The Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance met this week to discuss several matters, including that of its ongoing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.

Eron Henry, associate director of communications for the Baptist World Alliance, told The Christian Post that the report on the dialogue has still not been finalized. "The report of the dialogue between Baptists and Catholics will be available for public consumption after it has been formally accepted and approved by the BWA General Council in July," said Henry.

"Both the BWA and the Vatican are in the process of approving, adopting or ratifying the report. Until that is done it cannot yet be deemed to be an official document." more >>

Nearly six in ten American Catholics believe it would be a good thing for the Catholic Church if the next pope allows priests to get married, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in February.

The study, which examined the attitudes of American Catholics as they look forward to welcoming a new pope, showed overall that Catholics were divided on the direction they would like their new leader to take the church. Just over half, 51 percent, of American Catholics feel that the new pope should maintain the church's current traditions, while 46 percent feel the church should go in a new direction.

Among traditions that Catholics would like to see retired is the required vow of celibacy for priesthood. According to the study, approximately six-in-ten, or 58 percent, of Catholics say it would be a good thing for the Catholic Church if priests are allowed to marry if they wish to do so. Some 35 percent of Catholics say it is a bad idea. The majority of Catholics supporting the idea attend mass less than once a week. more >>

Motivational speaker, author and ministry leader Nick Vujicic is one of several well-known Christian leaders that will be speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) 2013 Convention & Exposition in Nashville. The four-day event that begins this Saturday is the largest nationally and internationally recognized gathering dedicated to the field of Christian communications.

"God has used Nick to inspire, motivate, and touch lives around the world," commented NRB President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright. "More importantly, many have found the hope they seek in Jesus Christ through his faithful witness. I'm excited to have him speak at NRB 2013."

Born without arms and legs, Vujicic has devoted his life to telling others about Jesus. As president of the non-profit organization Life Without Limbs, Vujicic travels around the world, speaking to large audiences about overcoming obstacles and finding hope in God. He is delivering the International Keynote session on Tuesday. more >>

With his resignation nearing, Pope Benedict XVI will soon be given the new title of "Pope Emeritus" and adhere to a newly created set of specific rules outlining the details of his retirement.

The last time a pope resigned from the position of the Bishop of Rome was in the 15th century with Pope Gregory XII. Given the scarcity of previous examples, officials at the Vatican have laid out what the soon-to-be former pontiff will do, where he will live, and even what he will wear.

Benedict XVI will be dubbed "pope emeritus" to reflect his former position. However, he will still be referred to as "His Holiness," a common term used for the pope. more >>

As a single and divorced man, it took Pastor Duke Taber eight years and more than 185 rejection letters before finding a congregation that would consider him as leader of their church. Even after three years as the lead pastor of a small church in Pine Haven, Wyo., Taber said he still gets his "feathers ruffled" when someone attaches a stigma about singles.

"Honestly, I got a little frosted at a comment made by my friends concerning their pastoral search and the fact they wouldn't consider a single pastor," said Taber, who writes the popular blog, "Small Town Preacher – Big Time God."

It was during dinner with his friends who are in pastoral ministry and looking to retire when the discussion turned to their search for a replacement. "In the context of that conversation the statement was made, 'we would not consider someone who was not married,'" he explained. more >>

As Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to soon step down, a recently released poll indicates that Catholics in America are almost equally divided over what direction the Roman Catholic Church should take.

In a report by the Pew Research Center released Thursday, 46 percent of Catholics surveyed believed the Church should "move in new directions," while 51 percent believed the Church should "maintain traditional positions."

Other findings included 74 percent of Catholics holding a favorable opinion of Pope Benedict XVI, 60 percent of Catholics wanting a Pope from the developing world, and 58 percent of Catholics in favor of priests being allowed to marry. more >>