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology during the T.B. Maston Christian Ethics Lectures. They are Patrick Hill and Joshua Allen of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Allison Backus and Angela Heape of Baylor University, Ana Laura Sura and Jose Luis Sura of the Baptist University of the Americas, Justin Hyde of Houston Baptist University, Jeremy Shepherd and Chuck Pope of Dallas Baptist University, Jacob West and Ben Johnson of Hardin-Simmons University, Randy Curtis of Wayland Baptist University, and Jared Hollier and Laura Garlock of East Texas Baptist University.

Maurine Ellison and Paulette Lawrence carried the banner that led Pastor Frank Slayton, deacons, members and guests to the plot of land that will be the new home of Swenson Church in Swenson. The dedication and groundbreaking service included prayer, pledges to the Bible and the Christian and American flags, singing and a dedication sermon.

Three University of Mary Hardin-Baylor voice students won awards in a recent competition held at Southern Methodist University. Rachel Gibson, soprano, was awarded first place and received a $500 check. Second place and winner of $400 was Cody Fosdick, baritone. Third place went to Devon Owens, soprano, and winner of $300. UMHB voice students also competed in a contest held at Texas State University in San Marcos. Earning semi-finalist recognition were Sarah Walker, Jacque Bush and Gibson. Eight students were finalists including Billy Chapman, who won second place in graduate men; Fosdick, second place in senior men; Vicki Boyd, second place in senior women; Owens, third place in senior women; Aimee Ates, second place in junior women; Austin Daniel, third place in sophomore men, Amy Eadson, fourth place in sophomore women; and Kelly Criswell, sixth place in freshmen women.

Milton Higgins, a 1959 Baylor University graduate, received an honorary doctorate of divinity and presented the commencement address at May 1 graduation ceremonies at California Baptist University. Higgins, president of California Baptist Foundation, served California and Washington churches 25 years as pastor before taking his current post.

The Hardin-Simmons Alumni Association honored several faculty and staff members at its May 1 appreciation dinner. Retiring sociology professor and department head Julian Bridges was honored for his 31 years of service. Music faculty members Loyd Hawthorne and Jaynne Middleton both received 30-year service pins. George Van Devender, professor of English emeritus, received the former faculty member of the year award, while his late wife, Fay, received the former staff member of the year award. Honored for 25 years of service were Dorothy Barnes, Linda Butts and Ron Smith; 20 years, Kimberly Howell, Gary Stephenson and Charles White; 15 years, Martha Ferguson and Teresia Taylor; and 10 years, Bruce Ayers, Thomas Copeland, Cheryl Davis, Robert Ellis, Guadalupe Gutierrez, Leigh Anne Hunsaker, Allan Landwer and Doug Thomas.

Anniversaries

Roger Ratliff, 20th, as pastor of Vansickle Church in Greenville May 2.

South Main Church in Pasadena, 50th, May 12-16. A time of recalling the church's history will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A homecoming reception will be held Saturday from 2 p.m to 6 p.m. with food, fellowship and memorabilia. The church's first pastor B.J. Martin will preach at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning. A bluegrass gospel concert will conclude the festivities at 6:40 p.m. Ron Lyles is pastor.

West Mesquite Church in Mesquite, 50th, May 23. A lunch and anniversary program will follow the morning service. Joe Stanley is pastor.

Dorso Maciel, 45th in the ministry May 30. He is pastor of Primera Iglesia in Laredo. His first pastorate was Primera Iglesia in Marlin.

Meadowbrook Church in Rockdale, 50th, June 5-6. Saturday evening, a fellowship with music and homemade ice cream will be held under a brush arbor. Former pastors William Davenport, William Agee, James Featherstone and Jack Gilliland will participate in the Sunday morning service. A lunch will be served. Glenn Pipes is pastor.

Elliott Church in Hearne, 115th, June 13. A lunch will follow the morning service. An afternoon music program also is planned. Dale Wells is pastor.

Kevin Dinnin (left), president and CEO of Baptist Child and Family Services, accepts a check of $375,000 from Roy Lee Williams, executor of the estate of Mildred Yeager. The check will benefit the ministry of Breckenridge Village in Tyler, a facility for mentally handicapped adults. Yeager wanted the funds to be given because she had a sister in need of such a facility when none existed. The ribbons on the flowers say 'thank you' and bear the names of current residents of the facility.

Oak Lawn Church in Waco, 70th, June 13. Former Pastor James Looby will preach in the morning service. A lunch will be provided, but reservations must be made by June 6. An afternoon service will be held at 1:30 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call (254) 799-2112. Terry Wilkerson is pastor.

Retiring

Wallace Philpot, as pastor of Oak View Church in Irving May 2. He served the church 38 years and was in the ministry 43 years, previously serving at Edgefield Church in Waco and Duffau Church in Hico.

Deaths

Troy Womack, 85, March 29 in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Womack was the first vice president of financial affairs at Houston Baptist University, and was the second employee hired when the college was founded. He served 26 years prior to his retirement in 1988. He was on the school's board of trustees from 1989 to 1990. While living in Houston, he was a deacon at Second Church. He is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, Stephen, Paul, Mark and John; sister, Elna Wood; and eight grandchildren.

Marjorie Vermillion, 86, March 30. Her husband, Leland, was a Texas Baptist pastor and camp administrator. They served churches until 1956, when he took over administration of Peach Creek Baptist Assembly in New Caney. She ran the camp's office and food service. They also served at Lakeview Baptist Encampment in Lone Star, Chaparral Baptist Assembly in Iowa Park and Alto Frio Baptist Encampment in Leakey. When they retired, they bought an R.V. and began to live a lifelong dream of helping to build churches with Texas Baptist Men Retired Builders. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2002. She also was preceded in death by her daughter, Martha Vermillion; son, Paul; and grandson, Farley Vermillion. She is survived by her daughters, Jerry DeSpain and Jan Smith; sons, Joe Mark, Carey, Andrew and Judson; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Wes Lepard, 60, April 10 in Grand Prairie while visiting family. He was president and CEO of Magnolia International Corporation, a leader in maquiladora plant development along the Texas-Mexico border. He served on the Valley Baptist Hospital Board since 1994, and as chairman of the Valley Baptist Health System since its inception in 2001. He held a position on all subsidiary boards within the system. His outreach through the health care field included service on the Texas Hospital Trustees Foundation Board, chairing the Baptist General Convention of Texas' nominations committee for institutional boards for Valley Baptist and was the first person from South Texas to be appointed to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. He was a deacon at First Church in Harlingen. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Doris; daughters, Tommi Jo Hurt and Cassie Stanteen; sister, Marjorie Culpepper; and four granddaughters.

Licensed

Jonathan Hart to the ministry at First Church in Goldthwaite.

Ordained

Curt Simmons to the ministry at First Church in Saint Jo.

David Caldwell, John Fouts, Steven Grand, Leon Jones, Donnie Rieger and Kenny Thompson as deacons at First Church in Haskell.

Doug Amburn and Lonnie Traxler as deacons at Neuville Church in Center.

Andy Andrasi, Larry Proctor and Jose Fornespierantoni as deacons at Woodlawn Church in Austin.

Events

Southeast Church in San Antonio held dedication services for its 6,000-square-foot sanctuary Feb. 29. Jerry Cosper is pastor.

Jason Ranton, organist at First Church in Waco until his death in 2002 due to a diabetic seizure at age 32, was honored April 18 when a piece commissioned from composer Richard Webster of Chicago in his memory was played for the first time. The piece was played during Calvary Church in Waco's festivities to mark the 50th anniversary of the church's pipe organ.

The gospel group Gold City will perform at Memorial Church in Pasadena at 7 p.m. May 8. Tickets are $12. For more information, call (281) 998-9051.

Revivals

Faith Memorial Church, Houston; May 2-5; evangelists, the Larry Sinclair Family; pastor, James Morris.

Neuville Church, Center; May 6-8; evangelist, Luke Garrett; pastor, Marion Huckaby.

First Church, Oglesby; May 16-18; evangelist, Paul Powell; music, David Mathis; pastor, Aaron Tyler.

Posted: 5/03/04

Baptist Briefs

SBC, BWA leaders meet. Officials of the Baptist World Alliance and the Southern Baptist Convention have agreed to meet annually, but a meeting in mid-April did not prompt any change in SBC plans to defund the global group and withdraw membership from the worldwide fellowship. BWA President Billy Kim of Korea and SBC Executive Committee President Morris Chapman co-chaired the Nashville, Tenn., gathering of 19 leaders from the United States, Canada, Bulgaria and Brazil.

Elder announces retirement. Lloyd Elder will retire as director of the Moench Center for Church Leadership at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., effective June 1. Elder joined the Belmont School of Religion faculty in August 1991, filling the Paschall Chair for biblical studies and preaching. He helped establish the Moench Center in 1996 to teach leadership skills to ministers. Elder served as president of the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board from 1983 to 1991. He was executive vice president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1978 to 1983, assistant to the executive director at the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1975 to 1978, and pastor of several Texas Baptist churches.

Louisiana college affirms text policy. Louisiana College trustees have re-affirmed a controversial textbook policy and named an interim president for the school. In a called meeting, trustees passed a resolution requiring professors to receive approval from their department chairs and the school's vice president for academic affairs for all textbooks and classroom materials. The resolution stipulates faculty must make curriculum choices in harmony with the college's identity and mission statement, as well as the school's faith statement and the pronouncements of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Trustees also elected retired pastor John Traylor as the school's interim president. Traylor, 76, was the longtime pastor of First Baptist Church of Monroe, La., and is a former Louisiana Baptist Convention president.

Medical missions leader announces retirement. James Williams has announced he is retiring as executive director of the Baptist Medical/Dental Fellowship, an organization that enlists health-care professionals as volunteer and career mission workers. Williams, 69, cited the health of his wife, Jo, as the primary factor in his decision. She has undergone two lumbar surgeries and has battled chronic sciatic nerve pain. Williams joined the fellowship in 1997 after serving six years as president of the Southern Baptist Brotherhood Commission. Fred Loper, associate director of the Baptist Medical/Dental Fellowship, will serve as interim acting executive director.

Truett breakfast at CBF set. Gary Furr, pastor of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., will be the keynote speaker at a Truett Theological Seminary breakfast held in conjunction with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship general assembly. The breakfast, sponsored by the Truett Alumni Association, will be at 7 a.m. June 25 at the Birmingham convention center. Cost is $20 for non-members of the alumni association and $17 for members. Reservation deadline is June 11. For more information, call (254) 710-3755.

Baptists featured on ecumenical radio program. Preachers representing the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will become regular participants in "Day 1," a 59-year-old ecumenical radio series. George Mason, pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, and Bill Self, pastor of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Ga., will be featured on seven programs beginning in July. CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal presented a sermon for "Day 1" broadcast last December, becoming the first Baptist participant on the program in more than 50 years. The radio series is produced by "The Protestant Hour" in cooperation with the Episcopal Media Center, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

Posted: 5/03/04

Preparation for ministry requires church/school partnership

By Marv Knox

Editor

ABILENE–Preparing men and women for ministry is a partnership, insists Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University.

At its basic level, ministerial training takes place between students and their teachers, Brisco explained. But more fundamentally, it's a partnership between the school and churches.

“I want Logsdon to be a resource for the churches in our region–Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma,” said Brisco, who is completing his first academic year as Logsdon's dean.

“We're not just training young men and women in ministry; we're helping churches achieve their mission and ministry.”

That requires keeping in close contact with congregations while keeping an eye toward the future, he noted.

"What do we need to be doing to train ministers for the 21st century?" is a question the Logsdon faculty ponder, Brisco said. "Churches are constantly changing. How can we continue to partner with them so the actual experience of ministry takes place in the churches, so our students keep pace with the change?"

A key to the answer is immersing ministerial students in the life of churches through internships and also providing mentors for young ministers, he reported.

Such congregational involvement “enfranchises the churches” in preparing ministers while it helps the students gain experience they never could find in the classroom.

Still, Logsdon will continue to emphasize close contact between students and their professors, he said.

Such contact is possible in a relatively small setting like the Logsdon School, which has 85 undergraduate religion majors and a similar number of students in Logsdon Seminary, the graduate program that offers master of divinity and master of arts degrees.

“One of the greatest things (about Logsdon) is that the relationships between students and faculty are really quite personal,” Brisco said he has discovered.

Larger schools offer some advantage in terms of a broader range of course offerings, he conceded, but added training for ministry should “be about the whole reality of our existence, and you have to know the people to emphasize that.”

“That can happen here better than some other places, in part because of our size,” he said. “Logsdon provides a dimension of nurture and shaping of human life.”

That doesn't mean the Logsdon School doesn't intend to grow–within limits.

“Our mission is to prepare as many ministers as we can,” he acknowledged. “As far as (undergraduate) religion majors, we hope to increase to triple digits. We've been there before, and that's doable. And we'd like to have at least 100 (master's-level) ministerial students here on this campus.”

The strong majority of master's degree students–about 65–are working on the M.Div. degree and planning for ministries in local churches, he said.

Logsdon could train another 100 students at two remote locations–the Baptist Learning Center in Corpus Christi and through a new joint program at Wayland Baptist University's campus in Lubbock, Brisco predicted.

“We want to build Logdson in terms of number of students without losing our strengths, particularly nurturing and relationships,” he said.

That concept fits with the Baptist General Convention of Texas' overarching goals for training ministers, he added. "The BGCT hopes for theological education to be available at all levels. We share that goal. Where our resources can match with needs and build partnerships, we want to do that."

Brisco came to Logsdon last summer after teaching Old Testament and archaeology for two years at Baylor University in Waco and biblical backgrounds and archaeology for 21 years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

He jumped directly into a self-study process that comprises a significant aspect of maintaining the school's accreditation.

“We know there are needs” for ministerial training, he said, citing the desire by some Baptists for more options for training programs that specialize in Christian education, as well as youth ministry and childhood ministry. “We're looking at what we can do without stretching ourselves beyond what we need to do.”

Some ministers also have asked Logsdon to offer a doctor of ministry degree, he noted, adding, “We don't want to be presumptuous, but we would need to look at it in the future.”

The seminary particularly is going to focus on how best to mentor ministers, “to be a resource, teacher, friend,” he said.

And in addition to partnering with churches, Logsdon is building partnerships with other institutions, he said.

For example, Baptist-based Hendrick Medical Center sits across the street and serves hundreds of thousands of people across the Big Country. Logsdon also is partnering with seminaries in Russia, the Caribbean and western Europe. “And not so far away, but nearby, we're asking: 'What's Logsdon's role in our city?'” he said.

Brisco intends to seek a balance as he guides the Logsdon School into the future.

“The trick is to not get too far ahead of yourself, but still dream,” he said. “If we're not thinking 10 to 15 years down the line, we're not serving the churches. …

“We have to keep the focus on the larger enterprise of the kingdom of God in partnership with the churches and many others. We all exist for the kingdom's sake.”

Posted: 5/03/04

Posted: 5/03/04

First BGCT-endorsed Army chaplains
complete officers' school with honors

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

The first Baptist General Convention of Texas-endorsed Army chaplains recently completed officer training with honors.

Ned Bartlebaugh, Casey Campbell and David Ward are the first BGCT chaplains to complete the training program required of all Army officers. Ward and Bartlebaugh earned physical training honors.

The U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School acclimates new officers to the military lifestyle. It includes a basic- training period, classroom time that teaches military procedure and field exercises.

Chaplains who transferred their endorsement to the BGCT already completed the training prior to changing their endorsement.

“These guys are groundbreakers,” said Robert Hutcherson, a retired Army chaplain who helps the BGCT chaplaincy relations office minister to Army chaplains.

“These are fellows who have looked at their endorsing options and honed in on the BGCT.”

The trio impressed Hutcherson with their performance throughout the program, as well as their strong faith and enthusiasm toward ministry.

“They're eager,” he said. “They're motivated. They're ready to go.”

Bartlebaugh said he is honored to be one of the BGCT chaplains to go through the school and hopes the trio serve as models for current and future chaplains.

“I'm proud of that because I hope the three of us set a high bar of what BGCT chaplains are about,” he said.

Many people asked the three chaplains about BGCT endorsement, Ward said. The students explained what the convention believed and outlined the chaplaincy program.

“There's so much buzz about the BGCT in the chaplaincy endorsement area,” he said.

Bartlebaugh now is stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Casey Campbell is at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. Ward is a reserve chaplain for a unit in Seagoville.

Ward, a graduate of Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary, said he is looking forward to ministering to the soldiers in his assigned unit.

Ward's primary assignment is to a unit in Seagoville, but he also will minister to several smaller units in surrounding states.

The work will fulfill a calling he felt in college after serving several years as an Army chaplain assistant, he said.

“The chaplain is in a unique position in that you get to go out and strike up conversations,” he said. “You get to build up relationships and then share your faith.”

Bartlebaugh, a former minister of education who was enlisted in the Army, said he hopes to use his past military experience to relate to soldiers more easily. Chaplains often serve as the only spiritual presence in the lives of soldiers who are looking for hope and certainty in tough military situations.

He said he looks forward to ministering to the larger Christian body. He will perform ceremonies for people of many denominations. He also can share his faith with non-Christians as he works with them.

Campbell felt a call to chaplaincy during his pastorate at South Side Baptist Church in Gainesville, but he indicated his mission remains the same as when he was leading the congregation–evangelize non-Christians and strengthen the faith of believers.

Bobby Smith, director of BGCT chaplaincy relations, praised the men's work and was proud to take part in the “opportunity for BGCT to stand next to these ministers as they go from one calling of God for ministry in a local church to a new calling of God for ministry in Army chaplaincy.”

Posted: 5/03/04

Church van wrecks on mission trip

ENID, Okla.–Three men from Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Greenville escaped serious injury when the van they were riding in flipped four times during a traffic accident April 26.

While only the three men were in the church's van at the time of the accident, about 20 members of the congregation made the trip to assist First Indian Baptist Church in Enid, Okla.

The adult team worked to repair the church's roof, paint and other renovation tasks during the day, while Pastor Riley Hamilton preached revival services Sunday evening through Wednesday.

Clyde Dennis was driving the church van when an Enid woman ran a red light and struck the vehicle causing it to overturn. He was treated for neck and back injuries as well as a cut on the head before being released from an area hospital.

Passengers Harold Thompson and Harold Morris were treated at the scene for bumps, bruises and cuts.

All three men were able to return to work the following day.

Damage to the church's 2002 Chevrolet Express van was estimated at $20,000.

A second church van was driven to Oklahoma the day following the accident to help transport the team back to Greenville.

Posted: 5/03/04

ANOTHER VIEW:
What if Baptists loved each other?

By Jim Furgerson

Recently I visited another state. The state Baptist paper was lying on the coffee table in the home where I stayed. I could not miss the lead story. A graph plotted the baptisms reported by Baptist churches in that state for the last 20 years. My heart hurt as I examined the numbers. The baptisms plateau, and then the graph starts a gradual decline to a 20-year low in 2003. Why?

The Baptists in this state have experienced a theological division that has caused several of their institutions to leave the state convention. These actions have led to several lawsuits, Baptists suing Baptists. Many Baptists have taken great pride in the fundamental stance the state convention has taken. At the same time, many have felt disenfranchised and thrown away.

In the course of my visit, I found pastors and lay people hurting for fellowship and afraid to express their convictions because they may not be among friends.

What has happened?

This is one of our old-line states with a rich tradition of Baptists cooperating to accomplish what many thought was impossible. Baptists in this state have built outstanding institutions. They have corporately touched their state and the world for Christ.

It was hard to believe what I heard Baptist people saying about fellow Baptists. What has happened to the love and trust that allowed them to cooperate together? Trust and love are gone, and there are two distinct factions. Two groups that call themselves Baptists, and they are fighting–not loving one another.

Jesus told his disciples: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

This is not a suggestion; it is a command. We are commanded to love like Jesus loved. To me, that implies that even though we have differences, we continue to love each other. Not just love each other, but love each other as Jesus loved us. Jesus loved us with such fervor that while we were sinners (in every way totally repugnant to him), he loved us enough to die for us.

I wonder what could happen if Baptists loved each other as Jesus loved us?

What would happen if we earnestly sought to find where we could agree and amplified those points of agreement? Overlook all the warts and simply love each other. I mean really love each other and seek the best for those in our sphere of influence.

I think Jesus may have answered that question in the next verse: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

I wonder what could happen in Texas if we were known as Baptists–people who love each other? Texas Baptists–people who not only love each other but also love all people, regardless of their color or stripe. People who, cooperating together, join God in what he is doing, simply loving people into the kingdom.

Could it be that the walk of the leadership in the state I was visiting is so offensive that the lost can't hear the message of Jesus and his love? Oh, that Texas Baptists would be known as people of the Bible who live what it teaches and walk together in Jesus' love.

Jim Furgerson is a regional associate for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and former executive director of Texas Baptist Men

Posted: 5/03/04

Supreme Court declines appeal to military school prayer case

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)–The Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to a lower court's ruling that outlawed mealtime prayers at a state-run military college.

The justices turned aside the appeal from Virginia officials April 26. Last year, a three-judge panel of the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Virginia Military Institute's tradition of suppertime invocations, which was reinstated in 1995 after having been discontinued for a few years.

At that time, the majority judges said the unique nature of the military school–which emphasizes “obedience and conformity”–made its situation different than those in other federal cases dealing with prayers at state-supported institutions of higher learning.

Although the Supreme Court has long outlawed government-sponsored prayers at public elementary and secondary school functions, the 6th and 7th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals said in separate 1997 rulings that colleges and universities were different.

In those decisions, the appeals courts said state universities could offer “non-denominational” commencement prayers.

Although the justices normally decline cases with no comment, Justice Antonin Scalia released a dissenting opinion blasting the court's majority for their decision. Among the reasons he cited was the alleged conflict on the issue among circuit courts.

“The weighty questions raised by petitioners … deserve this court's attention, particularly since the decisions of two other circuits are in apparent contradiction,” Scalia wrote.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist joined Scalia in his dissent.

The three justices generally considered the court's most liberal–John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer–issued an even rarer retort to Scalia's dissent, arguing that the court should decline to hear the case mainly on jurisdictional and procedural grounds. However, in their opinion–penned by Stevens–they also touched on constitutional reasons for denying the appeal.

Stevens noted the 4th Circuit majority acknowledged “in theory” the principle propounded by the 6th and 7th Circuits–that institutions of higher education are different environments than elementary and secondary schools, where students are older and thus less likely to feel coerced into activities led by their educators.

Therefore, prayers at some school-related events may not violate the Constitution.

But, Stevens said, the lower court nevertheless found that argument “unhelpful in this case because of the features of VMI that distinguish it from more traditional institutions of higher education.” Stevens said those distinguishing features include VMI's “emphasis on submission and conformity.”

However, Scalia said that reason for the distinction was, “to put it mildly, a frail one.”

He went on to say that, in comparing mealtime prayers at state military colleges to commencement prayers at other state universities, “it might be said that the former is more, rather than less, likely to be constitutional, since group prayer before military mess is more traditional than group prayer at ordinary state colleges.”

The case arose when two VMI cadets–Neil Mellen and Paul Knick–sued the school's then-superintendent, Josiah Bunting, over the practice. Cadets marched into the mess hall at mealtime, and a student chaplain said a prayer before the cadets ate.

According to the school, the prayers were “non-denominational” and mentioned God but not Jesus or any other deity. Students did not have to recite or listen to the prayers, but were required to maintain respectfully “at rest” during the invocation.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union represented Mellen and Knick. The cadets have since graduated and Bunting has since retired.

The head of a Washington-based Baptist religious-liberty group hailed the court's decision as an affirmation of proper church-state relations.

Brent Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs, noted that the 4th Circuit is “the most conservative appeals court in the land” but that the panel of judges “understood that coerced prayer violates the principles of religious liberty.

“People of faith understand that coerced prayer is an oxymoron and that for prayer to be prayer, it must be completely voluntary,” Walker said.

Posted: 5/03/04

DOWN HOME:
We won't forget this Mom's Day

Sometimes, timing can be a real bummer.

Like Mother's Day this year. It's next Sunday, a couple of days after the spring semester ends at Hardin-Simmons University, where our oldest daughter, Lindsay, is wrapping up her sophomore year.

“That's terrific!” you might say. “School's getting out just in time for Lindsay to move home for the summer! Joanna should be thrilled! What a great Mother's Day present!”

You would be wrong, even if you used up a lifetime's supply of exclamation points.

Lindsay's not returning home this summer. She's staying in Abilene. She'll have a full-time job and live in an apartment. Just like a grown-up. We're loading her old bed, desk and dresser and hauling them out there next Saturday.

The day before Mother's Day.

To be fair, I can't really gripe. After my sophomore year at Hardin-Simmons, I got an internship at Texas Baptist Children's Home, and I never really lived at home with Mother and Daddy again.

And maybe that's the problem. I see what's ahead: Full-time jobs in other cities. Apartments and then houses. Different schedules; different lives. Our first “baby” never will call our home her home again.

Oh, this is why we shed all those tears in the first place, back when she went off to college.

Lately, images of young Lindsay have played in my mind like a splendid video of her life.

I remember her asleep in Jo's arms the evening after she was born. I see her taking her first steps.

I recall one evening when she was about 4. Jo was gone to church, and Lindsay and Molly were upstairs playing. I took the trash out to the street, but the girls realized I wasn't in the house before I got back. I'll never forget how they felt as they hugged my knees, crying, and how badly I felt for scaring them.

And there is 5-year-old Lindsay, sitting in a Mrs. Winner's restaurant on a Saturday morning, eating a cinnamon roll during a “date” with her daddy, before we went to the park

A moment ago, she was sitting in the backseat of our car as we drove her to the first day of first grade. Next, she was a ninth grader, performing with the Farmerettes drill team at halftime of her first football game.

OK, I know what's happening. One of the great parts of parenthood is being needed. Now that Lindsay stands stronger and stronger on her own, I wrap the memories of simpler, needier times around me like an old quilt.

One of the hardest parts of parenthood is turning loose. Trusting into God's hands this child who's been God's all along and realizing I'm not her fix-it Daddy anymore.

But one of the best parts of parenthood also is turning loose. Trusting into God's hands this young Christian woman, strong and independent. Just as we prayed she would be.