Virginia

A Christian mural painted on a wall inside a Virginia high school is currently under investigation by the ACLU, who questions the legality of the painting because of its location.

Created by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one of the largest Christian sports organizations in America, the mural at James River High School in Chesterfield County displays a large black cross with a biblical verse that reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man. Col. 3:23.” Underneath the cross the club affirms in all caps, “Competing for him.” The FCA’s logo is also clearly established.

When members of the Virginia ACLU found out about the painting through a local reporter, they were concerned about a possible establishment clause violation. more >>

Bestselling author and pastor Francis Chan spoke at Liberty University's convocation Monday, admitting to students at the Lynchburg, Va., school that his years attending a Christian college were full of hypocrisy.

Chan, author of Erasing Hell, Crazy Love and Forgotten God, spoke to students at the Virginia university about biblical living and staying culturally relevant.

The founding pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., said his five years studying at a Christian college in California were some of the worst years of his life in light of his walk with God. more >>

In an age dominated by technology, having church online seems like the natural progression of things. Liberty University recently threw its hat into the virtual ring with a church service held via Facebook.

Johnnie Moore, vice president for Executive Projects at Liberty, said it was the first time students on campus had the chance to join Liberty’s online students in a worship service where they could all participate.

Usually the university, located in Lynchburg, Va., holds a Wednesday night service in the basketball arena or in a nearby Baptist church. But last week, both venues had conflicts. So, instead of leaving the almost 5,000 people who attend the worship service hanging, school officials held a service on the social networking site. more >>

An annual parade in Leesburg, Va., is getting "Christmas" put back in the title, but some have conflicting opinions of the change.

The Town Council of Leesburg approved a resolution to change the name of the parade from the "Holiday Parade" to the "Christmas and Holiday Parade" in an overwhelming 6-1 vote, with many councilmembers voicing strong opinions about the issue.

Councilman David Butler said he was "absolutely stunned" that the council had even considered the change, according to the Leesburg Patch. more >>

As President Barack Obama’s bus tour promoting his jobs bill enters Virginia, Democratic elected officials up for re-election are distancing themselves from the president.

In a recent campaign ad, Democratic state Senator George Barker of northern Virginia has been touting his success working alongside Republicans in Richmond.

Last week, southern Virginia Democratic Delegate Ward Armstrong, who serves as House Minority Leader in the General Assembly, has stressed his conservative views in a television ad as well. more >>

Virginia residents have just hours left to register to vote in the upcoming state election, where the Republican Party hopes to capture at least three seats to gain control of the traditionally Democratic chamber.

Should Republicans gain at least three more Senate seats during the Nov. 8 election, they could potentially revive conservative bills on prayers in public and granting legal rights to fetuses, which would essentially end abortion in the state. Previously, such proposed bills had been killed by the Democratic-controlled state senate.

“This time, if we take a majority, it would be a much more conservative group of individuals than the Republicans who were there before, and people would just have to realize that,” said Del. Charles W. Carrico, a Republican candidate seeking to replace retiring Sen. William Wampler (R-Bristol), according to The Associated Press. more >>