Human Race

DIED: R. Laird Harris, a translator of the New International Version Bible and a founding faculty member of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, died April 25 at the age of 97. Harris, who in 1932 left his studies in chemical engineering to pursue a theology degree at Westminster Theological Seminary, was also a founder of the former Bible Presbyterian Church that later joined the Presbyterian Church in America. Harris "demonstrated that brilliant thought and simple faith were not contradictory," said Covenant Seminary President Bryan Chapell.

"His humble and fun-loving heart was a great gift to the two generations of church leaders he helped to train."

RENOUNCED: Theologian J.I. Packer announced his departure from the Anglican Church of Canada due to "poisonous liberalism" within the church body. The 81-year-old said he could no longer serve under Vancouver-area Bishop Michael Ingham because he "appears heretical." Packer and 10 other B.C. Anglican clergy will serve under Bishop Gregory Venables from the more conservative Province of the Southern Cone in South America.