Baptist Joint Committee Supporting Bodies Capital Campaign Update   Alliance of Baptists  American Baptist Churches USA  Baptist General Association of Virginia It’s time to narrow the gap; enter the campaign now  Baptist General Conference  Baptist General Convention of Texas The 2008 presidential campaign is not the inroads, we have made plans to bring our  Baptist General Convention of only campaign taking place this dream to reality. We are retain- Missouri year. This year we’re hoping to ing a realtor to help us find the  Baptist State Convention of North meet our goal for the capital perfect property needed for the Carolina campaign for the Center for BJC to expand its advocacy and  Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Religious Liberty. Thanks to the educational efforts, and we are  National Baptist Convention of summer’s matching challenge, exploring various ownership America we ended 2007 with a bang. But options.  National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc.  National Missionary Baptist we’re still in the primaries. For more information con- Convention Pledges at the end of 2007 tact Kristin Clifton, develop-  North American Baptist Conference totaled $2,624,471.10, and so far ment officer at 202-544-4226 or  Progressive National Baptist we’ve received $1,595,807.90. In [email protected]. Convention Inc. 2007 alone, you gave more than  Religious Liberty Council $1 million to the capital cam-  Seventh Day Baptist General paign ($1,099,065.82) and still Partners in Giving Conference helped us fund 97.4 percent of We invite you to become a from the Capital our general budget expecta- Partner in Giving by establish- REPORT tions. Thank you! ing an automatic monthly gift to To help us complete the cam- the BJC on your credit card. paign in 2008, we will pursue Partners provide income that J. Brent Walker additional “matching funds” opportunities, the BJC can count on for ongoing budget needs Executive Director plan more hometown meetings in key areas and are given the opportunity to help sustain across the country and continue to engage our the BJC as we work to secure religious liberty. Jeff Huett denominational bodies. And, of course, we Editor Simply call or e-mail us or go online to invite you to join our efforts by pledging to be www.BJConline.org to make a credit card gift. Phallan Davis a part of the campaign or by continuing to If you wish to set up an automatic monthly Associate Editor honor your pledge with payments this year. credit card gift, simply tell us so on the online Since we continue to make significant form. Report from the Capital (ISSN-0346- 0661) is published 10 times each year by the Baptist Joint Committee. For sub- Our Challenge — Their Future scription information, please contact the Baptist Joint Committee. Securing religious liberty for our children and grandchildren

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Phone: 202.544.4226 Fax: 202.544.2094 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.BJConline.org REPORTfrom theCapital Appeals court upholds ruling against funding for Christian prison programs ST. LOUIS — A federal appeals court has than $1.5 million in state funds it paid to affirmed a lower court’s decision saying state operate InnerChange at the Newton facility funding for a Christian prison program in prior to the lower court’s ruling. That ruling Iowa was unconstitutional. came in June 2006. But the three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Nonetheless, InnerChange will still have to Circuit Court of Appeals, in its Dec. 3 ruling, return state funds received between the 2006 overturned the lower court’s decree ordering ruling and last July, when Iowa officials the Christian group to stopped funding the pro- reimburse the state of Iowa gram. Newsletter of the for most of the funds it “While the First Baptist Joint Committee spent on the program. Amendment and other reli- The judges said the gious liberty laws require Vol.63 No.1 lower court was correct in accommodation of reli- ruling that the gious practice for prison- InnerChange program at ers, the government is not Iowa’s Newton allowed to endorse religion Correctional Facility violat- or sponsor religious con- ed the First Amendment, as version programs,” January 2008 well as provisions of the Hollman said. “The pro- Iowa constitution. That was gram challenged in this because participants were case should never have offered living-arrangement been funded with tax dol- advantages unavailable to those who did not lars.” participate in the program, the prison had no The program has continued to operate at way to monitor whether government funds the Newton facility, but it does so under an INSIDE: given to it were spent on sectarian purposes, agreement with the Iowa Department of and the program was focused on Bible study Corrections that private funds would under-  and conversion. write it. A stipulation of the agreement was Reflections ...... 3 “Under these facts, the claim that prisoners that the state could end the program if the participated ‘voluntarily’ mocks religious appeals panel ruled against it.  Church divided . .4 freedom,” said BJC General Counsel K. It was not immediately clear whether Iowa Hollyn Hollman. “The government contracted would exercise that option.  All God’s children .7 with one vendor and prisoners had no access Prison Fellowship released a statement to comparable secular services.” focusing on the reversal of the lower court’s In the case, a group of Iowa taxpayers and decision to force it to reimburse Iowa to the  BJC gifts ...... 8 inmates represented by Americans United for tune of $1.5 million. Separation of Church and State sued “The Eighth Circuit has acknowledged  Hollman Report . . .10 InnerChange, which also operates in other that the operational changes we have made to prisons around the nation. It is run by Prison the program have enabled it to remain in Fellowship, the ministry to prisoners founded good constitutional standing,” Mark Early,  News ...... 11 by former Nixon White House official, Chuck the group’s president, said. “We are apprecia- Colson. tive of the court for today’s guidelines that The panel was joined by retired Supreme provide clearer ground rules as we continue Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who is to address a crime problem that threatens the filling in for the 8th Circuit temporarily. safety of our nation’s communities.” The appellate judges said the lower federal The case is Americans United v. Prison court erred in ordering InnerChange and Fellowship, No. 06-2741. Prison Fellowship to reimburse Iowa for more — ABP and staff 2

Report from the Capital January 2008 policy. in thetheologyschoolwas unbiblicalandcountertoseminary Paige Patterson —saidhavingawoman trainingmalepastors tract. Southwestern officials —includingseminarypresident in March,claiminggenderdiscriminationandbreachofcon- tating afirestorminthedenomination’s blogosphere.Shesued Wade BurlesoncalledattentiontoherplightinJanuary, precipi- 2002, was firedin2006.ProminentSBCpastorandblogger hired toteachHebrewinSouthwestern’s SchoolofTheologyin pandering toevangelical voters. Arkansas governor aswell aswhatsomecriticsconsiderblatant attention hasledtonewscrutiny, includingofhisrecordas of Iowa, wherehefinishedfirst.However, Huckabee’s new evangelicals fueledasurgeinthecriticalearlyvoting state GOP ond-tier candidate,untilsupportfromdisgruntledrank-and-file Huckabee was consideredbymostpunditstobeatbestasec- the BaptistGeneralConference. Grassley ofIowa, whobelongstoacongregationaffiliatedwith Carolina, whobelongstoanSBCcongregation;andCharles senatorsasspeakers—LindsayGrahamofSouth nent GOP policy toward Israel.Butorganizerslatersecuredtwo promi- in protestover remarksthatCartermadeaboutPresidentBush’s invited tospeak,includingHuckabee—wholaterdroppedout They alsonotedthatprominentBaptistRepublicanshadbeen American BaptistFellowshipoftheWorld Alliance. involved onanofficiallevel becauseitdroppedoutoftheNorth involved withtheplanningandthatdenominationwas not Clinton, D-N.Y. dential candidacyofClinton’s wife,Sen.HillaryRodham bias, withsomeclaimingitwas aimedatshoringupthepresi- cal commentators,saidtheevent hadaleft-leaningpolitical Some ofthem,aswell asconservative politi- invited toparticipateonanofficiallevel. event, complainingthattheSBChadnotbeen vention presidentFrankPage —criticizedthe evangelism. agree, suchaspromotingsocialjusticeand ways tocooperateinareasonwhichtheyall ministers andlaypeople.Theywilldiscuss gathering tohearfromhigh-profileBaptist theological andpoliticalbackgroundstothe 20,000 Baptistsfromabroadarrayofracial, New BaptistCovenant” drawsasmany ing. ABP’s callforvoting: bloggers andpublicrelationsprofessionalswhorespondedto media world. This accordingtoaninformalsurvey ofjournalistsintheBaptist in 2007was aboutanevent thathasnoteven happenedyet. New BaptistCovenant,Huckabeerankastopstoriesin 3. KloudasuesSWBTS,Patterson. 2. FormerpastorHuckabeerunsforWhiteHouse. Organizers counteredthatmanySouthernBaptistswere But someSBCleaders—includingcon- 1. Carter, ClintonannounceNewBaptistCovenantgather- Here’s thetop-10list,accordingtoBaptisteditors,journalists, WASHINGTON —ThebiggestnewsstoryamongBaptists The two Baptistex-presidentshopethe“Celebrationofa Sheri Klouda,whowas Mike meeting voted todefundWMU. from theconvention. Inresponse, messengerstotheannual the state’s Woman’s MissionaryUnion—todistancethemselves convention’s affiliatedagencies—includingthreecollegesand Convention ofNorthCarolina’s leadershipledmostofthestate conservatives consolidatingtheir gripontheBaptistState evangelical university fromnothing. his critics.However, hebuiltbothamassive church andan pass away. Falwell was beloved byhisfollowers andreviledby first ofanaginggenerationconservative Christianleadersto tor andmediaimpresarioFalwell diedsuddenlyinMay, the the MissouriBaptistLayman’s Association. David Clippardout,rejectingallofthecandidatesendorsedby istered theirdisapproval ofthepoliticalfactionthatforced sengers totheMissouriBaptistConvention annualmeetingreg- ouster ofthestateconvention’s executive director. Later, mes- between rival conservative BaptistgroupsinMissouriledtothe Baptist Conservatives ofVirginia convention. recruited fromhispositionasanexecutive withtheSouthern into hismanagementandfinancialdealings,Hammondwas which apreviouspresidentwas dismissedafteraninvestigation tumultuous year attheSBC’s domestic-missionsagency, in convention affiliatedwiththeSBC. tion. Fennerbecamethefirstwoman toheadthelargeststate Union DirectorJoyFennerasitspresidentinacontestedelec- Convention ofTexas electedretiredTexas Woman’s Missionary al meetinginOctober, themoderate-controlledBaptistGeneral nal restrictionsinadditiontothedocument. the rulesthemselves were un-Baptistic. sial IMBpoliciesviolatedtrusteerules.Burlesoncounteredthat ties. Theyclaimedhisblogginginoppositiontotwo controver- Burleson andbarhimfromofficialparticipationinboardactivi- boiled over againinNovember. Theboardvoted tocensure an Oklahomapastor, andmanyofhisfellowIMBtrustees Burleson. 10. NorthCarolinaconventioninturmoil. 9. JerryFalwelldiesat73. 7. (tie)Turmoil inMissouriBaptistConvention. 7. (tie)GeoffHammondelectedNAMBpresident. 6. Texas Baptistselectfirstfemalepresident. 5. SBCmessengersdeclareBF&M“sufficient.” 4. StrifeonIMBboardcontinuesastrusteescensure long-simmeringdisputebetween Wade Burleson, A noted theywillcontinuetouseotherdoctri- However, someSBCagencyheadsquickly trinal guideforconvention agencies. declaring thedocument“sufficient”doc- aged thesuccessfulpassageofamotion in June,heandlike-mindedbloggersencour- ment. At thedenomination’s annualmeeting SBC’s “BaptistFaithandMessage”state- the parametersof2000version ofthe about speakingintongues—went beyond missionary candidatesandtheirbeliefs in question—regardingthebaptismsof Burleson’s argumentsisthattheIMBpolicies Legendary SouthernBaptistpas- ‘ 07 Years ofpro-SBC At theirannu-

One of Disputes After a — ABP REFLECTIONS BJC a living witness to cooperative model New Baptist Covenant espouses

For nearly four centuries, we Baptists have of the Lord. J. Brent Walker been a clamorous and contentious bunch. We This is a very good start. We should be look- Executive Director have squabbled as much with each other as we ing ahead. But it’s important for us to allow the have with outsiders. Maybe more. A heart-felt Holy Spirit to move during the meeting in ways commitment to soul freedom and local church we might not see or are unable presently to pre- autonomy and a healthy suspicion of ecclesiasti- dict. It’s also important not to hasten to develop cal hierarchies have facilitated this rambunctious new organizations and denominational struc- spirit. It was our birthright and is our guiding tures. We have plenty of them and, it seems to light. me, the North American Baptist Fellowship is But, there has always been a cooperative, sufficient to provide the necessary structure, at more irenic side to Baptist life. Indeed, what least for now. holds us together as Baptist Christians is Yes, to the extent this gathering stronger than what divides us. And, over the represents an effort to bring “We have learned that past century, this has been exhibited most promi- Baptists together to work on the nently in the life and ministry of the Baptist essentials of our faith, to affirm by working together, World Alliance and for more than seven decades common commitments to our tradi- we have a much through the work and witness of the Baptist tions, to present a hopeful face to stronger voice than any Joint Committee. The upcoming New Baptist the culture at large, and to work single Baptist church or Covenant meeting in Atlanta (see page 7) will together toward shared goals, we provide a wonderful opportunity to build on are anticipating a truly new and organization can these examples of cooperation in Baptist life and exciting opportunity. The Baptist alone.” take it to a higher level. Joint Committee — serving many Four Baptist Joint Committee staffers will par- of the same Baptist bodies that ticipate in the meeting, leading workshops on comprise the North American religious liberty, meeting friends and supporters Baptist Fellowship — is a living and hearing from a diverse group of public fig- witness to the cooperative model ures that share the Baptist label. We are enthusi- that is possible with respect to a more narrow set astic supporters of what the New Baptist of issues dealing with religious liberty and sepa- Covenant meeting signals for future joint oppor- ration of church and state. tunities and challenges. In fact, I believe this For our part, we commit to working with our meeting represents an unprecedented chance for Baptist brothers and sisters and kinfolk organi- a pan-Baptist effort at cooperation in ministry. zations holding up the importance of these We hope to see you there! Baptist distinctives along with many other min- No one really knows for sure where the New istry objectives that surely will be pursued in the Report from the Capital Baptist Covenant movement is going to lead aftermath of the Atlanta meeting. We have after Atlanta. Several, including Dr. David learned that by working together, we have a

Goatley, president of the North American Baptist much stronger voice than any single Baptist 2008 January Fellowship of the Baptist World Alliance, have church or organization can alone. outlined various ministry opportunities for The New Baptist Covenant can also be a Baptist communities, congregations and individ- model for the rest of society for how we can uals. He envisions a seven-week “summer of come together on fundamentals, agree to dis- jubilee” built around the ministry mandates that agree on nonessentials and, throughout it all, Jesus outlined in his inaugural sermon in Luke work together in a spirit of charity and respect. 4:18-19 —preaching good news to the poor, pro- Not a bad way to celebrate in the run up to claiming release to the captives and recovery of our commemoration in 2009 of 400 years of sight to the blind, setting free those who are being Baptists. oppressed and announcing the acceptable year 3 In South Carolina, Black churches

COLUMBIA, S.C. — If it’s true that a house divided cannot September state poll found that 31 percent of black women stand, then black churches across South Carolina should be favored Clinton, 31 percent Obama and 33 percent were unde- shaking. cided. December polls show Obama surging ahead among Take, for instance, this city’s Bible Way Church of Atlas African-Americans and Clinton clinging to an overall lead in Road. South Carolina. The black megachurch’s “Is it the woman’s turn pastor, the Rev. Darrell or is it the African- Jackson Sr., is a paid con- American’s turn?” asked sultant for Sen. Hillary Tracy Thompson, a 30- Clinton’s presidential year-old criminal justice campaign. instructor, as she stood in In the pews, longtime Brookland Baptist Church Bible Way parishioner in West Columbia. “I Anton J. Gunn directs the think that is a struggle for statewide political opera- a lot of African-American tion of Clinton’s main women right now.” rival, Sen. Barack Obama. Though accurate nation- The congregation as a al poll numbers are hard whole, some 10,000 to come by at this stage of strong, sits somewhere in the presidential cam- the middle, according to Susie Smith, shown here at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, thinks presi- paign, anecdotal evidence both men. dential rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama should share duties in suggests the tug-of-war “I think we have a lot of the White House. Religion News Service photo by Renee Ittner-McManus extends well beyond South people who support Carolina’s borders, said Hillary Clinton, and we’ve got a lot of people who support John C. Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion & Barack Obama,” Jackson said. Public Life. Both candidates will need all the support they can muster “The idea of having a black president is really attractive, and from the black community to win South Carolina’s crucial Jan. so is the idea of having a woman president, so a lot of African- 26 presidential primary, a contest destined to play a significant American women are struggling with the question: Which role in determining the Democratic nominee. And in a state way do I go?” where half of all primary voters are African-American — a Of course, many blacks say this election is about more than large majority of whom attend worship services three times or race and gender; it also concerns health care, the war in Iraq, more each month — the road to the White House may run experience and “electability.” And even those who are emo- straight through black churches. tionally torn exult over their choices. It’s about time, many It’s not unusual to see Democrats hunting for votes in black said, that a woman or an African-American sat in the Oval houses of worship. Churches have long been the center of Office. African-American communal and civic life, especially in the But from the choir lofts of the largest sanctuaries to the small South. corners of a preacher’s soul, the Clinton-or-Obama dilemma is “You hunt where the ducks are,” said Scott H. Huffmon, a vexing consciences throughout the Palmetto State. political scientist at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. “It’s crazy,” said Willie Lyles III, 23, executive director of January 2008 “African-Americans in South Carolina are highly religious, Freedom Temple Ministries in Rock Hill. “I was talking to my they’re in church.” grandmother the other day, and you can just feel the tension

Report from the Capital Report from But this year’s Democratic field, which pits a charismatic inside her.” black man against a woman who bears a trusted family name, Thelma MacKinney, 74, and Susie Smith, 65, expressed sim- divides the loyalties of black churches and churchgoers — ilar thoughts as they sat together in a pew at Bible Way Church 4 especially women — like no election in recent history. A on a recent Sunday. McKinney, a member of the church for 25 s struggle over Clinton vs. Obama

years, said she was “mixed between Hillary and Obama.” leaders and heads of national denominations. Moreover, “It’s so difficult because we’ve got a woman, plus we both campaigns have trotted out megastars like Oprah have a black man” in the primary, said the retired social Winfrey (for Obama) and Maya Angelou (for Clinton) to worker. “And it’s a good thing because it’s time for a help make their case to black women. change.” In addition, Bill Clinton has graced the pulpit of several Smith said, “I like both of them. One should be president black churches, including Bible Way, and met with dozens and the other vice president.” of black ministers. Two prominent black pastors, the Rev. Gunn, the Obama operative, and Jackson, his pastor, Suzan Johnson-Cook and the Rev. Marcia Dyson, have dis- reflect another fault line in the black community: a genera- cussed faith and women’s issues on behalf of Hillary tional division. Clinton in a statewide tour titled “For Such a Time as Gunn, 34, said he’s working for Obama because of the This,” a line from the Bible’s Book of Esther. senator’s ability to bring people together and turn the page Frances Mitchell, 65, the financial minister at St. Luke on the country’s stifling partisan past. Baptist Church in Columbia, said the pastors “gave us Jackson, 50, said he signed on with Clinton because of some pointers on some of the things that Hillary was look- her experience as first lady and nearly seven years in the ing to do for the African-American community.” Mitchell U.S. Senate. Like many African-Americans, Jackson also said she left the meeting sold on Clinton. said former President Bill Clinton was a factor in his deci- Obama has countered with endorsements of his own, as sion. well as frequent Sunday visits to churches throughout “That got her an audience with me, but she had to close South Carolina. But the focus of his outreach to religious the deal,” he said. “When you get to know her, you will voters, advisers say, is the 200 “faith community contacts” understand that she is as smart as he is.” who signed up during “faith forums,” in small towns and Jackson has been criticized by the media and by politi- cities across the state. cal opponents because his company, Sunrise The forums, which typically draw a few dozen people, Communications, was hired by the Clinton campaign are rooted in Obama’s experience as a community organiz- before he endorsed her. The pastor said the criticism is er in Chicago’s black neighborhoods. Staffers ask forum fueled by racist stereotypes and that Sunrise, from which attendees to explore how their faith and family interests he does not derive a salary, existed decades before any inform political choices, said Joshua DuBois, the cam- politicians came calling. paign’s director of religious affairs. Jackson and Gunn, who are close, said they do not debate Pastor Kay Colleton, founder of the Manna Life Center presidential politics and view each other as temporary in Charleston, said she was drawn to a forum last August rivals, practicing for the big game against Republicans out of curiosity. The 45-year-old pastor said she found when the primaries are over. something there that resonated with her own ministry. “I really view this as a scrimmage; we’re trying to get the “What has been very attractive is the grass-roots move- best team in the fall,” Jackson said. ment,” she said. “The reaching out to people of every vari- Report from the Capital The minister said he does not preach politics from the ation of life and holding us accountable to each other.

pulpit, but a pastoral seal of approval means a lot in the That’s what the Bible calls us to do.” 2008 January black community, said Todd Shaw, a professor of African- Despite the faith-based outreach, some black voters — at American studies and political science at the University of least one-third, according to the polls — remain up for South Carolina. grabs. Sarah Franklin is one of them. “It says two things,” Shaw said. “One, that I have a min- “I think Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both have ister in the central social institution in the black communi- good platforms,” said Franklin, 56, as she stood between ty behind me. And it’s a cue to the congregation: If your services at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road. “I’m really minister thinks enough to endorse me, maybe you should waiting to hear something that clicks with me.” take a look in my direction.” Both Clinton and Obama have released lengthy lists of clergy endorsements, including out-of-state civil rights —Daniel Burke and Cecile S. Holmes, Religion News Service 5 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it BY RABBI JAMES RUDIN

Following a recent Sunday service at a Des Moines issues as a series of obscure court cases that involve evangelical church, 38-year-old Ron Heins told a prayers and Bible-reading in public schools, efforts to Washington Post reporter he would like the United States eliminate teaching of evolution, or divisive legal questions to rid itself of the separation of church and state. surrounding religious symbols on public property during “That is not in the Constitution anywhere,” he said. the December holidays. “Our country was founded on Christian principles. ... Give The proper balance between religion and state is a me the chance to share my major issue that will never go faith.” away. Many Americans Even though Heins’ ideas believe the question was per- are shared by many manently settled long ago by Americans, his description the adoption of the of the Constitution is both Constitution, and the vigor- wrong and dangerous. ous support of church-state Article Six of the separation by people like Constitution declares that Thomas Jefferson and James ‘no religious Test shall ever Madison. be required as a Despite numerous Qualification to any Office attempts to undermine those or public Trust under the bedrock constitutional guar- United States.” antees, Jefferson’s “wall of In his speech in separation” requires constant December, former maintenance. That wall has Massachusetts Gov. Mitt enabled both religion and Romney cited that section of the Constitution in an effort state to prosper and grow strong in the U.S. to overcome the belief that his Mormon faith disqualifies Americans who would eliminate the separation of him from the presidency. church and state should remember that such a position is Romney declared candidates should not be required to a recipe for disaster. When religion and state become explain their religious beliefs: “To do so would enable the entangled and intertwined, atrocities inevitably occur. very religious test the founders prohibited in the Throughout history, religious minorities and dissidents Constitution.” Rightly put. have been the victims of persecution, even murder, at the In 1791, the Bill of Rights was adopted, and the First hands of the majority. Amendment says clearly that “Congress shall make no Those who advocate a comingling of church and state law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting need to recall that many early settlers came to these shores the free exercise thereof ... .” fleeing hostile governments and tyrannical religious insti- These are not vague promises or ethereal concepts that tutions, seeking liberty and freedom of conscience. Think can be blithely dismissed. Instead, these rights were of Quakers, Pilgrims, French Huguenots, Roman specifically included in our nation’s founding document to Catholics, Jews, Baptists, and a host of other religious make certain there would never be a legally mandated groups that sought escape from regimes that harassed established religion in the United States. them because their beliefs were not part of the “establish- The seductive siren song to link church and state in ment.” America comes at a moment in history when our country Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor is increasingly multi-religious, and when every religion in said it best in rendering her last Supreme Court opinion: the world has members in the U.S. The Constitution guar- “Why ... trade a system that has served us so well for one antees no one is “prohibited” from the “free exercise” of that has served others so poorly?” any religion, including the 18 percent of us who do not

January 2008 identify as Christian — Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Baha’is, Native Americans, and others. Thanks to the Constitution, agnostics and atheists are also protect- Rabbi James Rudin, the American Jewish Committee's senior Report from the Capital Report from ed because they, too, represent the “free exercise” of reli- interreligious adviser, is the author of the recently published gious (non)belief. book "The Baptizing of America: The Religious Right’s 6 Now, some Americans mistakenly view church-state Plans for the Rest of Us.” GUEST VIEW WHEN ALL GOD’S CHILDREN GET TOGETHER: A Perspective on the New Baptist Covenant

BY DR. EMMANUEL MCCALL This article is the last of a three-part series in the run up to the New relationships and strategies. Baptist Covenant Celebration in 2008. 5. We have already confessed our need for each other. No one of the bodies, national or continental, claims to have a han- In May 2007, Mercer University Press released my new book dle on the problems or the answers our day demands. We have “WHEN ALL GOD’S CHILDREN GET TOGETHER: Memoirs recognized the hemispheric connectedness that beckons us to of Baptists and Race.” The title comes from a spiritual often cooperative interaction. As Dr. Martin L. King is reported to sung in southern African American churches. have said, “We may have come to North America in different In the book I attempt to show ships, but we are in the same the racial progress made by boat now.” Baptists in the south, as well as 6. We feel the compelling the events, organizations and urgency of the biblical man- special people God used to make dates, the obedience to the it happen. Holy Spirit, and the desire to While there have been other join God in doing what God attempts to overcome the racial has called the Church to do, and social barriers among — TO LOVE THIS WORLD Baptists in the south, none are as BACK TO GOD. promising as The New Baptist Covenant. It has the advantage So forceful is the urgency, and so motivating is the Holy of building on past attempts, learning from past mistakes, hav- Spirit, so clear is the Word of God, that we are compelled to ing new persons in significant leadership of the various repre- respond in grateful haste. God’s creation seems to be soccered sentative bodies; the support of social, educational and politi- by demonic powers. We have not been given the spirit of fear, cal progress; and the desire to see the Church live up to divine but the assurance that WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH expectations. It also has the cooperation and presence of other CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US. national and international Baptists bodies. The North We have already heard of one meaningful partnership that American Baptist Fellowship (NABF) of the Baptist World has resulted from conversations in our planning meetings. Dr. Alliance (BWA) is a substantive ally of Baptist cooperation in Bill Underwood, president of Mercer University, heard Dr. North America. This organization has not been forceful in other David Goatley, Executive Secretary of the Lott Carey years, but since 2003, a valiant attempt has been made to resur- Missionary Convention, tell of having mission stations where rect the potential of the NABF. God is richly blessing those HIV-AIDS was ravishing the population. They needed medical efforts. missionaries to assist in the pandemic. Mercer University’s What is so different about The New Baptist Covenant? Medical School had students who needed places to intern. The 1. The preceding paragraph notes the inclusion of the other two of them begin working on a partnership that will allow two

Baptist bodies in North America. The number is now more than Baptist entities to cooperate in God’s mission. As the organiza- Report from the Capital 40. The contributions of Canadian Baptists and other Baptists tions now committed to The New Baptist Covenant begin to outside the south brings richness and diversity to the conver- meet, discover each other, seek God’s will and purpose, we January 2008 January sations. expect amazing things to happen all over this continent. We 2. There is a genuine desire to learn from each other, know- believe that God is getting us ready to do a greater thing than ing that no one group of Baptists have a corner on God’s reve- has ever been done in North America. I THANK GOD THAT I lation and inspiration. CAN BE A PART OF IT. 3. Previous efforts of National and Southern Baptists were often on unequal playing fields. The field is now more level. Emmanuel L. McCall is pastor of the “Big Brother” and paternal approaches are not to be found in Fellowship Group Baptist Church, the conversations among the leaders of The New Baptist East Point, Ga. He is also past national Covenant. moderator of the Cooperative 4. With the new persons in leadership positions, the mis- Baptist Fellowship and vice president of takes of the past do not glare as hindrances preventing creative the Baptist World Alliance. 7 Christmas Gifts to the

Christmas Cards IN HONOR OF: Dr. and Mrs. James Heflin Max and Louise Caldwell Maewyn Herring At the request of those offering Roger and Gwinn Hahn John and Tina Hunter financial support to the BJC, Paul and Alice Herrington Fred and Mary Lou Levrets we mailed Christmas cards to Bob Hook Mr. and Mrs. Charles Love the friends and family of June Hook Wayne and Rita Roy donors acknowledging gifts Rick and Sarah Newell Dr. and Mrs. Rob Sellers made in their honor. Mark and Robin Riddle Dolores Shaw Dr. and Mrs. James Shields Bob and Nancy Stopher J.W. and Lynnette Simpson CARDS SENT BY Tom and Jeanne Wakefield ANONYMOUS: J.L. and Reba Smith Claudia and Kendrick Wells Ron and Carmen Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Ron Smith Bob and Patsy Ayres Charles and Charlene Spicer CARDS SENT BY Babs Baugh and John Jarrett Sybil Strickland VIRGINIA BOYD CONNALLY: Brandon and Danyel Rogers Frances Corlew Jackie Barron John and Arlena Hasel James and Georgie Teel Dr. and Mrs. Tom Brisco Dr. and Mrs. William Tillman Paul and Shirley Piper Dr. and Mrs. Price Brock Mark and Rebecca Wiggs Dr. and Mrs. Zane Travis Marge and Ann Calton Dr. and Mrs. Craig Turner Linda and Rob Carleton Lenore Waldrop CARD SENT BY Eunice Chambless PATTI BAYNHAM: Dr. Eva Lee Craik MARY NELL POWELL CARDS SENT BY George and Dorothy Dawson LIZ DALE: Dr. and Mrs. Rob Ellis HONORIFIC AND MEMORIAL GIFTS Mac, Suzanne and Becky Dale Emogene Emery BY REBA COBB TO BOB AND BECKY IRVINE Dottie Evans CARD SENT BY IN MEMORY OF MARY T. SHAVER Billie Fleming ANN CAROL DANIEL Mr. and Mrs. Leland Harden Walter Shurden January 2008 8 the Capital Report from Baptist Joint Committee

CARDS SENT BY CARD SENT BY CARD SENT BY JAMES AND MARILYN DUNN: GEORGE AND EDNA LANGLEY: BRUCE AND JUDITH PULLEN Bob and Patsy Ayres Walter and Kay Shurden IN HONOR OF: Babs Baugh and John Jarrett Bonnie Eggenburg Chris and Dana Chapman CARD SENT BY Os and Marilyn Chrisman DAN LEWANDOWSKI : CARD SENT BY Ed and Virginia Gaustad Ann Lewandowski MARY HAYS RUNYON: Jeff and Mary Lynn Huett Dr. Don Garner Bill, Candyce and Stephanie CARD SENT BY ARD SENT BY Leonard LAYTON AND LUCAS MCCANN: C Holly Hollman and Jay Smith Brent and Nancy Walker BETTY MAE SHEAR: Buzz and Lisa Thomas McDonald-Shear Family Brent and Nancy Walker MICHELLE MCCLENDON’S CARDS SENT BY HONORIFIC GIFTS: AMANDA TYLER IN MEMORY OF CARD SENT BY Janice and John Johnson WILLARD L. BISHOP, ELEANOR EDWIN O. GOOCH: Jeff and Bev Rogers LUCKETT AND DICK DANN TO: Kathy Nicholls Frank and Gwen Smith Michael Bishop Baxter and Paula Wynn Kathy Luckett CARDS SENT BY BOO AND MARY HEFLIN: CARD SENT BY CARD SENT BY Marc, Billie, Grace and Sarah KEN AND ADRIENNE MEYERS: ROBERT AND IRENE SHURDEN: Heflin Knollwood Baptist Church Walter and Kay Shurden Ministers CARD SENT BY CARD SENT BY JACK AND JEAN JERNIGAN: BILL FULLER AND MARILYN YON James and Marilyn Dunn Brent and Nancy Walker

Supporters give honorific, memorial gifts to the Baptist Joint Committee

IN MEMORY OF MARTIN B. BRADLEY IN MEMORY OF RAY JENNINGS Ruth Bradley Irene Jennings

IN MEMORY OF L.D. AND MARION JOHNSON

IN HONOR OF HARDY AND ARDELLE CLEMMONS Report from the Capital Pat Gillis Archer L. Yeatts III and Elaine J. Yeatts

IN HONOR OF JIMMY AND KAYE NICKELL’S 2008 January N HONOR OF OLBERT AND ETTY ARRIS I D B H 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY John L. Caroll Kenda and Scott Carey Kristi and Jeff Cates IN HONOR OF EVELYN HUBER John L. Caroll Kelly and Steve Ediger

IN HONOR OF LINDA ISHAM IN MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. J.T. RUTHERFORD John L. Caroll Ann Rutherford

IN MEMORY OF PATTON AND IRENE CLARKE INGLE IN HONOR OF WALTER SHURDEN’S RETIREMENT Pat Gillis Paula S. Batts Sherry Shurden Brewer IN MEMORY OF BARRY W. GARRETT J. Katherine Johnson 9 HollmanREPORT Investigations should spur thinking on relationship between church & state K. Hollyn Hollman Despite persistent misunderstandings and deliber- While government investigation of particular reli- ate distortions of the phrase “separation of church gious groups (in this case, media ministers who General Counsel and state,” one thing is certain: most people of faith preach a so-called “prosperity gospel”) inevitably support the concept insofar as it prevents govern- raises concerns about government intrusion into reli- ment from interfering in matters of religious doctrine gion or select enforcement, it is important to note and church finances. Interpretations of the that the First Amendment provides no blanket pro- Establishment Clause that restrict government pro- tection against reasonable oversight and enforcement motion of religious messages, protect minority rights of tax laws. Investigators should not be based upon and prohibit taxpayer funding of reli- theological considerations (such as differences of “Sen. Charles gious ministries are not always popu- opinion over biblical teachings on wealth). Nor lar, but few religious individuals or should Grassley ignore reports of financial wrongdo- Grassley’s investigation entities question laws that protect reli- ing because they coincide with a theological perspec- of six high-profile gious liberty by keeping government tive. ministries provides an out of church business. Lawyers for some of the ministries will no doubt Proponents of separation, from early challenge the extent of the committee’s powers to opportunity and Baptist leaders to the framers of the conduct oversight through inquiries and hearings. incentive to consider First Amendment, aimed to prevent They will correctly argue that the primary responsi- various aspects of the both government interference in and bility for tax law enforcement lies with the Internal government sponsorship of religion. Revenue Service, which operates under audit rules relationship between Government should neither advance that are especially protective of churches. That pro- government and nor inhibit religion. tection is intended to prevent government from tar- religious entities.” The tax code’s treatment of religious geting entities based on theology, and it is reasonable entities does not fit squarely into the to expect the Senate to honor those protections. constitutional framework, but reflects some of the More worrisome, however, is that the investiga- underlying principles. Churches receive many of the tion may lead to a push for legal reforms that would same tax benefits (with accompanying regulations) as be more burdensome on all religious entities. As other nonprofit entities. Some exemptions from fil- Ethics Professor Larry McSwain of McAfee School of ings and audit procedures, however, are available Theology noted in an Ethics Daily piece, other out- only to certain religious entities as a permissible comes are possible. The investigation may have the accommodation of the need to keep government beneficial effect of focusing needed attention on the from becoming entangled in religious affairs. legal and ethical responsibilities of churches with Sen. Charles Grassley’s investigation of six high- regard to clergy income and tax reporting. It may profile ministries provides an opportunity and incen- also promote conversations in churches about the tive to consider various aspects of the relationship benefits of transparency. between government and religious entities. As the The original deadline to respond to Grassley has ranking member of the U.S. Senate Finance passed, and it remains to be seen what will become

January 2008 Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal tax of the investigation. Some ministries responded fully policy, including the policy governing tax-exempt and publicly, some partially and with requests for

Report from the Capital Report from organizations, Grassley is well known for his efforts extensions, while others refused to cooperate at all. to uncover fraud and scandal. He turned his sights The Committee will determine the next steps, includ- on these ministries, apparently spurred by reports of ing whether to issue subpoenas and hold hearings. lavish compensation and displays of wealth, unbe- We will follow the story closely as it unfolds. In the coming a nonprofit entity. As explained by Grassley’s meantime, all churches should note that ensuring office, the rules against private benefit serve to pre- financial responsibility under the tax laws is not nec- vent anyone involved in such organizations from essarily a threat to religious freedom. By contrast, “siphoning off any of a charity’s income or assets for ministries that take for granted or abuse legal protec- 1 personal use.” To that end, Senate investigators have tions for religion, while claiming an unfettered right requested detailed information about the ministries’ to avoid transparency and accountability, may jeop- 0 organizational structure and practices. ardize the very liberty they invoke. In 1657, a small group stood up NEWS for religious freedom of others

hree hundred and fifty neither of these references years ago, on Dec. 27, By Charles Haynes explains the motivation behind T1657, 30 inhabitants of the act. Flushing, New Netherland (now New York), defied Gov. Of course, as English dissenters who had earlier fled Peter Stuyvesant’s order barring townspeople from har- Puritan persecution in Massachusetts Bay, the inhabitants boring Quakers. of Flushing were already primed to oppose any sign of “For our part,” they protested to Stuyvesant, “we can- Dutch persecution in New Netherland. not condemn [the Quakers], neither can we stretch out The deeper source of the protest, however, was a sim- our hands against them, to punish, banish or persecute ple but profound conviction: Liberty of conscience is them.” required by God — and defense of that liberty for all Today the signers of what is known as the Flushing people is an obligation of faith. Remonstrance are celebrated as early advocates for reli- What began as a religious insight about rights of con- gious freedom. And so they were. But the historic signifi- science in the 17th century translated into a civic commit- cance of their protest is not merely their plea for religious ment to religious freedom in the 18th century when the freedom. After all, 17th century Europe and America First Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution in rang out with cries for the right to choose in matters of 1791. Today, the twin principles of “no establishment” faith. and “free exercise” are meant to guarantee what the No, what is truly remarkable about the signers of the Flushing Remonstrance sought: religious freedom as a Remonstrance — and why they are still remembered 350 fundamental, inalienable right for every person. years later — is their demand for religious freedom not But legal protections can never be sufficient to ensure only for themselves, but also for others. full religious freedom. In real-life conflicts, religious free- And not just any “others,” but for Quakers, widely dom often means little unless ordinary citizens speak up reviled in that day as dangerous zealots who threatened for the rights of others, including members of the small- the public good. est minorities and least-popular communities. Here was something new, an early defining moment When government officials ignore the rights of minori- in the history of religious freedom in America. For the ty faiths — in a town opposed to an Islamic center, in a first time in the Colonies, one group of people stood up public school hostile to Wiccan children, in a court that for the rights of another. ignores Native American religious claims — will those at What many find noble in 2007 was not well-received the helm stand up for those in the hatches? in 1657. Stuyvesant was firmly resolved to maintain order And when religious intolerance turns violent — a Report from the Capital and cohesion in New Netherland through outward reli- mosque is bombed, a synagogue desecrated — will those

gious conformity. His response to the Remonstrance was of the majority faith act to counter prejudice and stop 2008 January to arrest town officials who had signed the document, erosion of civil liberties for those of minority faiths? abolish their government and replace it with his own The 350th anniversary of the Flushing Remonstrance appointees. The town clerk was banished and other sign- is a rare collective opportunity for Americans to ask the ers forced to recant. hard questions about the depth of our commitment to So why did the protesters dare to put their names on religious freedom — not just for ourselves, but for people that document? Why risk so much on behalf of a small of all faiths and none. religious sect that, in fairness to Stuyvesant, did indeed It won’t be easy. In what is now the most religiously have a reputation for stirring up trouble? diverse nation on earth, religious differences are a grow- The question is not academic. In our own time, when ing source of division and conflict. But if we hope to live rivers of blood are spilled in the name of religion with our deepest differences in 21st century America, we throughout the world, it’s well worth contemplating what must do all we can to keep alive the spirit of 17th century motivated those 30 citizens of Flushing “to doe unto all Flushing. men as wee desire all men should doe unto us,” in the (Note: The minutes of the New Netherland colonial words of the Remonstrance. council provide the only contemporary copy of the 1 In the document itself, the protesters invoke the Dutch Flushing Remonstrance. It is kept in the collections of the Republic’s tradition of toleration, “which is the glory of New York State Archives.) the outward state of Holland.” And they cite their own Charles C. Haynes is senior scholar at the First Amendment town charter, which granted liberty of conscience Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C., 20001. “according to the Custome and manner of Holland.” But Web: firstamendmentcenter.org. 1