Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A proposal aimed at effectively banning gays and lesbians from becoming foster or adoptive parents was cleared Monday to appear on this fall's ballot in Arkansas.

The measure would prohibit unmarried couples living together from fostering or adopting children, and Arkansas doesn't allow gays to marry or recognize gay marriages conducted elsewhere.

Secretary of State Charlie Daniels certified the proposed initiated act for the Nov. 4 ballot after verifying that the Arkansas Family Council Action Committee had submitted 85,389 valid signatures of registered voters. Supporters needed to turn in at least 61,974 valid signatures. more >>

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. (AP) — Centennial Baptist Church sits silently on a downtown street, its doors locked and window panes so clouded light has trouble getting in. The roof is sagging and some shingles are missing. The foundation has started to crack.

A National Historic Landmark, the church was built by a black architect and was pastored by the Rev. Elias Camp Morris, president from 1895 to 1922 of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., the largest historically African-American Baptist denomination in the country.

Today, the original pews and the church pipe organ serve no heavenly purpose, and neither will get any use until the 103-year-old building itself can be restored and possibly turned into a cultural center. more >>

Faith and politics has played a prominent role in this presidential race, but some are wondering if the biggest religion card player – former Baptist minister Mike Huckabee – has gone too far with mixing religion and public duty.

A look at the former Arkansas governor’s records shows that he didn’t shy away when he felt God needed to be defended in legislation.

In 1997, after a tornado ripped through the town of Arkadelphia, Ark., the then Gov. Huckabee had spent over three weeks battling his state’s legislators over legal terminology in a disaster insurance bill that referred to natural disasters as “acts of God.” more >>

Dozens of black conservative leaders nationwide are expressing support for Republican White House contender Mike Huckabee, who they believe best represents the values of American conservatives.

The African American leaders praise the former Arkansas governor’s track record on traditional values; his support for education and immigration reforms; his tax policies, which they say allows for economic growth; and his good relations with the black community.

“The fact that 47 percent of African-American voters supported the reelection of Governor Huckabee in 2002 is testament to this laudable achievement improving the lives of Arkansans across the entire economic range,” wrote Donald E. Scoggins, president of Republicans for Black Empowerment and organizer of the list, in a statement. more >>

In front of cameras, behind the pulpit and amid a crowd looking for direction, the man of the hour – Mike Huckabee – seems at ease wherever he’s at. Maybe it’s because of his past jobs as TV broadcaster, small-town preacher, and Arkansas governor that has shaped him into a man Americans feel comfortable calling their neighbor, yet confident enough in his political know-how for some to want him in the White House.

Huckabee’s political career, according to some, might have started when he was Arkansas lieutenant governor, but his views on divisive issues like abortion, same-sex “marriage,” and immigration were set long beforehand by the Bible. During early stages of his presidential campaign, Huckabee even took a huge risk by defending the biblical creation story against Darwin. Although some may feel uncomfortable with the idea of a preacher turned politician, Huckabee is not in the least troubled by the thought.

The ultimate goal of both a preacher and a politician is to improve lives, said the presidential hopeful in an interview with the New York Times. more >>

WASHINGTON – Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee is comfortable speaking about his faith.

Then again, he was a former small town Southern Baptist preacher once.

Still, the pastor turned presidential candidate is raising the bar when it comes to religious talk, declaring that faith not only influences, but defines him. more >>