Neckties May Be On Their Way Out

Neckties may be an American institution that is shutting down. The Men's Dress Furnishings Association, which has represented American tie makers for more than 60 years, has shuttered its New York City headquarters and, later this month, plans to close down for good.

Some industry watchers don't think neckties themselves are on the way out, but, in a 2007 Gallup poll, 67 percent of men "never" wear ties to work — more today seem to appreciate ties for personal style reasons, reports http://www.abcnews.com/.

Clergy, especially on the U.S. west coast, are dressing more casual.

[Focus on the Family]

Southern Baptist Have a New President - Pastor Johnny Hunt

The Rev. Johnny Hunt, pastor of a megachurch in Woodstock, Ga., was elected Tuesday as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, reported the Washington Post. Hunt, 55, acknowledged in a speech to pastors Sunday, that the denomination is facing difficulties:

• Baptisms, a key sign of spiritual health for Southern Baptists, have fallen to a 20-year low;
• Membership dipped to 16.27 million last year from 16.3 million (except for a drop in membership in 1998, the last decrease was in 1926).

Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fla., said he nominated Hunt because of his "heart for the nations" and his "heart for the next generation."

[Focus on the Family]