KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — More than 2,000 angry Afghans, some firing guns in the air, protested on Tuesday against the improper disposal and burning of Qurans and other Islamic religious materials at an American air base north of Kabul. Gen. John Allen, the U.S. commander of international troops in Afghanistan, has ordered an investigation into the incident. The demonstrators — shouting “Die, die, foreigners!” — started gathering in the morning after learning of the incident at the sprawling Bagram Air... Read more

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. commander of international troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the improper disposal of a large number of Islamic religious materials, including Qurans, at an American air base north of Kabul. More than 60 Afghans staged a morning demonstration outside the sprawling military installation to protest what they said was the burning of the Muslim holy books. “We are thoroughly investigating the incident and are taking steps to ensure this does not... Read more

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — A panel for the Southern Baptist Convention has recommended that its leadership approve a new, add-on description for the denomination, though it wouldn’t be a legal name change. It would be “Great Commission Baptists.” Officials described it as a way to give an official, sanctioned identity to affiliated churches and believers who don’t want to use the term “Southern.” SBC President Bryant Wright, has said he is concerned that the “Southern” name is too regional and... Read more

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican voters are facing a stark choice in the remaining state contests to pick a nominee to challenge President Barack Obama — a decision between the traditional, business-friendly Mitt Romney or the hard-charging social conservatism of Rick Santorum. Former speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich has faded badly after a stunning rise in the polls earlier this year. The fourth candidate, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, is plugging along in last place but accumulating delegate totals... Read more

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (AP) — The differences between the top two Republican presidential candidates are becoming starker as Rick Santorum drives harder on religious and social issues that Mitt Romney rarely discusses in detail. In recent days, Santorum has questioned the usefulness of public schools, criticized prenatal testing and said President Barack Obama’s theology is not “based on the Bible.” On Monday, he likened Obama to politicians who spread fear about new oil-extraction technologies “so they can control your lives.” The... Read more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A group of evangelical pastors on Monday joined Roman Catholic clergy who oppose an Obama administration requirement that employees of religiously affiliated businesses receive birth control coverage. Speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said more than 2,500 pastors and evangelical leaders have signed a letter to President Obama asking him to reverse the mandate. While most Protestants do not oppose contraception per se, the letter calls the... Read more

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Philosophical differences between the top two Republican presidential candidates are becoming starker as Rick Santorum drives harder on religious and social issues that Mitt Romney rarely discusses in detail. In recent days, Santorum has questioned the usefulness of public schools, criticized prenatal testing and said President Barack Obama’s theology is not “based on the Bible.” On Monday, he likened Obama to politicians who spread fear about certain technologies “so they can control your lives.” The remarks... Read more

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — A panel of Southern Baptists recommended Monday that its leadership endorse a new description, offering an official option to those who don’t embrace the “Southern” name and history of America’s largest Protestant denomination. Church leaders are concerned that their name is too regional and impedes the conservative, evangelistic faith’s efforts to spread the Gospel worldwide. The panel suggested a compromise of sorts could put the issue to rest by adding the moniker “Great Commission Baptists.” The... Read more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The nation’s largest protestant denomination will definitely remain “Baptist,” but leaders are thinking about whether it will be “Southern” for much longer. Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright was expected to present the recommendation of a task force assigned to study a name change to the denomination’s executive committee at a meeting Monday night. Any name change would have to be approved at the SBC’s annual conventions the next two years. Wright has said he is... Read more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The nation’s largest protestant denomination will remain “Baptist” but it’s thinking about whether to stay “Southern” for much longer. Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright is expected to present the recommendation of a task force studying whether the denomination should change its name. No potential new names have been made public, but they could be revealed Monday night in an executive committee meeting. No change would be official until it is voted on at the annual... Read more