The official in charge of President George Bush’s "faith-based initiative" said the White House has not given up on efforts to expand the government’s ability to give money to churches and other overtly religious charities. The official in charge of President George Bush’s "faith-based initiative" said the White House has not given up on efforts to expand the government’s ability to give money to churches and other overtly religious charities.   As director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Jim Towey also recently countered arguments of those who oppose the practice.   The president’s faith-based proposal stalled when the Senate dropped a "charitable choice" provision that had become the most controversial part the debate. The provision would allow religious organizations to accept government funds for providing a greater number of social services.   Supporters of charitable choice say it is discrimination not to allow religion-based social service programs to compete with secular agencies for taxpayer funding.   Opponents say direct support of such organizations violates the First Amendment ban on establishment of … [Read more...]

Walking through the marketplace, the young woman peers into stall after stall, weaving in and out of the overcrowded area.   She crinkles her nose up at the wide variety of smells coming from the stalls and the piles of trash.   Finally, she sees what she is looking for - a deaf girl conversing, her hands rapidly forming symbols of communication. Walking through the marketplace, the young woman peers into stall after stall, weaving in and out of the overcrowded area.   She crinkles her nose up at the wide variety of smells coming from the stalls and the piles of trash.   Finally, she sees what she is looking for - a deaf girl conversing, her hands rapidly forming symbols of communication.   The young woman walks over and silently introduces herself to the girl, who is surprised to find the stranger can speak her language - sign language.   The two talk for a while, and the girl promises to introduce the young woman to more of her friends later.   However, the seemingly "chance encounter" is not entirely by chance.   Jessica Johnston is a Southern Baptist International Mission Board worker in Niamey, Niger. She spends her days … [Read more...]

‘Aggravating circumstances’: A recent study took a look at the state of civility in America - and discovered an increasingly rude and disrespectful nation ‘Aggravating circumstances’: A recent study took a look at the state of civility in America - and discovered an increasingly rude and disrespectful nation   Tell the truth - how many rude people have you encountered today? Be even more honest - how many times have you found yourself reacting with disrespect toward someone else?   If the answer is "not often," consider yourself lucky - or maybe the day is young. In case you have not noticed - America is getting downright rude these days.   "We face a dilemma," acknowledges Deborah Wadsworth, president of the Public Agenda group. "Daily life ... appears to be littered with unacceptable behavior, which has grown worse over time and shows no sign of abating on its own.   "The concept of a ‘tipping point’ - that moment in an epidemic when it reaches a critical mass - probably is an apt description of what we’ve come to in terms of our incivility and disrespect for one another."   In other words, the situation is critical.   Wadsworth is not just … [Read more...]

Yale law professor Stephen Carter tells a story in his book "Civility" about when railroads were introduced into this country.   There was concern about how people would act on trips, jammed together in moving rooms with no escape.   Rules were proposed, articles written, discussions held. Yale law professor Stephen Carter tells a story in his book "Civility" about when railroads were introduced into this country.   There was concern about how people would act on trips, jammed together in moving rooms with no escape.   Rules were proposed, articles written, discussions held.   But in the end, all went well, with few major incidents. People understood - they were in the thing together, and the success of their trip depended on each other.   The world has lost that perspective these days, Carter and others propose. They live and move and drive in isolated fashion and fail to see that their fate rests on one another.   And civility dies.   And the nation becomes a rude place.   Who can deny it? Experience proves the point - and a recent study by the Public Agenda group affirms it. America is becoming increasingly rude and … [Read more...]

Just a matter of days remain in the 2002 Louisiana legislative session - but a few items of moral and social concern remain, Ken Ward said.   Meanwhile, after one of the measures was deferred in House committee, it appears a trio of bills that sought to raise the state tax on barrels of beer are dead for the session, noted Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation. Just a matter of days remain in the 2002 Louisiana legislative session - but a few items of moral and social concern remain, Ken Ward said.   Meanwhile, after one of the measures was deferred in House committee, it appears a trio of bills that sought to raise the state tax on barrels of beer are dead for the session, noted Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation.   Meanwhile, House Bill 161 continues to wait committee action. It would levy a tax on charitable pull-tab gambling to help ensure proper regulation by state police.   House Bill 261 has yet to be referred to any committee. It would provide for a 20 year phase out of legalized gambling in Louisiana. However, many observers say it never will be heard this session, Ward noted.   A … [Read more...]

Jim Headrick poses a question - "What would happen if the Lord got in control of marriages and the church became known for healing marriages?"   He offers his own answer - "The church would become relevant and impact the whole community. They probably would no longer be plateaued or declining." Jim Headrick poses a question - "What would happen if the Lord got in control of marriages and the church became known for healing marriages?"   He offers his own answer - "The church would become relevant and impact the whole community. They probably would no longer be plateaued or declining."   And as associate professor of counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Headrick is determined to be a part of making that answer come to pass.   When student families come to New Orleans Seminary, they typically fall into two categories, Headrick noted.   Some are newer-married couples, often with small children, who feel a calling on their lives and leave their parents and siblings to go to seminary.   Others are couples later in their lives who leave careers, children and grandchildren to pursue their call into ministry.   In both cases, the … [Read more...]