The news is out that the Gaming Control Board on Tuesday, September 19 declared the New Orleans land casino in "financial default." The Board’s action means that the Harrah’s New Orleans casino has six months to cure the problem or its contract with the state will automatically terminate and thus, close the casino. I like the words "automatically terminate." The news is out that the Gaming Control Board on Tuesday, September 19 declared the New Orleans land casino in "financial default." The Board’s action means that the Harrah’s New Orleans casino has six months to cure the problem or its contract with the state will automatically terminate and thus, close the casino. I like the words "automatically terminate." This is precisely what should happen. There needs to be no discussion, no deliberation, and no encouragement from the Governor or any member of the Louisiana Legislature to give any concession to the casino in New Orleans. It should never have been built. It’s a blot on Louisiana, and the very fact that it exists indicates a great number of compromises on the part of a lot of people in the last few years. The compromising is done. I say, with deep conviction, let it fold Perry R. Sanders First … [Read more...]

Your gift to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering is a sure thing. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all the money you give will go to that purpose and to that purpose only. The money goes specifically and directly and completely for direct support of Louisiana Baptist Convention efforts to lead the lost of the state to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their discipleship. Your gift to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering is a sure thing. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all the money you give will go to that purpose and to that purpose only. The money goes specifically and directly and completely for direct support of Louisiana Baptist Convention efforts to lead the lost of the state to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their discipleship.   In recent years, a great deal of media attention has put a spotlight on the spending of charitable organizations, particularly what portion of the receipts goes directly to the promoted causes. Some charities spend large portions of their receipts on raising the money. Direct mailings, professional phone solicitations, personal cultivation of individual donors and organizations all are high … [Read more...]

Despite a recent television presentation regarding physician-assisted suicide, the practice still must be opposed, a pair of Southern Baptist experts said.   The television series, "On our Own Terms: (Bill) Moyers on Dying," aired on four nights last month on most PBS stations. Two years in production, the six-hour series covers a wide range of topics, including hospices, palliative care and advances in medical technology. In the third episode, Moyers interviews two terminally-ill patients and their families. During the episode, both patients said they prefer an early death via physician-assisted suicide. Despite a recent television presentation regarding physician-assisted suicide, the practice still must be opposed, a pair of Southern Baptist experts said.   The television series, "On our Own Terms: (Bill) Moyers on Dying," aired on four nights last month on most PBS stations. Two years in production, the six-hour series covers a wide range of topics, including hospices, palliative care and advances in medical technology. In the third episode, Moyers interviews two terminally-ill patients and their families. During the episode, both patients said they prefer an early death via … [Read more...]

Texas associational workers pleaded with Southern Baptist leaders recently to do something - anything - to bridge the chasm between the state and national conventions.   In reply, Southern Baptist leaders affirmed the autonomy of the local association and urged directors of missions to help them tell about the good things happening in the national convention. They also approved a resolution pledging their willingness to cooperate with Texas churches Texas associational workers pleaded with Southern Baptist leaders recently to do something - anything - to bridge the chasm between the state and national conventions.   In reply, Southern Baptist leaders affirmed the autonomy of the local association and urged directors of missions to help them tell about the good things happening in the national convention. They also approved a resolution pledging their willingness to cooperate with Texas churches.   The statement said: "We, the presidents of the entities of the Southern Baptist Convention, celebrate our partnership with Baptist churches in Texas and we affirm our eagerness to work with all Texas Baptists through our historic partnership.   "We express appreciation to the … [Read more...]

Two proposals to reduce funding for Southern Baptist Convention causes were approved easily by members of ths Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board last week.   The proposals now go to state convention messengers at the end of this month for final action. If approved there, Texas Baptist funding for Southern Baptist Convention seminaries would drop from $5.3 million to no more than $1 million, the SBC Executive Committee would receive minimal funding and the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission would be defunded by the state denomination.   Two proposals to reduce funding for Southern Baptist Convention causes were approved easily by members of ths Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board last week.   The proposals now go to state convention messengers at the end of this month for final action. If approved there, Texas Baptist funding for Southern Baptist Convention seminaries would drop from $5.3 million to no more than $1 million, the SBC Executive Committee would receive minimal funding and the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission would be defunded by the state denomination.   The proposals have touched off considerable debate, with … [Read more...]

Apair of Louisianians are scheduled to be honored during upcoming Founder’s Day ceremonies at Louisiana College in Pineville.   A Founder’s Day chapel service is set for October 12 at 10:50 a.m. at the school, established in 1906.   In the service, a pair of persons will receive Trustees’ Distinguished Service Awards, given for exceptional service to the church, outstanding achievements in the arts and exemplary service to philanthropy toward Louisiana College. Apair of Louisianians are scheduled to be honored during upcoming Founder’s Day ceremonies at Louisiana College in Pineville.   A Founder’s Day chapel service is set for October 12 at 10:50 a.m. at the school, established in 1906.   In the service, a pair of persons will receive Trustees’ Distinguished Service Awards, given for exceptional service to the church, outstanding achievements in the arts and exemplary service to philanthropy toward Louisiana College.   In addition, the first recipient of the James Young Professorship in Religion will be named. The professorship is named in honor of James Young, who served for years as chair of the Louisiana College religion department. Young is scheduled to … [Read more...]

Southern Baptists are in the midst of an "identity crisis" that threatens the future of their cooperative efforts, Dean Doster warned.   "Southern Baptists have an identity crisis, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "Southern Baptists are in the midst of changing how we do our cooperative missions work. We are changing the definition of cooperative giving. The Cooperative Program, as we have known it, is changing." Southern Baptists are in the midst of an "identity crisis" that threatens the future of their cooperative efforts, Dean Doster warned.   "Southern Baptists have an identity crisis, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "Southern Baptists are in the midst of changing how we do our cooperative missions work. We are changing the definition of cooperative giving. The Cooperative Program, as we have known it, is changing."   Doster addressed the changes in comments to the convention Executive Board last week. He told board members he also had discussed his concerns with national leaders.   In his report, Doster reviewed convention efforts regarding prayer, human needs ministries, evangelism … [Read more...]