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BCNN1: March 2009 Archives

March 2009 Archives

National
neil-clark-warren.2.jpgIn response to discrimination litigation, online dating site eHarmony will launch Tuesday the gay version of its heterosexual match-making service. Read More
National
tim-kaine-obama.jpgTim Kaine, the Virginia governor and President Barack Obama's hand-picked choice as the head of the Democratic National Committee, infuriated abortion-rights groups Monday by signing legislation that gives abortion foes a long-sought victory.  Read More
World
More than 100,000 Britons have recently downloaded "certificates of de-baptism" from the Internet to renounce their Christian faith. Read More
Christian
Computer hackers are apparently to blame for the theft of $94,000 from a Red Wing church. Read More
Technology
A tenacious computer worm which has wriggled its way onto machines worldwide is set to evolve on April Fool's Day, becoming harder to exterminate but not expected to wreak havoc. Read More
National
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama visited a cancer care facility in London Wednesday, where she joined the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in celebrating the first anniversary of the center. Read More
National
obama-fl-land-london-g20.jpg
President Obama tonight landed at Stansted airport aboard Air Force One on the first major overseas trip of his Administration. Read More
Entertainment
queen-latifah.sue.jpgA makeup artist and a fashion stylist claim in coordinated lawsuits that they got ugly treatment from Queen Latifah when she cheated them out of $1 million. Read More
World
oprah-lacademy-scandal.jpgOprah Winfrey's elite boarding school for girls in South Africa has been rocked by its second sex scandal in fewer than two years. Read More
National
Homeschooling is so important to Uwe Romeike that the classically trained pianist sold his beloved grand pianos to pay for moving his wife and five children from Germany to the Smoky Mountain foothills of Tennessee. Read More
Sports
michael-vick-833.jpgI don't know what kind of access Michael Vick has had to newspapers, magazines and the Internet in prison, but it seems like the news that he is no longer a hot commodity has not yet filtered down to Michael Vick. Read More
African-American
donnie.jpg
This past week, popular preacher, recording artist and pastor, Donnie McClurkin, went on record to declare his deep disappointment with what he sees as pastoral abuses in the body of Christ. His comments has raised a legitimate question about abuse and excesses in the body of Christ and has brought attention to a topic that has largely been ignored in the church community.
Read More
National
obamaeuropetrip.jpgIn his first presidential trip across the Atlantic, Barack Obama hopes to convince European allies that his young administration can improve the global economy and the United States' image.

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Christian
The president's faith-based initiative must limit religious hiring discrimination. Read More
African-American
kumuyi.jpg
General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has warned Christian workers against perverting the word of God as, according to him, God does not use ministers that distort His word.

Read More
Christian
kirkfrank.jpg"We forget that God has always looked out for us. He has always taken care of us. If you put on Marvin Sapp's 'Never Would Have Made It,' you are reminded of that."

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Christian
trinidadyouth.jpgThousands of Christians will celebrate National Liberation Day on Saturday, April 4, in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, by parading throughout the main city with decorated floats, singing praises to God... Read More
Christian
rickwarrenbaptize.jpgSaddleback Church baptized 800 people in a marathon three and a half hour ceremony March 28, after nearly 2,400 people attended a four-hour class for people interested in becoming members of the church.

Read More
Christian
DW-w-trophy-in-uniform-.jpgThough he won the Heisman Trophy in 1996 as a quarterback for the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel was blindsided many times by blitzing defensive ends and linebackers.

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Culture
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean Saturday publicly backed a Vermont bill that would legalize "gay marriage" and urged fellow Democrats in the state to support it. Read More
Second Coming Watch/World
The Arab League is formulating an ultimatum to be issued Monday warning Israel that it must accept the League's terms for an Arab-Israel agreement. If Israel refuses, the Arab League statement indicates, the offer will be off the table. Meanwhile, the Arab League is hosting a leader charged with racist massacres of non-Arabs in his own country. Read More
Finances
The millions of procrastinators now scrambling to finish their tax returns may want to watch out for a few new twists -- and several old ones.

Unless they're careful, they could wind up paying Uncle Sam more than they really owe. Even when Congress tries to offer Americans tax relief, the result is often so complex that it requires the assistance of high-priced experts trained in the translation of tax-law gibberish.
Read More
Finances
Homeowners are watching anxiously for any signs of housing market stabilization. So, too, are all those who believe the market may hold the key to the economy.

And yet the most recent data makes for more gloomy reading.
Read More
Sports
Sen. John McCain wants a presidential pardon for Jack Johnson, who became the nation's first black heavyweight boxing champion 100 years before Barack Obama became its first black president. Read More
Life
inmate-returning-hearts-57.jpgThe prison once deemed the most violent in America hosted the nation's largest gathering of inmates and their children on Saturday to promote reconciliation and healing within families. Read More
Sports
ryan-moats2.jpgNFL running back Ryan Moats and his wife said today they are willing to accept the apology of a Dallas police officer who stopped them at gunpoint as they hurried to the bedside of her dying mother even though Moats said he feared for his wife's life. Read More
Christian
Christian
tff-church-br.jpgTrinity Faith Full Gospel Church, unable to pay or refinance the $1.1 million it owes for its sanctuary at 6600 Hallelujah Blvd. in Wendell, is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Read More
Christian
david_wilkerson-8.jpgWhat did David Wilkerson say that got so many people talking?
On March 7, evangelist David Wilkerson posted an "urgent message" to his blog, ministry website, and mailing list. It began:
I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world. Read More
Christian
James R. Adair spent more than 50 years in the Christian publishing world, writing 10 books, editing dozens of others, penning hundreds of magazine articles and reviewing hundreds of manuscripts submitted to the publishing house where he worked. Read More
National
In a CNN interview, RNC Chair Michael Steele says he has tried to reach out to President Obama to no avail. "I'm done," he said. Read More
National
barack-obama.st.jpgIn a country long divided by race, Barack Obama argues that Americans generally have been colorblind in judging him. Yet old racial stereotypes and Internet-fueled falsehoods flourish about the first black president. Read More
National
rick-wagoner.3.jpgReady to shake up the floundering auto industry, and determined to fire someone other than Timothy Geithner, President Obama announced a dramatic layoff at General Motors, consisting of a single individual...The company's CEO, Rick Wagoner. Read More
World
samuel-kobia-55.jpgThe head of the World Council of Churches has challenged the legitimacy of the G20 group of the world's 20 leading economies as their leaders meet in Washington DC this weekend to discuss the future of the global economy in the midst of the global economic crisis. Read More
National
bianca-revelus-slain-60.JPGA man fatally stabbed his 17-year-old sister, decapitated his 5-year-old sister in front of a police officer and then turned toward his 9-year-old sister with a knife in his hand before officers shot him dead in what their chief described as "a killing field." Read More
National

barack-obama-57.jpgBritain will get its first chance to see Barack Obama this week when a White House cavalcade - complete with armoured limousines, helicopters, 200 US secret service staff and a six-doctor medical team - sweeps into the UK.

Read More
Culture
gaymarriage.jpgVermont was the first state to outlaw slavery. Neighboring New Hampshire declared its independence from England before any other colony. Maine led the way with Prohibition.

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Sports
recap_round40.jpgTiger Woods drove away from Bay Hill wearing the navy blue blazer traditionally awarded to the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is more interested in a jacket of a different color, but this was a good start.

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Second Coming Watch/World
An electronic spy network, based mainly in China, has infiltrated computers from government offices around the world, Canadian researchers say. Read More
Christian
Many black churches that prayed for President Obama after he won the election, continue to pray as the economic downturn causes some churches to cut back.  Read More
Christian
An evangelical pastor whose leadership of an Atlanta-area megachurch ended in a sex scandal has died. Read More
African-American
Although America is still celebrating the election of its first black president, a new report from the National Urban League revealed some sobering statistics on the state of black America. Read More
African-American
hbcu-graduation.jpgThey're no longer the only option for African-American students, but the country's historically black colleges and universities brag that they provide a supportive environment where these students are more likely to succeed. Read More
African-American
john-h-franklin.2.jpgWhen he was a boy in segregated Oklahoma, where he was born in 1915, John Hope Franklin used to indulge in a subversive bit of wordplay like a small act of public and private theater. Read More
African-American
NNPA-logo-black-press-54.JPGThe National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, giving four top awards during its annual Newsmaker of the Year Awards Gala, was told by those same honorees that its contributions to justice in America is yet untold. Read More
Christian
george-tiller.jpgLate-term abortionist George Tiller was acquitted on 19 charges of illegal abortions. A jury of three men and three women reached the not guilty verdict on Friday in less than an hour, disappointing pro-life groups that were closely watching the trial of one of the nation's few late-term abortion practitioners. Read More
African-American
obama-NNPA-black press-49.jpgA historic delegation of 50 Black publishers and their guests, who convened at the White House last week for a Black Press Week award to President Barack Obama and his family, received equal praise from the first family for the work of the Black Press of America. Read More
African-American
NBPRS-logo-51.jpgIn a bold step reflective of its commitment to provide meaningful information to its membership in a difficult economic environment, the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) today announced it will convert its Annual Conference & Career Fair to a series of free online, interactive webinars in April. Read More
World
london-protests-52.jpgPresident Barack Obama is facing challenges to American power on multiple fronts as he prepares for his first trip overseas since taking office, with the nation's economic woes emboldening allies and adversaries alike. Read More
Books

the-elements-of-style-anniversary-53.jpg"Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts." (William Strunk Jr., "The Elements of Style," 1918)

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World
Key politicians from around the world have underlined the need for unity in addressing the world economic crisis when leaders meet at the G20 summit. Read More
Second Coming Watch/World
With increased dependence on the Internet and information technology infrastructure, a cyberattack could devastate society, London-based Chatham House said. Read More
Christian
timothy-wright-51.jpgAmidst a flurry of rumors and erroneous stories, the family of Pastor Timothy Wright released a statement, exclusively to Gospel Today, about his condition earlier today to bring clarity and accuracy to what is currently going on with Pastor Wright. Read More
Christian
driscoll-chopra-lobert-pearson.jpgWhen Annie Lobert was being abused, raped and constantly facing death during her years as a Las Vegas escort, she knew the devil was real. And he almost got her life. Read More
Christian
ryan.laura-dobson.JPGExcept for the skateboard, surfboard, shaved head and, until recently, the goatee and giant cylindrical earrings implanted in his lobes, Ryan Dobson sees himself as a chip off the old evangelical block. Read More
Christian
lavencia-deBerry-52.jpgBecause of the publicity that domestic abuse crimes are getting from the media in our nation, the church must began to inform, educate, and create a safe haven for victims to be real and transparent without fear and shame. Read More
Christian
Over the next two days, a conference that merges Bible study and technology will draw from around the nation Christian publishers, programmers, webmasters, educators, bloggers and anyone interested in using technology to improve Bible study. Read More
Christian
mike-huckabee-31.jpgPolitical commentator and former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will discuss the impact of the turbulent economy on faith-based organizations and introduce a service to financially help churches and ministries this weekend at several events in Virginia. Read More
Education
teach-for-america.jpgTeach for America, the organization that sends bright-eyed college graduates to teach for two years in struggling school systems and low-income communities, experienced a 42 percent jump in applications this year, and Spelman College led the pack. Read More
Christian
mandisa-album-freedom-50.jpgGospel performer Mandisa defines herself not by the world's standards, but God's, and said she has finally discovered what freedom means. Her sophomore album "Freedom", available on March 24, is a testimony to her struggles with food and deliverance from her addiction. Read More
African-American
barack-obama-707.jpgFor the nation's black magazines, newspapers, and television and radio stations, the arrival of the Obama administration has ushered in an era of unprecedented access to the White House. Read More
Entertainment
TI-sentencing-49.jpgAtlanta rap artist T.I. will go to federal prison sometime after Mother's Day and serve a year and a day for crimes that might get anybody else about five years in the slammer. Read More
Sports
While talking to 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft, LeBron James showed off his skill by netting a ball from the top of the key into the opposite net. Read More
Sports

michael-vick-833.jpgThe Falcons continue to attempt to formally sever ties with imprisoned and suspended quarterback Michael Vick. Here's a look at 10 questions surrounding Vick, the Falcons and his prospective return to the NFL as the team attempts to trade his rights.

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Christian
csm-news-page.jpgThe 100-year-old Christian Science Monitor published its last daily issue today and is set to launch as a Web site that also produces a weekly tabloid-style magazine. Read More
Christian
topstory300.big.jpgA former employee of Global Destiny Church has asked a Gwinnett judge to put Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III in jail for contempt of court because he failed to repay a debt to her. Read More
Christian
jim-tammy.bakker.jpgThe American gospel according to PTL goes on the auction block today. Atlanta entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ben Dyer and his partners own more than 15,000 hours of taped "PTL Club" episodes, the religious talk and entertainment show from the 1980s. Read More
Christian
opponents.hawaii.cu.jpgOne month after its passage appeared all but certain, a bill to legalize civil unions in Hawaii was rejected Wednesday in the state Senate, and observers on both sides are pointing to an outpouring of opposition from Christians as a main reason. Read More
Christian
A closely watched effort to keep a 20-year-old requirement that Texas public high school students evaluate the "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific theories, including evolution, failed Thursday in a 7-7 vote by the State Board of Education. Read More
National
The pregnant woman showed up at the medical center in flip-flops and in tears, after walking there to save bus fare. Her boyfriend had lost his job, she told her doctor in Oakland, Calif., and now - fearing harder times for her family - she wanted to abort what would have been her fourth child. Read More
Second Coming Watch/World
assad-ahmadinejad-44.jpgIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, on Friday that Israel and the US were "weakening with God's help". Read More
Sports

ryan-moats-45.jpgA police officer in Dallas in under investigation for how he handled a traffic stop involving an NFL player racing to get to his dying mother-in-law. Dash cam video caught the officer chasing down an SUV that went through a red light.

Read More
Culture
kwame-kilpatrick.6rest.jpgEx-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is looking for a break on his restitution bill, saying he has only $6 left a month to meet the $6,000, court-ordered obligation. Read More
Culture
Politico.com says it's detected a Republican move against Michelle Obama:

Read More
Entertainment
paulette-harper.jpgYou may have heard the statement, "God can turn your mess into a message." Well, this is exactly what Paulette Harper has done as she shares with us through the pages of her book, That Was Then, This Is Now, how God restored her life. Read More
African-American
John Hope Franklin, a towering scholar and pioneer of African-American studies who wrote the seminal text on the black experience in the U.S. and worked on the landmark Supreme Court case that outlawed public school segregation, died Wednesday. He was 94. Read More
National
jim-douglas.jpgGov. Jim Douglas of Vermont said Wednesday that he would veto a same-sex marriage bill if it reached his desk, setting a new hurdle for a measure that had been moving swiftly through the legislature. Read More
Finances
The financial health of the nation's nonprofit groups is rapidly deteriorating, according to a survey of some 900 nonprofit leaders around the country. Read More
Christian
joel-osteen.mnys.jpgWho is going to be the first "performer" at the New Yankee Stadium (other than the Yanks and their opponents)? Everybody's favorite Nice Guy televangelist, Joel Osteen. Read More
Christian
Congregants of Southampton Village's First Baptist Church have ousted their pastor, whose methods, they say, stirred unrest and drove away some church members. Read More
Opinion
joseph-phillips-568.jpgI had barely stepped off the plane before my eldest son began peppering me with questions. "Daddy, what did you learn about global warming?"  Read More
National
prez-obama.tr.jpgCall it Round Two of the news conference, with a big Internet twist. U.S. President Barack Obama took questions from the White House press corps on Tuesday in a prime-time, East Room session that represented the most formal and time-honored of president-and-reporter interactions. Read More
African-American
Video Gallery of Biographical Conversations with John Hope Franklin. Plus a place to send your condolences. Read More
African-American
Finances
Opinion
As I write this, Obama has just signed an Executive Order lifting restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell research, a move he said, rejects the "false choice" between science and morality. As well, it has been just 49 days since the inaguration and already there are grumblings among the voters who supported the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. Read More
Christian
henry-lyons2.jpgIn the mid-1990s, the Rev. Henry Lyons had it all. A thriving church. A loving family. A $700,000 waterfront house in Florida. And a prestigious job as the president of the Nashville-headquartered National Baptist Convention USA, the largest African-American denomination in the U.S. Read More
Christian
tony-dungy.qa.jpgThe Indianapolis Colts head coach retired from the NFL in January. In response, Tyndale House rushed into print the 2007 Super Bowl champion's second book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance. Read More
Culture
quiverfull200.2.jpgAmong some conservative Christians, a movement is giving new meaning to the biblical mandate to "be fruitful and multiply."

Read More
Christian
shiloh-dc-church.jpgA D.C. church is under fire for its efforts to avoid paying taxes. Now, some residents in the District's Shaw neighborhood are calling the Shiloh Baptist church downright shady.  Read More
National
The suspect in last week's shooting that injured a woman outside a Northwest Roanoke church was arrested Tuesday in Florida, police said. Read More
Christian
tom-hanks.religion.jpgTo hear Tom Hanks describe him, the hero who broke "The Da Vinci Code" is an academic superman whose knowledge of art, religion, history and philosophy can handle anything. Read More
Christian
The Pastor of True Bibleway Church was arrested and charged with statutory rape for allegedly having sexual relations with, and impregnating, a 14-year-old congregant. Read More
Christian
drinking-q.jpgEarlier this week Brandon O'Brien wrote about the new debate among clergy over alcohol. Even if we believe the Bible permits consumption, what does wisdom tell us?  Read More
National
barack-obama.us.homo.jpgWhen science is made 'apolitical' and 'unencumbered by religion,' it's usually to hyper-politicize and hyper-sacralize it.

Read More
Christian
Is Christianity the only true religion, or does God's transcendence mean that no religion can make an exclusive claim to him? Read More
Opinion
steve-waldman.jpgI'm occasionally described as an "entrepreneurial risk taker" because I left my fancy job in journalism to start Beliefnet in 1999. Though I love the sound of it, I've never felt it was really accurate.  Read More
National
prez-obama.tr.jpgIn the early days of his administration, President Barack Obama has developed an unusual pattern as he talks about religion: He regularly puts nonbelievers on the same footing as religious Americans.

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Christian
keith-manuel-44.jpgA car can't drive itself, at least not on our streets -- yet. In 2006 Volkswagen showcased a version of the Golf which actually drove itself on a closed track and can reach speeds up to 150 mph. By using radar and laser sensors, the car's "eyes" maneuvered the vehicle at high speeds around various obstacles. The day may be coming when cars will have autopilot. Read More
National
dubois.wh.meeting.jpgOn Tuesday, Pro-Life groups met with Joshua Dubois, the head of the White House's Faith Based Office. The president of Concerned Women for America, Wendy Wright was the one who initiated the meeting and The White House agreed. Read More
Education
notre-dame-logo-46.jpgOutrage over the invitation of President Barack Obama to offer the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame has translated to over 111,000 signatures and counting in protest. Read More
National
barack-obama-speaking-826.jpgPresident Barack Obama said Tuesday that lifting federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research was the "right thing to do and the ethical thing to do." Read More
African-American
capt.6d5bdd06186142d38df4d4b64b36c547.black_america_nyma108.jpgPresident Barack Obama should specifically address disparities in black unemployment, foreclosures, education and health care, the National Urban League says in its annual "State of Black America" report. Read More
African-American
ObamaBarack.jpgPresident Barack Obama says Americans are judging him by the job he's doing, not the color of his skin. Read More
Culture
President Barack Obama is planning an online town hall-style meeting on the White House's Web site this Thursday.
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National
National
obama-phone.jpgBarack Obama is under fire after replacing his estranged pastor Jeremiah Wright with a new circle of religious confidantes whose views are dramatically at odds with some of his political goals. Read More

Barack & Michelle Obama Under Attack for Being Black in the White House. What's Going On?
National
tammy-bruce.jpgTop radio trash talker Tammy Bruce took her vocal derision of the First family to a new low today. Bruce hurled criticism after criticism at the First Lady in a rant that sounded like Bruce was unraveling on air. Read More
National
burt-prelutsky.gifBurt Prelutsky was a TV writer a long time ago. Then he aged out of it and became a crank. This wasn't one of those major loses like Steinbeck. Now he writes a column for Townhall.com, the popular website owned by a Christian radio network. Read More
National
kwame-kilpatrick.cfr.jpgFormer Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has failed to file a required campaign finance report, violating state law and raising questions about what happened to the $1.3 million he had on hand at the end of 2007. Read More
Christian
donald-robinson.jpgA congregation divided since Hurricane Katrina could vote next week to get rid of its pastor, who some church members say has refused to repair the Katrina-damaged facility. Read More
Christian
cbe-logo.jpgThe inaugural Christian Book Expo concluded Sunday with optimism for the future despite its lower-than-expected attendance figures. Read More
National
dobson-eroom.wh.jpgA Christian legal group is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the National Day of Prayer, contending that the annual event is "deeply embedded in the tradition and history of this country." Read More
Christian
todd-bentley.healing.jpgAfter ducking scrutiny that followed the Lakeland Revival's abrupt end in August 2008, Todd Bentley resurfaced this month. Read More
Christian
Martyn Hall, who lives with civil partner Steven Preddy, has lodged a county court claim for £5,000 in damages, alleging 'direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation' against the hotel owners, Peter and Hazelmary Bull. Read More
Christian
james-merritt.jpgSmog turned the Rev. James Merritt into a believer. Not a believer in God. The former president of the 16 million-strong Southern Baptist Convention was already there. Read More
Christian
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted 5-4 to change its invocation policy after the county attorney advised supervisors their current way of opening meetings with prayer could leave them vulnerable to lawsuits. Read More
Christian
prayer-hands.austin.jpgAt Riverbend Church in Northwest Austin, attendance is up 10 percent this year compared with the same period last year, said the Rev. Norman Schoenfeld. Read More
Christian

In McComb v. Crehan, (9th Cir., March 20, 2009), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the action of Clark County, Nevada school officials in cutting off the microphone at high school graduation ceremonies when the class valedictorian departed from her approved speech and began reading from a version that contained religious and Biblical references.

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Christian
mark-driscoll-41.jpgThe debate over whether Satan exists is hardly going to be settled in a 30-minute television show. But that's not stopping a rather curious lineup from debating that question for ABC's "Nightline." Read More
Christian

christopher-hitchens-apologists-43.jpgBest-selling atheist author Christopher Hitchens took on four Christian apologists Saturday in a civil but spirited two-hour discussion as part of the Christian Book Expo.

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Christian
obama-orzag-44.jpgPresident Obama's proposed 2010 federal budget contains a 7% cut in charitable tax deductions for the nation's wealthiest taxpayers. Some religious groups are asking how that will affect their bottom line. The answer: it depends who you ask. Read More
Books
lisalindsaywickerpic.jpgLisa Lindsay Wicker, author of The Winning Spirit: Building Employee Enthusiasm has hit another home-run in her newest book Power Play! Wicker shares over 95 power plays on the keys to personal or career success. Through the pages of Power Play! Discover the Secrets to Spirit-Winning Success, Wicker shows how to put the secrets to spirit-winning success to work and explains:  Read More
National
The Obama administration's "surrender to bad state policies on so-called medicinal marijuana will have disastrous effects," a Southern Baptist ethics leader said in response to a shift in marijuana policy indicated by Attorney General Eric Holder. Read More
National
Two months into his presidency, it is far too soon to make any judgments about Barack Obama's prospects. All we really know is that he has assembled the rudiments of an administration and launched a batch of ambitious but unproven initiatives. Read More
Culture
michael-vick-photo.jpgEmbattled quarterback Michael Vick, with his potential release to a halfway house looming, has switched criminal defense attorneys.

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Christian
Scripture says faith can move mountains.

But can it move governments and communities to reduce murder and infant mortality rates and provide jobs and drug rehabilitation to ex-offenders?
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National
pro-life-dems-obama.jpgDemocrats for Life of America has called the Obama administration's refusal to consult it on the March 9 executive order revoking a federal funds ban for most embryonic stem cell research "a cooling of our relations." Read More
African-American
The Wedded Bliss Foundation, Inc. held its Seventh Annual Black Marriage Day celebration on Sunday with the theme of renewing and honoring Our Sacred Vows. Read More
Eye on Africa/World
aaga-logo.jpgThe Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA) has set out to baptize 10 million believers within a ten year period, the denomination's news agency reported this past week. Read More
National
michael-steele.sobu.jpgA Roman Catholic bishop in Indiana will shun a pro-life banquet if Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele addresses the sold-out event, The Washington Times has learned. Read More
World
angola-follower.jpgPope Benedict XVI issued a warning against witchcraft Saturday during his visit to Angola, after calling on African leaders to battle corruption and drawing a tough line against abortion. Read More
Christian

christian-book-expo-30.jpgThe Christian Book Expo, the first "fan event" for evangelical Christian book lovers, drew about 1,500 people to the Dallas Convention Center during a three-day run that ended Sunday.

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Christian
buck-leonard-statue-31.jpgIt was said of Buck Leonard, one of the greatest professional baseball players of all-time, that trying to sneak a fastball past him was akin to sneaking a sunset past a rooster. Read More
National
vermont-senate-32.jpgA state Senate committee unanimously approved a gay marriage bill on Friday, moving Vermont one step closer to allowing same-sex couples to legally wed. Read More
Books
realrevivalcover.jpgWhat is real revival? you may be wondering. According to Rev. Arthur L. Mackey, in Real Revival, real revival is "seeking the face of God in the midst of real life situations on a daily basis." He concurs with the writer of II Chronicles 7:14 when he states: "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." Read More
Eye on Africa/World
kibera-africa-family-34.jpgA month ago I visited Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. This suburb of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is home to more than one million people, who eke out a living in an area of about one square mile -- roughly 75% the size of New York's Central Park. Read More
Culture
331px-Condi_rice.jpg
Condoleezza Rice finally got her chance to address the NFL. Judging by the numerous standing ovations she received, Rice scored a touchdown.
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Christian
Alisha Lewis and her family may live an hour away from Samson, Ala., but the little town nevertheless is home. Read More
Opinion
obama-kroft-interview.jpgPresident Barack Obama said he believes the global financial system remains at risk of implosion with the failure of Citigroup or AIG, touching off "an even more destructive recession and potentially depression." Read More
National
Opinion
National
Christian
National
Christian
Money problems have dogged Pastor Joe Wingo all his life. Whether poor, as in Wingo's hungry Atlanta childhood, or flush, as in his corporate-jet present, he has found ruin and salvation in the pursuit of profits. Read More
Christian
The last thing church leaders need is another conference, but for pastors who don't have a Starbucks or Wal-Mart within 25 miles of their church, The Sticks might be something worth checking out. Read More
Christian
angel-food-dist.jpgAngel Food Ministries has seldom had a better month and likely never a worse one. Working with its 5,000 partner churches, including nearly 90 in Louisiana, the Georgia-based nonprofit reported for February its fifth-best distribution ever -- 530,000 boxes of its heavily discounted groceries. Read More
Christian
One week from today, the star of "Luau Orgy," "Gazongas" and the ahead-of-its-time "Wanda Whips Wall Street" will walk onto the campus of Truman State University in Kirksville to debate a pastor on the subject most dear to his heart: porn. Read More
Entertainment
christian-fiction.jpgLocal Christian publishers who launched or expanded their fiction lines in recent years are enjoying the fruits of their labors thanks to an unlikely source -- the flagging economy. Read More
Christian
salvation-army.logo2.jpgOften the last resort for those in need, the Salvation Army in some cities is experiencing a budget crunch of its own despite a sharp increase in donations. Read More
Christian
roy-harrell.jpgPerhaps no Baptist pastor in history has had a formal goodbye like the one in store for the Rev. Roy Harrell. Read More
National

michelle-obama-white-house-garden-25.jpgFor the first time since first lady Eleanor Roosevelt planted her "Victory Garden" during World War II, the White House grounds will feature a vegetable garden, the Los Angeles Times reports.

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National
ron-kirk-mom-27.jpgRon Kirk formally took the oath of office Friday from Vice President Joe Biden, cementing the former Dallas mayor's spot as the Obama Cabinet's trade ambassador. Read More
Christian

gary-goodyear-28.jpgThis week, when Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, declined to discuss his Christian beliefs in the face of accusations that they were influencing his work, the fallout cast new light on the challenges of religious individuals who work in science fields: How do they reconcile their professional passions with their belief in God?

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Christian
When Joe Christian started planning church services 35 years ago, it meant spending hours flipping through hymnals and copying sheet music. Read More
Eye on Africa/World

andry-rajoelina-29.jpgHe is the disc jockey politician, a charismatic, fresh-faced entrepreneur who swapped the turntables and nightclubs of Antananarivo for a movement that this week has culminated in the ousting of Madagascar's twice-elected president.

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Culture
Vermont moved closer to allowing same-sex couples to marry after a state Senate committee advanced a gay marriage bill on Friday. Read More
Culture
bowling.jpgThe top bowler for the Special Olympics looks forward to meeting President Barack Obama in an alley.

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World
Sebastian Bakare, the Anglican Bishop of Harare, ignored the riot policeman at the altar trying disrupt his Sunday service, and carried on with worship. In front of the church's first full congregation for years Bishop Bakare told the representative of Zimbabwe's security services: "If you want to attack me, I am in your hands."
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Christian
driscoll-chopra-lobert-pearson.jpgThe debate over whether Satan exists is hardly going to be settled in a 30-minute television show. But that's not stopping a rather curious lineup from debating that question for ABC's "Nightline." Read More
Christian
bchurches-partner.jpgAs a growing minority within the Southern Baptist Convention, African American Southern Baptists are needed to play pivotal roles in reaching the world with the Gospel, says David Cornelius, African American missional church strategist for the International Mission Board. Read More
Christian
With less and less people carrying cash or a checkbook, and using a debit card instead; Dr. Marty Baker--lead pastor of Stevens Creek Church in Augusta, Georgia--came up with an idea that can actually utilize that trend with weekly tithes and offerings. Read More
Christian
A nonprofit addiction recovery program has sued the City of Elizabeth City, claiming land-use decisions discriminated against the program on grounds of religion and disability. Read More
Health
Indiana women could have fewer options to obtain abortions under legislation that would require doctors who perform the procedure to have admitting privileges at a hospital. Read More
Christian
fred-barnes-23.jpgIn 2007, my wife Barbara and I left The Falls Church, which we had happily attended from the time we became Christians a quarter-century ago. It's a 277-year-old church in northern Virginia well-known for its popular preacher, the Rev. John Yates, its adherence to traditional biblical teachings and its withdrawal in 2005 from the national Episcopal church. Our three grown daughters and their families stayed behind at The Falls Church. Read More
Books
esv-study-bible.jpgA study Bible won top honors in the Christian Book Awards that were announced Thursday night in Dallas by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Read More
African-American
734398fd-7433-42ef-820a-252da9039b5a.jpg
Down here in the Deep South, calls to bring back the hanging noose are coming from an unlikely source: a 62-year-old, black Republican mayoral candidate in Mississippi's largest city.

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Culture
MichelleObamax-large.jpgTo all the varied (and unpaid) jobs of the first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has lately added cheerleader-in-chief. On Thursday, she employed her pep-rally skills to exhort students at Washington, D.C.-area high schools that they, too, can achieve their highest dreams. Read More
National
Barack_Leno.jpgPresident Barack Obama has apologized to the chairman of the Special Olympics for his late-night talk show quip equating his bowling skills to those of athletes with disabilities.
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Christian
Hundreds of publishers, authors and book lovers will be making their way to the Christian Book Expo in Dallas starting Thursday for the first-of-its-type book fair. Read More
Christian
ted.gayle-haggard.jpgFormer evangelical pastor Ted Haggard and his wife are planning another TV appearance, this time to talk about their marriage. Read More
Christian
A former Elgin pastor found guilty Wednesday of spanking a girl with a piece of wood in his office admitted he wasn't prepared for the task of counseling a child who claimed to have been sexually abused. Read More
Education
A Texas legislator is waging a war of biblical proportions against the science and education communities in the Lone Star State as he fights for a bill that would allow a private school that teaches creationism to grant a Master of Science degree in the subject. Read More
Education
homeschoolers-22.JPGHomeschool advocates across the country are focused on Raleigh after a judge in a divorce hearing said that the children of a Wake County couple might be better off going to public school instead of being homeschooled.

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Health
The U.S. teen birth rate rose for a second straight year in 2007 after a long decline and more babies were born to all mothers than even at the peak of the baby boom after World War Two, officials said on Wednesday. Read More
Culture
gration.jpgEvangelical leaders and human rights groups applauded President Barack Obama Wednesday for naming an envoy for Sudan as the violence-wracked country faces a critical time in its history. Read More
National
barack-obama.us.homo.jpgThe Obama administration announced March 18 its support for a United Nations declaration urging the global decriminalization of homosexuality three months after the Bush administration refused to endorse it. Read More
Christian
obama-fb.council.jpgConservative evangelical groups will meet with the director of the White House Faith-Based Office next Tuesday to discuss the need for reducing abortion in the country. Read More
National
judge-david-hamilton.jpgPresident Obama's first appeals court nominee is being promoted as a moderate, but he's been at odds with social conservatives in two prominent cases in recent years -- one pertaining to abortion and another concerning a state's legislative prayers.  Read More
World
California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer has caused growing concern by encouraging the United States to ratify a United Nations treaty that would allow for what critics describe as government intrusion in parents' lives. Read More
Christian
christopher-hitchens.jpgBritish-born antitheist, author, journalist and U.S. political observer Christopher Hitchens is scheduled to take part in what will likely be a very lively discussion at this weekend's Christian Book Expo at the Dallas Convention Center. Read More
Christian
spring-break.jpgIn the middle of Daytona's annual season of sin, I went undercover with a group of evangelical Christians trying to convert drunk partygoers. God help me.

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Christian
Though it's always a little dangerous to do so, take a glance at the magazine covers the next time you're standing in the check-out lane at the grocery store. I'm willing to bet the farm that you're going to see something about singer Rihanna on every single cover.  Read More
African-American
The image and voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be policed from now on by one of the world's leading music publishers in a deal that was orchestrated by Dexter King and without the knowledge of his siblings, Bernice King and Martin Luther King III.       Read More
Opinion
joseph-phillips-568.jpgAppearing at the recent "Eco:nomics" conference sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, former vice president and anthropogenic global warming guru Al Gore had a rather telling exchange with Bjorn Lomborg. Lomborg, a former member of Greenpeace and author of the book the The Skeptical Environmentalist invited Gore to debate the science of man made global warming. Read More
African-American
The top municipal judge in Dallas faces calls for his resignation over a racially charged column he wrote in a weekly newspaper. Read More
Health
DC-building-21.jpg"Who's next for testing?" Nathalie Boittin asked on Tuesday in a crowded waiting room at the Whitman-Walker Clinic in northwest Washington. A young black man rose and Boittin, a community health educator, led him to get tested for the AIDS virus. Read More
Second Coming Watch/World
benjamin-netanyahu-923.jpgIsrael, whose founding idea was branded as racism by the United Nations General Assembly in 1975 and which faced an Arab boycott for decades, is no stranger to isolation. But since its Gaza war, and as it prepares to inaugurate a hawkish right-wing government, it is facing its worst diplomatic crisis in two decades. Read More
Eye on Africa/World
Authorities in Gambia have rounded up about 1,000 people and forced them to drink hallucinogens in a witch-hunting campaign that is terrorizing the tiny West African nation, an international rights group said Wednesday. Read More
National
Saturday's New York Times reported that President Obama, in lieu of finding a D.C. church home, "has quietly cultivated a handful of evangelical pastors for private prayer sessions on the telephone and for discussions on the role of religion in politics." Read More
Christian
Lisa Binder, legal counsel for gospel superstar BeBe Winans and a member of Neal & Harwell, PLC has released the following statement in response to recent allegations of assault against her client: Read More
Christian
john-maxwell.jpgBestselling Christian author, pastor and leadership guru John Maxwell was arrested last week after an airport screener found a gun in Maxwell's carry on luggage. Read More
National
The online version of a popular board game from many Americans' childhood includes an option for players to choose homosexual marriage and child-rearing as a way of life. Read More
Christian
annie-lobert.jpgIt's midnight in Las Vegas. And along that famous boulevard known as "The Strip," a most unlikely group of women is doing something utterly contrary to the city's proud nickname, Sin City. Read More
African-American
joseph-lowery.hospital.jpgThe Rev. Joseph Lowery was hospitalized Sunday after preaching for about 40 minutes at the 123rd anniversary service of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Read More
Culture
obama-gay-marriage-17.jpgThe Obama administration will endorse a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, which former President George W. Bush had refused to sign, according to The Associated Press. Read More
Entertainment
nataliefranciscopic.jpgDr. Natalie A. Francisco lovingly and humbly shares the triumphs and tragedies of her personal life in an effort to encourage women in all walks of life that whatever they are going through, they, too, can live a life of virtue, value, and victory, through Jesus Christ. Read More
National
Conservative evangelical groups are set to meet with President Obama's new Office of Faith-Based Initiatives next week. Read More
African-American
MLK-jr-18.jpgA music-publishing giant and one of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s sons announced a deal Tuesday that they say will extend the reach of the civil rights leader's speeches and other works to songs and online media. Read More
National
george-bush-19.jpgFormer President George W. Bush, making his first public speech since leaving office in January, says he wants Barack Obama to succeed and that it's "essential" to support the new leader. Read More
Health
After she was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that had spread to her left lung, Gloria Bailey's doctors recommended she have a mastectomy followed by hormone therapy to fight the tumors that remained. She followed their advice, but had a nagging feeling about the regimen. Read More
National
Books
pam-perry-20.jpgA book outlining marketing methods and techniques that anyone can use for their business, book or ministry was released by authors Pam Perry and Anthony & Crystal Obey. Read More
Opinion
African-American
joseph-lowery.hospital.jpgThe Rev. Joseph Lowery was recovering Monday after the civil rights icon was hospitalized following a dizzy spell as he greeted parishioners at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Read More
National
barack-obama-chi-spch2.jpgThe Obama administration may have angered evangelical Christians by overturning President Bush's curbs on embryonic stem cell research and prohibitions on sending aid to groups that support abortion overseas. But that doesn't mean the White House is shutting out its adversaries. Read More
World
st-patrick.jpgToday, revelers will drink green beer (and eat corned beef) in celebration of the man who, according to David Plotz, "didn't rid the land of snakes, didn't compare the Trinity to the shamrock, and wasn't even Irish." Read More
Eye on Africa/World
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and Abuja yesterday called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Bauchi State following recent outbreak of fresh violence. Read More
Opinion
rick-joyner.jpgLee, I think what you call "the Lakeland disaster" would be disputed by multitudes of people who got healed or touched there. If you are such judge of this what gives you the credentials? What moves of God have you led? What have you built?  Read More
Christian
david-pinckney.sharon.jpgThe Rev. David Pinckney, 45, has lost sleep since convicted child murderer Raymond Guay moved into his Durgin Road house last week. But it isn't Guay he's afraid of, it's the neighborhood. Read More
Christian
A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a Texas law that requires public school students to observe a daily minute of silence in order to pray, reflect or otherwise remain quiet. Read More
Christian
christopher-daniels-19.jpgAnderson County sheriff's deputies have added making a false police report to the list of charges against a Belton pastor already charged with arson and theft of church money. Read More
African-American
wells-fargo-sign-15.jpgThe NAACP is accusing Wells Fargo and HSBC of forcing blacks into subprime mortgages while whites with identical qualifications got lower rates. Class-action lawsuits were to be filed against the banks Friday in federal court in Los Angeles, Austin Tighe, co-lead counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told The Associated Press. Read More
World
A new report reveals "very depressing" news that every mode of transmission of HIV in Washington, D.C., has increased, and overall the HIV and AIDS rates in the nation's capital are higher than some countries in Africa. Read More
National
clarence-thomas-16.jpgAmericans today are self-indulgent and don't make the sacrifices that their parents and grandparents did, and the nation's leaders don't ask people to act for the higher good, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said Monday at a Virginia college in a rare public speech. Read More
Culture
Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen traveled around the country, riding along with police who were carrying out evictions, and interviewing the families who were being removed from their homes.

The footage is emotional, take a look:
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Business
17globe_inline.190.jpgThe Seattle Post-Intelligencer will produce its last printed edition on Tuesday and become an Internet-only news source, the Hearst Corporation said on Monday, making it by far the largest American newspaper to take that leap.

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African-American
scale2.jpg"This kind of result is remarkable in a faith-based program run by lay leaders when so many other community-based programs have failed." Read More
Christian
Christians and conservatives in the United Kingdom have reacted in horror to a suggestion by an Oxford professor, who said that the organs of aborted fetuses should be used in organ transplants for the seriously ill. Read More
Entertainment
mc-hammer-13.jpgNineties rap star and now preacher, MC Hammer has been hit with a $61,000 lawsuit by Simon & Schuster for allegedly failing to finish a book he had agreed to write. Read More
Christian
The Lebanon City Council gaveth, and the Lebanon City Council tooketh away. And taxpayers saw that it was good. Bye, bye, Bible park. Hello, fiscal reality. Read More
Opinion

chuck-colson-781.jpgAt the National Prayer Breakfast last month, President Obama seemed to signal that he has seen the light and is abandoning his radically pro-abortion agenda.

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Eye on Africa/World
Heightened political tension and economic turmoil are causing great concern for the Roman Catholic bishops in Zambia who have issued a pastoral letter entitled, "A Call for Integrity." Read More
Finances
National
christine-beatty.jail.jpgThe former chief of staff to ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was released from jail early Monday after serving 69 days for obstruction of justice. Christine Beatty, accompanied by her attorney, pastor and others, walked out of the Wayne County Jail in downtown Detroit about 12:10 a.m. Monday. Read More
Christian
freddy-haynes-10.jpgThe Justice Revival being planned for Dallas later this year will have another planning session on March 20, and Mayor Tom Leppert is expected to attend. 

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Business
geithner-obama.sbl.jpgSeeking to counter a chorus of unhappy Republicans and nervous Wall Street investors, President Barack Obama and his economic team are taking a cheerier tone while making billions in federal loans available to the nation's struggling small businesses. Read More
Entertainment
jackie-mason-14.jpgDuring a performance at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in NYC Friday night, Jewish comedian Jackie Mason used the term "schwartza" to describe President Barack Obama. Read More
World
National

A California couple has entered into a plea agreement in an important pornography case. The defendants are Robert Zicari and Janet Romano, who own Extreme Associates. Pat Trueman, special counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, explains that the company specialized in very extreme videos.

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Literary
Does Barack Obama believe it's time for America to apologize to al Qaeda?

Does he share the increasingly vocal calls of his fellow liberals that Americans should not just apologize to Osama and his followers but pay reparations as well? 
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Sports
Built for basketball, the Big East is a big hit in March yet again. Louisville, Pittsburgh and Connecticut helped the league that was created decades ago for hoops become the first conference to earn three No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. Read More
Christian
Metropolitan Baptist Church was bursting out of its home. From a group of freed slaves in Civil War-era Washington, Metropolitan Baptist had grown into a modern-day megachurch and community service powerhouse. Read More
Books
freddy-haynes-10.jpgDr. Frederick D. Haynes III, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church will be signing copies of his book, Healing Our Broken Village, at the Dallas Convention Center (Booth 734) on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM. Be there to get your autographed copy of this dynamic book!
Christian

chris-egan-david-9.jpgA modern-day retelling of the biblical story of King David will be premiering on NBC this weekend as a network television series. The premiere episode of "Kings," created by Michael Green ("Heroes," "Everwood"), will air on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET as a special two-hour event.

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Christian
this-beautiful-city.jpgFormer Charismatic church leader Ted Haggard attended a documentary-style play this week that featured, well, him, more or less.

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Christian
bebe-winans.jpgGospel singer BeBe Winans was booked yesterday on a domestic assault rap for allegedly pushing his ex-wife to the ground during an argument last month. Read More
National

barack-obama.tic.jpgPresident Obama has been without a pastor or a home church ever since he cut his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. in the heat of the presidential campaign. But he has quietly cultivated a handful of evangelical pastors for private prayer sessions on the telephone and for discussions on the role of religion in politics.
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Christian
grassley-6.jpgMore than a year after the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee of Finance called out six televangelists suspected of opulent spending and possible abuse of their nonprofit status, one has gone to great lengths to clear her name while one still refuses to turn over information, according to the latest update this past week. Read More
Entertainment
sammy.altovise-david.jpgET confirms that Altovise Davis, the widow of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., passed away early this afternoon. She was 65 years old. Read More
National