NEWSLETTER OF THE ALLIANCE OF The Alliance of Baptists is dedicated to the preservation of historic Baptist principles, freedoms, and traditions, and to the expression of our ministry connectionsconnections and mission through cooperative relationships with other Baptist bodies and the larger Christian December 2002 Volume 5 Issue 12 community.

Kimball’s book on religion and evil speaks well to the Alliance covenant and mission ‘We live on a fragile planet’

harles Kimball’s newest book have a voice to represent themselves. What need for understanding world religions and wasn’t written as a resource for that means, especially to congregations, is faith as is Kimball,” Clemons said. “This CAlliance members or congrega- that you have to sort all of this out because book seems to me to have come to God’s tions, but it well could have been. you can’t do everything.” larger kingdom for a time such as this.” When Religion Becomes Evil, Kimball wrote this book after the events “The book illustrates the kind of published by Harper-San Francisco and of 9-11-01 but it is not about that tragedy. creative, redemptive work Alliance Baptists recently named one of the top 15 religious “While that event was horrific,” he said, “it do in implementing our covenant and books of 2002 by Publisher’s Weekly, offers mission statement,” Clemons said. “Charles an examination of the nature and signs of is not just an excellent scholar, he is a religious evil while outlining correctives practicing churchman as well. He points the within each of the major religious traditions. way to where we can choose to go in Kimball is chair of the Department of interfaith relationships and he helps us Religion at Wake Forest University in envision how to get there.” Winston-Salem, NC; has studied world “Charles is ecumenical in the best and religions, especially Islam, since the mid- richest usage of that word, and he is a 1970s; and is an expert in Middle Eastern Baptist who believes in and lives out the politics. He is frequently interviewed by the Baptist identity which is so well articulated media at all levels. in the Alliance Covenant,” Clemons said. “I “At the heart of the argument I make in hope every thinking Baptist will digest this new book is a call for individual and Kimball’s book and I hope every church corporate responsibility within faith will study it as a way of navigating the scary communities,” Kimball said. “In churches waters through which we sail in this time of that are seeking to live out the mandate of terror and self-orientation.” a ministry of reconciliation, in churches When Religion Becomes Evil talks that understand they are part of a larger Charles Kimball, author of about the five warning signs of corruption body of Christ, the self-critical approach I When Religion Becomes Evil in religion: 1. Absolute truth claims; 2. take is welcome. A lot of churches are eager was part of a pattern that I was able to see Blind obedience; 3. Establishing the ideal to use this book as a guide to launch into pretty clearly. The event was a total surprise time; 4. The end justifies any means; and 5. deeper study of what it means to love God but that it happened and the events that Declaring holy war. and others as yourself in today’s world.” were behind it were not.” As to why he wrote the book Kimball Though not expressly stated, Kimball Hardy Clemons, retired pastor of First said: “We live on a fragile planet. We better said the principles of the Alliance covenant Baptist Church Greenville, SC, where Kimball find ways to figure out why people are and mission statement can be found was a member while on the faculty of doing these things. This book challenges all throughout his book. “In working for Furman University, was asked by the of us to cooperate in the Christian commu- peace, we look for sources of conflict and publisher to write a statement about the book. nity and beyond. The world is a precarious injustice and political repression. You find “There are few people on this planet, in my place and we ought to be talking about our yourself advocating for those who don’t view, as uniquely equipped to speak to our future together.” UCC connection: lliance member Phyllis Rodgerson Alliance member Bryan Brock has Pleasants, professor of church accepted a position as associate pastor at The dialogue Ahistory at Baptist Theological University Baptist Church in Baltimore. His continues Seminary at Richmond, has written a new previous place of ministry was in Baptist heritage resource called Freedom Gaithersburg, MD. By Ramonia L. Lee, Suitland, MD for the Journey. The Center for Baptist UCC Dialogue Team Member Jeanette Hastings, wife of C.B. Heritage and Studies is offering the The Alliance is ever seeking to look Hastings and mother of Nancy Hastings study resource, which examines beyond the traditional “Baptist” confines Sehested, died in Austin, TX. A memorial Baptist principles with references to to embrace a Christian worldview that is service was held at Highland Park Baptist early confessions of faith and to broad and inclusive. Church, Nov. 9. The family has selected contemporary issues and thinkers. One of the ways the Alliance lives two projects for memorials for Mrs. Freedom for the Journey may be into this vision is through its dialogue Hastings: Habitat for Humanity and the used by individuals or for group with the and Jeanette Hastings Memorial Fund at studies. The text includes biographi- the Christian Church (Disciples of Highland Park Baptist Church. The cal sketches of key figures from Christ). church’s address is 5206 Balcones Dr., Baptist history and ideas to prompt Austin, TX 78731.

These talks, which began in 1997, happenings discussion. It comes with a compan- involve representatives from each body. Southside Baptist Church in Birming- ion CD for a PowerPoint presentation. For Over the course of the past three years ham, AL, has recently affiliated with the more information, contact the Center at we have found common ground in our Alliance of Baptists. Steve Fitzgerald is pastor. (804) 289-8434 or go to desire to be open and inclusive, our call Virginia www.baptistheritage.org. The chapter of the Alliance of to be prophetic and visionary, our Baptists has met and elected Gary Tucker Nick Foster has resigned as pastor of mandate to be faithful and committed to of Danville, VA, as its new president. Alliance-affiliated University Baptist the teachings of the Christ. Hollyn Holman, general counsel of the Church in Montevallo, AL, where he served The Alliance dialogue team headed by Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs, for eight years. He has accepted a new Stan Hastey, who serves as co-convener, addressed the gathering which was held at position as director of a new program with includes Martha Barr, Jim Hightower, Freemason Street Baptist Church in Passport, Inc., funded by the Lilly Endow- Ramonia Lee, Steve Lucas, and Cathy Norfolk, VA. Tamsberg. This group met for another ment Inc., and aimed at identifying and The North Carolina chapter of the round of talks with the United Church enlisting high school and college youth for Alliance has contributed $1,000 to the of Christ and the Disciples of Christ on vocational ministry. Bridges of Hope Mission Offering. Oct. 30-31 in Catonsville, MD. At the close of the meeting we found Alliance represented at NCC General Assembly ourselves closer to formalizing a unique Associate director Jeanette Holt and RSV — of which the Old and New ecumenical relationship with two board member David Waugh of New York Testaments were published Sept. 30, 1952 denominations that share many of the City represented the Alliance at the — and its successor, the New Revised Alliance’s core values for mission and National Council of Churches’ 2002 annual Standard Version Bible, published in 1989. ministry. General Assembly in Tampa Nov. 14-16. Delegates engaged in reflection together When an agreement is finalized and The meeting included a celebration of on the “Changing Landscape of the ratified by each body, Alliance congrega- the 50th anniversary of the Revised Ecumenical Movement Today” and what tions and clergy will be able to reach Standard Version of the Bible. Alliance that means for the future of the National across the denominational divide to share member Walter J. Harrelson, a retired Council of Churches. in ministry to our communities with biblical scholar, was one of the translators Among visions expressed: a re- United Church of Christ and Disciples who shared what it has meant to him to energizing of ecumenical work for racial of Christ congregations. Together we will work so closely with the Bible’s sacred justice; ecumenical formation of Chris- be able to celebrate our faith through texts. “Translation is a serious business,” tian youth, especially for life in a reli- worship, witness to our faith through Harrelson said. “The Bible is a reality so giously pluralistic world; an ecumenical mission, and speak for peace and justice mysterious and powerful that it has opened movement concerned both with social through actions which liberate all. the eyes of many through the centuries. It’s justice and with theology and mission, The next meeting for the team is in a text that has claimed our own lives.” and closer relationships between the Dayton, OH, on Jan. 15-17, 2003. The NCC holds the copyright on the NCC and local congregations.

2 Northminster said “Si” to partnership in Cuba We had been to Juana’s house to worship on several occasions and friends of Northminster have visited our sister church and her before. She was an elderly Baptist saint who had encouraged the several mission congregations yearly, and we have been fortunate use of her modest home for weekly worship services for Misión to have several of Enmauel’s members to visit us in Monroe. We Bautista Canaán in Bolivia, an impoverished former sugar mill communicate frequently by telephone and more recently by e-mail. town in Ciego de Avila Province. The mission is one of several As a direct beneficiary of our churches’ relationship, and having sponsored by our sister church in the provincial capital city, Ciego been to Cuba now on 10 separate occasions, I will always be de Avila. This time was different. Juana had recently died of grateful that we said “YES” to Cuba. We have made many new life- complications from a long battle with diabetes (hastened by a lack long friends. We have learned that being economically poor does of medicine caused in part by the U. S. embargo) and had left her not necessarily mean being spiritually poor. Our Cuban friends are house for permanent use by the mission. On some of the most spiritually vibrant people we this morning we were warmly welcomed by know. (Jesus’ words in Luke “Blessed are you poor, Carmelita, the new pastor, who along with her because yours is the kingdom of God” take on new husband and two young sons lived on one side significance.) We have also learned that despite our of the house while the other side was used as great differences in economy, government, the sanctuary for the mission. language and in so many other ways we are all Prior to the beginning of the worship sisters and brothers in God’s family and deserving service I decided to visit the restroom. There of respect, love and care. hanging to dry were two tiny threadbare towels At the beginning of our sister church relation- which apparently the entire family had used as By Craig Henry ship in 1994 we (Enmanuel and Northminster)

they prepared for the day. Then I walked out perspectives President pledged to make the relationship mutual and non- into the back yard where the service was to be paternalistic. Considering our differences in wealth held. It was there that I saw the hand-lettered sign hanging on the and the natural North American tendency toward paternalism, this fence. In English one of Carmelita’s sons had written Because the has proved challenging. However, in many respects our Cuban Lord is my Shepherd I have everything that I need. My thoughts flew to friends have given us much more than they have received from us. those tiny threadbare towels, to knowing that Carmelita and her We may take them money, clothes and medicine, all things they family are very poor by our standards and that they had dedicated need, but they give us unselfish love, daily prayer support, true themselves to ministry in this poor community. Then I thought of hospitality and deep friendship. Truly we continue to learn from my comfortable house in Monroe with all my “stuff ” that I think I them what it really means to be followers of Christ. must have to live a good and fulfilled life. What arrogance we We have learned another important lesson from our relationship North Americans (as our Cuban friends remind us they are with these friends from this tiny island nation only 90 miles from “Americans”, too) sometimes have to think we know everything. our shore. Our country’s now 40-plus-year embargo against Cuba There are many positive things about living we can learn from our hurts the poor, and most Cubans are poor. The embargo is Cuban sisters and brothers. immoral. As a wealthy and supposedly moral nation we should be In 1994, despite our country’s long-term embargo against Cuba, ashamed. Please add your voice to the growing number of voices Northminster Church in Monroe said “Cuba, si!” as we began our in our country demanding that we end the embargo and normalize partnership with the people of Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego relations with Cuba. Let us all say “CUBA, SI!” de Avila. This is one of now 25 or so such partnerships between churches of the Alliance of Baptists in the and This article appeared in the Monroe, LA, News-Star on Sunday, Oct. 27 churches of the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba. Members as a part of that newspaper’s feature story about Cuba.

he Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba is just one of 2002 Mission Offering: 24 organizations receiving support from the Alliance alliance Goal: $95,000 of Baptists Mission Offering this year. You can see from inances T Receipts: $61,898 the figures at the right that we are significantly below our goal. We f are also below our budgeted needs in receipts for the general 2002 Operating Budget operating budget. As the year-end approaches, please consider Through October 31 what you and/or your church can do to help us meet the vital Needs: $243,780 needs of our missions partners as well as our own organization. Receipts: $209,023

3 Non-Profit Org. connectionsconnections US Postage PAID The Alliance of Baptists Permit 579 Greenville, SC 1328 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036

December 2002

Executive Director: Stan Hastey Associate Director: Jeanette Holt (202) 745-7609 Fax: (202) 745-0023 [email protected] www.AllianceofBaptists.org Newsletter Editor: Sue Harper Poss P.O. Box 25461 Greenville, SC 29616 (864) 848-3346 Fax: (864) 848-5258 [email protected]

Convocation keynote speaker: McDaniel is one of the family By Relma Hargus spiritually and knew there were Christians on the same path. What Secretary, Alliance of Baptists, Baton Rouge, LA a liberating place to be. Ever have a friend who is such a part of your life that you can’t I had by this time embraced feminist theology, but it fit right in imagine ever not having known them? That’s the way our family with process theology. So, too, did our personal experiences of the feels about Jay McDaniel. Except in our case we have some help value of silence and meditation and our understanding of what with our recall. We know we didn’t meet him before 1989. As science says about the cosmos. Also, friends never lecture, but only memory serves us, I brought Jay back to meet the family (husband share where they are on the journey and how they got there, Chip, and children Jodie and Luke) from an Alliance meeting in providing reasons for why you might North Carolina. want to join them. He fits that part of OK, make that “meet” and “brought.” We actually only know the definition, too. McDaniel through his words and 1989 is the copyright for Of God Later, we would talk with McDaniel in and Pelicans: A Theology of Reverence for Life, the book that Of Roots and Wings, Earth, Sky, Gods introduced us to him. & Mortals, and Living from the Center: But my calling him a friend is truly not so farfetched. Reading Spirituality in an Age of Consumer- McDaniel is like sitting around the dinner table having a fascinating ism. Obviously we can’t wait to meet him conversation with someone who has done a lot of thinking about a in person at the Alliance convocation in topic. (Even his footnotes fit that mold: Not dry recital of biblio- Virginia next year. Good news: He’s graphical information, but rather insights that continue the looking forward to being with us: Jay McDaniel conversation.) “The God who loves pelicans is a So, although he might not claim us, I feel quite comfortable God who loves people. What inspires me is that many Baptists feel claiming him in our name. After all, friends introduce you to other this divine love, each in their way, and feel called to love pelicans, interesting people and thoughts, and you often discover you have too. This love—this respect for life and environment—is the hope friends in common. That’s exactly what happened when we “met” of our time. It is the very heart of caring for the earth. I very much Jay McDaniel. It was through reading Of God and Pelicans that look forward to being at the Alliance meeting and being with we learned of process theology and writers such as John Cobb and fellow travelers who, like me, seek a more just and sustainable Charles Hartshorne. Suddenly we had a name for where we were future for all.” April 24-26 • Vienna Baptist Church, Vienna, Virginia 2003 Convocation: Health in God’s Garden ... Hope in God’s Children

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