· Repression of human rights on rise, State Dept. says
The annual human rights report by the U.S. State Department has cited increased repression in countries around the world, including China and North Korea.

· USCIRF: Increase focus on Iran
The call for human rights scrutiny of Iran is a longstanding one, panelists said at a hearing of the congressional Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

· Q&A: Abortion & the health care bill
This Baptist Press Q&A answers some common questions about the health care bill's abortion coverage.

· GBC asks GCRTF to strengthen CP wording
The Georgia Baptist Convention's executive committee has unanimously adopted a statement asking the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force to strengthen its language assuring that the Cooperative Program remain the dominant funding channel for Southern Baptist causes.

· GCRTF VIEWPOINT: Calif. president & exec. bd. chairman support 'bold new measures'
Two leaders of the California Southern Baptist Convention have voiced their support for proposals of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force although the GCR report could signal financial struggle for the state convention.

· GCRTF VIEWPOINT: Ill. exec. on the challenges of a Great Commission Resurgence
Illinois Baptist State Association executive director Nate Adams gives his thought on the GCR Task Force report.

· FIRST-PERSON: Alcohol & the church (part 3)
Columnist Peter Lumpkins concludes his three-part series on alcohol and the church.