BaptistsTexas Committed February 2007 Newsletter of Texas Committed and Mainstream Baptists It’s Convocation Time! Mainstream Baptist Convocation in the Dallas area on February 23-24, 2007 The Mainstream Baptist Network (made up of organizations similar to TBC) will be meeting with us for the first time in Texas! We have planned a special program centered around the theme of “Voices of Hope: Why I’m Still a Baptist.” We will meet at the Marriott Hotel and Resort, DFW Airport, 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, TX. Registration is $60 per person (everyone has to register), which covers both Friday night’s banquet and Saturday morning’s breakfast. The regular rate is $249, but we have a block of rooms reserved for $99, which is a super price. Please call the TBC office today at 325-659-4102 to reserve your room by February 15th to get this special rate and register for the convocation.

The very gifted muscian and TBC Online! Dove award nominee, George INSIDE www.txbc.org Gagliardi will be leading the Matter of Perspective music as he did for the first David Currie ...... 4 TBC 1993 convocation in San Antonio, Texas. New Baptist Covenant Articles ...... 2,4,5 Church-State Separation Articles ...... 8-11 For the Record Michael Bell...... 12

George A Rancher’s Rumblings Gagliardi David Currie ...... 13 Convocation Program and Speakers ...... 14-15

— 1 — Carter, Clinton announce 2008 convocation designed to unite North American Baptists

By Marv Knox and Greg Warner pressed will be set free, and that the time www.abpnews.com/www/1603.article of the Lord’s favor has come.” Baptists — North and South; from Those themes comprise the core of the ATLANTA (ABP) — Baptists from North American Baptist Covenant, drafted the U.S. and Canada and Mexico; across North America will convene in At- last April in a meeting at the Carter Center black, white and brown; lanta early next year to emphasize their attended by about 20 of the Baptist leaders progressive, moderate and compassion rather than the racial, theologi- who announced the 2008 event. At the time, conservative in theology — can cal and social conflict that has divided them they announced their intention to find a focus on issues that bind us for decades. way to unify Baptists around Christ’s com- Former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill passion for people he once described as together as followers of Christ. Clinton — two of the world’s most famous “the least of these” in society. —Bill Underwood Baptist laymen — announced the Celebra- In two meetings since, they acknowl- tion of a New Baptist Covenant, tentatively edged they could be divided by their his- set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2008. The announce- tory of racial tension and theological dis- tists. He offered the resources of his foun- ment came Jan. 9, after the ex-presidents sension. But they agreed Jesus’ mandate, dation to help participants make specific had met with about 80 leaders from 40 as well as their shared heritage and core commitments to become actively involved Baptist organizations in the United States commitments, provide a platform for work- in the issues they will discuss in Atlanta. and Canada at the Carter Center in Atlanta. ing together. “This is an attempt to answer: What The 2008 convocation will be “one of The overall endeavor is the brainchild would our Christian witness require of us the most historic events — at least in the of Carter and Bill Underwood, president of in the 21st century?” Clinton said. “It is a history of Baptists in this country, maybe Baptist-related Mercer University in Atlanta part of our faith obligation. But it also is a ,” Carter predicted. and Macon, Ga. part of our common life .... This is an im- Baptist harmony was broken, at least in “Baptists — North and South; from the portant event in the history of Christianity the United States, in the mid-1800s. That’s U.S. and Canada and Mexico; black, white — how faith should react on public life.” when divisions between Northern and and brown; progressive, moderate and con- William Shaw, president of the National Southern Baptists overwhelmed the mis- servative in theology — can focus on is- Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., a predomi- sionary spirit that previously brought them sues that bind us together as followers of nantly African-American group, echoed together, Carter said, lamenting the schism Christ,” Underwood said. Clinton’s observations. that lasted for generations. The 2008 convocation in Atlanta will “One of the challenges this places be- “We hope to recertify our common faith build on the themes of the covenant docu- fore us as Baptists and as believers is to without regard to race, ethnicity, partisan- ment. According to Jimmy Allen, the South- live up to our faith,” Shaw said. “God is ship and geography,” in the 2008 meeting, ern Baptist Convention’s last moderate moving to make faith real, addressing the he said. president and chair of the program-plan- issues we face in non-political ways and Participants in the meeting surrounding ning team, plenary sessions will address non-partisan ways, but in prophetic ways. the announcement reflected his wish. They large issues while breakout seminars will We look forward to this with tremendous included representatives of groups con- offer specific ways for Baptists to make a celebration.” nected to the North American Baptist Fel- practical difference in solving the problems DeWitt Smith, new president of the Pro- lowship, a 20-million-member regional af- Jesus addressed. gressive National Baptist Convention, filiate of the . Lead- The organizers said they expect about pointed to the Old Testament prophet Micah ers of the four predominantly African- 20,000 people to attend the convocation. as a guide for how the 2008 convocation American National Baptist conventions at- Topics for the breakout sessions — which and its resulting activity should be pat- tended, as did leaders of U.S.-based His- still may number 2,000 to 3,000 partici- terned. panic, Japanese, Laotian and Russian-Ukrai- pants in each — will include prophetic “If we say we love God, we will ‘do nian Baptist groups, plus Canadian Bap- preaching, ecology, sexual trafficking, rac- justice and love mercy,’” Smith said. “Lip tists and heads of Baptist state conventions ism, religious liberty, poverty, HIV/AIDS, service is fine, but we are looking for ways in Missouri, Texas and Virginia. dealing with religious diversity, public to put feet to our faith. It is possible to be Their goal is to demonstrate Baptist har- policy, youth issues, evangelism, steward- together and differ on opinions. But when mony, based around the themes Jesus ship and spiritual discipline. it comes to what matters to humanity ... it preached on in his inaugural sermon, re- “In the process, we will be looking at will work.” corded in the fourth chapter of Luke’s Gos- ways to network,” Allen said. “Every per- The convocation will move Baptists for- pel. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said: son who comes ought to be able to find ward, Carter stressed. “The Spirit of the Lord ... has anointed me some specific way to put their faith into “Our goals are completely positive ... to bring good news to the poor. He has sent action.” and all-inclusive,” he said. “We call on all me to proclaim that captives will be re- Clinton expressed hope for what he said Baptists who share these goals to join with leased, that the blind will see, that the op- might become “a movement” among Bap- us.” — 2 — Conspicuously absent from the gather- ing were representatives of the Southern A “Byte” of Baptist History Baptist Convention, which with 16 million FBI Shadowed SBTS Professor for 17 Years members on its rolls is the largest single Baptist body in the world. Although SBC leaders were not invited to the Atlanta meet- By Robert L. Richardson feet” giving instructions to the agents not ing, Carter and Clinton said they are wel- In 1957, the Federal Bureau of Investi- to come to their home or call their home, gation (FBI) began covert surveillance of but to contact Henlee at his office. They come to join. Dr. Henlee Barnette, Professor of Christian protested the unexpected visits that some- In recent years, Southern Baptists with- Ethics at Southern Baptist Theological times involved hours of interrogation and drew from the Baptist World Alliance and Seminary. His office and home phones were frequently interrupted their plans. Occasion- its North American Baptist Fellowship be- tapped, his classes were monitored, his trav- ally, Barnette challenged the agents by say- cause of alleged liberalism — a charge the els were recorded, his daily activities were ing, “These are the same old stupid ques- cataloged, and some of his mail was open tions I have been asked over and over group and its affiliated Baptist bodies flatly 2.1 denied. when delivered. These secret operations again.” were conducted unknown to Dr. Barnette On one occasion, the FBI unexpectedly Underwood said an invitation hadn’t for almost twelve years.1.1 showed up at the back door of their tempo- been formally extended to SBC officials Apparently this classified investigation rary home in Florida explaining that the because the North American Baptist was prompted when Barnette traveled to front screen door was locked. The screen Fellowship’s membership provided the core the Soviet Union in the summer of 1957 door had no lock. This time Barnette’s wife, of the Carter Center gathering. “But it’s with a small group led by Dr. Jerome Davis, Helen, “launched into the agent with such former Professor of Ethics at Yale Divinity a severe ‘talking to’” that Barnette “actu- important to say that a number of people 2.3 here are Southern Baptists,” he added. School. Davis, who had lived and worked ally began to feel sorry for him.” in the Soviet Union with prisoners of war, On another occasion, Barnette hid a tape Carter noted Southern Baptist officials and who was personally acquainted with recorder in his desk drawer and taped the participated in meetings he initiated in the Lenin, Stalin, and Khrushchev, was already interrogation. Toward the end of the ses- 1990s to try to reconcile Baptist factions. under scrutiny by the FBI for being a sus- sion, Barnette informed the agent of his Both Carter and Clinton said they were pected communist.1.1 taping. The agent erupted in a fit of anger, encouraged more recently by the concilia- During their visit to Moscow, Davis and and started to storm out of the room, only tory tone struck by the new SBC president, the group had an audience with Nikita to have Barnette laugh at his outburst and South Carolina pastor Frank Page, and both Khrushchev. Barnette’s picture was taken remind him of how it feels to be on the shaking hands with the Communist leader.2.1 other end of secret surveillance.2.2 called Page to tell him so. When this photograph hit the American Though frustrated and angered many “We’d be thrilled to have them,” Clinton newspapers, Barnette was immediately times, Barnette seemed to take the harass- said. branded by Baptist fundamentalists as a ment in stride. He recalled “resorting to “Our goal will be to extend an invita- communist.1.1 my foundational pedagogical principle — tion to all Baptists,” Carter said. There were others reasons for the FBI listen both to those with whom you agree 2.3 They agreed that enlisting more conser- surveillance. Barnette’s relationship with and disagree.” As a result, he invited the vatives and more Republicans will be im- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was a regional supervisor of the FBI, who was in key in getting King to deliver the Julian charge of Barnette’s surveillance, to ad- portant to the endeavor. Brown Gay Lectures at the Seminary in dress his Christian Ethics class. Underwood emphasized Carter and 1961, added to the scrutiny of the FBI.1.2 In In early 1974, a court ruled that Clinton were not speaking in their capacity 1964, Barnette published a book entitled, Barnette’s son had been illegally drafted as political leaders or Democrats, but as “An Introduction to Communism.” This because of a technicality in procedures. The Baptist Christians. publication only poured fuel on the FBI Kentucky Attorney General welcomed 1.1 “We anticipate that there will be other “fires” of surveillance. Wayne back without prejudice or condi- Baptists who will participate in this en- In the spring of 1969, the FBI moved tions. Soon after, the FBI informed Barnette from covert surveillance to a pattern of open that they had ended all efforts to investi- deavor who happen also to be Baptists but harassment. gate him.2.3 also happen to be Republicans,” Underwood This was triggered when Dr. Barnette’s said. son, Wayne, openly protested the Viet Nam Sources including quotes: Carter has been a longtime member, dea- War, became a “draft-dodger,” and fled the 1Armour, R. Perspectives on Christian con and Sunday school teacher at country for Sweden.2.2 Ethics: Essays in Honor of Henlee Hulix Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown The FBI began frequent unannounced Barnette. Macon, GA: Mercer University of Plains, Ga. The church recently ordained visits to Barnette’s home for lengthy inter- Press. 1991. 1.1p.39. 1.2 p.40 rogations. An agent was assigned to stand 2Barnette, H. A Pilgrimage of Faith: My his wife, Rosalynn, as a deacon — a move occasionally outside his classroom door and Story. Macon, GA: Mercer University most Southern Baptist leaders oppose. listen to his lectures. An intense round of Press. 2004. 2.1 p. 96. 2.2 p. 99. 2.3 p. Clinton has recently joined Carter in questioning followed each visit. Phone calls 100. lending his star power to the pan-Baptist from the FBI to both his office and home effort. Although he attended Washington’s increased significantly. Robert Richardson is professor emeritus Foundry United Methodist Church with his This same pattern of harassment contin- of Mercer University and a former Methodist wife, Hillary, during his years in ued when Barnette was on sabbatical to volunteer staff member in the teach one year at the University of Florida.1.1 University’s Center for Baptist Studies. the White House, Clinton is a longtime These annoyances did not subside when he For additional information on Baptist member of Immanuel Baptist Church in returned to his post at Southern. history and heritage, log on to the Mercer Little Rock, Ark. The Barnettes did not take all this “sit- University Web site and click on “Center — Robert Marus contributed to this story ting down.” Frequently, they were “on their for Baptist Studies.” — 3 — A MATTER OF their faith and commitment to historic Baptist principles and prac- PERSPECTIVE tices. I applaud President Carter and Mercer University President Bill Underwood for visioning this historic meeting. A New Baptist Cooperation Covenant This meeting is about what we can do together, not what we can disagree about. After years of division in Baptist life, this is a By meeting intended to celebrate cooperation and diversity. How David R. Currie wonderfully refreshing! Executive Director Biblical Values and Faith This will be a meeting focused on Biblical values and faith. On Tuesday, January 9, 2007, I was honored to join other The theme is Unity in Christ. The plenary sessions will focus on Baptist leaders in meeting with former United States Presidents Biblical themes: Unity in Bringing Good News to the Poor; Unity Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton in a meeting at the Carter Center in in Respecting Diversity; Unity in Seeking Peace and Justice; and Atlanta, where it was announced that we would hold a “Celebra- Unity in Welcoming the Stranger and Healing the Brokenhearted. tion of a New Baptist Covenant” meeting, also in Atlanta, from Breakout sessions will focus on preaching; being good stew- January 30 through February 1, 2008. ards of the earth; fighting sexploitation, racism, poverty, and AIDS; What an exciting idea for Baptists of various conventions to finding common ground; exercising faith in the area of public gather together to celebrate, dream of, and plan what we can do policy; guiding our youth at the crossroads; sharing God’s good together as Baptists! news through evangelism; being good financial stewards; and I have been honored to be a part of the prior meetings planning developing and exercising personal spiritual discipline. this announcement, held at the Carter Center during 2006. I look forward to working toward a strong Texas Baptist presence at this Now let me mention some things meeting, as well as working to encourage Mainstream Baptists that this meeting is not about: from across our great nation to attend. Partisan Politics Let me mention some things that this Yes, two former Democratic Presidents of the United States historic meeting is about: were at the press conference and are advancing this idea. This is positive and helpful, because their presence at this meeting will Unity in Diversity attract the attention of the national press. After the recent death of It will be the first time in years—over 100 years—that Baptists the wonderful Christian Gerald Ford (I appreciated greatly his from many Baptist conventions gather together to celebrate their work with The Interfaith Alliance, on whose board I proudly shared faith in Jesus Christ. Attendees at the January 9 meeting serve), there are now only four living presidents-two of whom included representatives from the following Baptist groups, among happen to be Baptist, and traditional Baptists at that. I am pleased others: that they are willing to support this effort. ¥ Association of Brazilian Baptist Churches in North America But this meeting is in no way a Democratic Baptist meeting. I ¥ Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec know that President Carter and President Clinton do not want a ¥ Baptist General Association of Missouri partisan political meeting. They want prominent Baptist Republi- ¥ Baptist General Association of Virginia cans to join in this effort, too. To be honest, I know that there are ¥ Baptist General Convention of Texas many prominent Baptist Republicans who are traditional Baptists ¥ Baptist Union of Western Canada at heart BUT have been reluctant to show their “true colors,” so to ¥ Baptist World Alliance speak, because of the influence of the Religious Right in the ¥ Canadian Baptist Ministries Republican Party. ¥ Canadian Conference of Southern Baptist Churches I know who my TBC members are. They are primarily tradi- ¥ Cooperative Baptist Fellowship tional Texas Baptists who also happen to be Republicans (this is ¥ Japanese Southern Baptist Churches of America Texas, after all). They stand firmly for religious liberty and the ¥ Laotian National Baptist Fellowship separation of church and state. They hold fast to historic Baptist ¥ Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society principles and, while they do not agree politically with many ¥Mainstream Baptist Network things that Presidents Carter and Clinton did while president, TBC ¥ National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. members are bigger than partisan politics. They will celebrate this ¥ National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. meeting. They are proud to “show their colors” as traditional ¥ National Missionary Baptist Convention of America Baptists. ¥ North American Baptist Fellowship I have strongly expressed my feelings that this meeting must ¥ Progressive Baptist National Convention not, in any way, be—or even appear to be—about partisan poli- ¥ Russian-Ukranian Baptist Union ¥ Seventh Day Baptist Conference Editor’s Note: A RANCHER’S RUMBLINGS can be ¥ Texas Baptists Committed found online at txbc.org. Posted each Tuesday, the My friends, this a history-making meeting. These conventions column contains the most current of David’s thoughts, and organizations have never met together before to celebrate opinions, and messages to members. — 4 — ‘Baptist Covenant’ offers chance to heal racial wounds, leaders say

By Greg Warner Covenant. Published: January 11, 2007 “We could not do this in this way without the kind of commit- ATLANTA (ABP) — Advocates of the “New Baptist Cov- ment that the African-American Baptist groups have brought to enant” championed by former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill the table,” said Leonard, one of the participants in the Carter Clinton predicted it will help heal the racial divide that has sepa- Center planning meeting. “That’s what makes this historic….” rated Baptists in America since before the Civil War. “There is a cry for healing,” said Roy Medley, general secre- Speaking on behalf of 40 Baptist denominations and organiza- tary of the American Baptist Churches USA. The vision of Bap- tions in the United States and Canada Jan. 9, Carter and Clinton tists coming together could encourage American Baptists soured — two of the world’s most famous Baptist laymen — announced by their denomination’s fragmentation over homosexuality, Med- the groups had committed to put aside more than a century and a ley said. half of social and theological differences to unite behind an agenda “For a lot of our young people, they are very disenchanted at of compassionate ministry. the church breaking apart and splintering,” he said. “This is a The effort will begin with a Celebration of a New Baptist chance for us to reach out to them and say this ideal of love that Covenant, a gathering set for late January 2008, which Carter Christ has given us is something that we really want to be opera- called “one of the most historic events at least in the history of tive in the life of the church as well. And that can help us bridge Baptists in this country, maybe Christianity.” differences that are genuine differences.” Baptist harmony was broken, at least in the United States, in No one expects the convocation to produce a merger of the the mid-1800s. That’s when divisions between Baptists in the myriad Baptist groups in North America. But the prospect of North and South overwhelmed the missionary spirit that previ- collaboration around evangelism and social causes — as described ously brought them together. by Jesus in Luke 4: 18-19 — left many Baptists assembled in “Probably not since 1845 has this kind of effort been made to Atlanta Jan. 9 euphoric. bring together Baptists black and white … and of diverse theo- “This is an exciting time for us to be Baptist,” said David logical and regional backgrounds,” said Bill Leonard, a Baptist Goatley, current president of the North American Baptist Fellow- historian who is dean of the Wake Forest Divinity School. “And ship — a regional affiliate of the Baptist World Alliance. Goatley that means it is terribly historic.” is also executive secretary of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mis- Most Baptists in the United Stats came together in 1814 to sion Society, a historic African-American Baptist ministry. “We form a missionary society known as the Triennial Convention. stand at the threshold of something unprecedented.” Southern Baptists broke away over the slavery issue in 1845. “What you are seeing here today at the Carter Center is a Since then, Baptists have splintered even further. historic demonstration of Baptist unity,” said Mercer University “For the healing of the nation and the healing of the world, we President Bill Underwood who, with Carter, spearheaded the ini- as Baptists have to experience our own healing,” said Daniel tiative. “Baptists made an important decision here today, a deci- Vestal, national coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellow- sion to focus on issues that bind us together as followers of Christ ship. “And I think this represents a step, an effort, a commitment rather than dwell on the differences that surely exist among us.” to bring healing between us, renewal between us — black and Clinton told reporters that those who “did not have both the white Baptists, North and South Baptists, and, frankly, conserva- privilege and the burden to be raised in the Baptist church cannot tive and moderate Baptists. There is great power in that healing.” possibly appreciate” how unique such cooperation is. “This is an In recent years, the four largest of the predominantly African- attempt to bring people together and say, “What would our Chris- American Baptist conventions began meeting jointly. They plan tian witness require of us in the 21st century?’” he said. to do so again in 2008 in Atlanta, then join with Baptists of many “We will be addressing issues in non-partisan ways but in stripes a few days later for the Celebration of a New Baptist prophetic ways,” said William Shaw, president of the National …See “Covenant,” next page kicking out 19 churches because they were dually-aligned with tics, and all of those meeting with me have strongly agreed with the SBC and CBF. This is the modern SBC and those who affiliate me on that point. with them—persons interested in defining those with whom they Bashing the Southern Baptist Convention will not cooperate, and refusing to cooperate with as many as This meeting is not, in any way, about bashing the SBC. Yes, it possible. is about presenting a voice that is different than that of the SBC— We don’t do that in Texas, and we never will. a voice of inclusiveness, and cooperation. The SBC is not about Also, before you say that this is an anti-SBC meeting, please those things. It has chosen, in fact, to no longer participate as a re-read the list of conventions listed here that are participating in member of the Baptist World Alliance or the North American this “New Covenant” meeting. Ninety percent of those conven- Baptist Fellowship. tions were not involved in the SBC battle that you and I know so In the December 2006 edition, the wonderful publication, Bap- well. As we say in West Texas, “they didn’t have a dog in that tists Today, (www.baptiststoday.org) reported a story of an asso- fight.” They could care less about debating or discussing the SBC. ciation in Alabama kicking out a local Baptist church because it Most of all, this is a meeting about Jesus, and I hope that you had ordained a woman and called her as Associate Pastor. On the will make a commitment now to be a part of it next year, and to be next page was a story about the Missouri Baptist Convention a part of a new covenant in Baptist life for years to come.

— 5 — Balance Your Mission Giving

By Rick McClatchey To establish a foothold in these countries requires a Coordinator, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Texas permanent presence, and a direct-mission-approach strat- Churches today are discovering the importance of di- egy alone isn’t capable of doing that. The direct ap- rect mission engagement on global missions. They are proach can greatly enhance what missionaries do, but it no longer content to simply send money to a mission can’t replace them. Since most churches can’t afford to organization and believe their task as a church is com- budget $120,000 annually for a missionary on the field, pleted. Instead, churches are working directly with mis- it means that cooperation with other churches through sionaries and indigenous churches to support the global some type of mission organization is necessary. mission effort with needed resources and short-term per- sonnel. Therefore, churches will continue to need to send This is a healthy development that enhances and funds to mission organizations for this missionary infra- strengthens the global mission enterprise. This healthy structure. Churches in the future will need to keep mis- development has meant that some churches have stopped sion giving in balance by investing resources in build- giving to mission organizations and channeled their fund- ing the mission infrastructure through mission organiza- ing to their own direct mission engagement work. tions and by funding engagement of their own direct This is a short-sighted approach for our global mis- mission engagement. sion strategy. Churches can do a direct-mission-approach Both of these efforts can work in helpful symbiotic strategy because a previous generation sent missionaries relationship, and both will require funding. Churches to establish the indigenous churches with whom they are will need to channel more of their church budget into now working. A direct-mission-approach strategy works this expanded mission effort, and for that to occur, indi- now, because we have this older mission infrastructure vidual Christians must re-examine their giving to the to use. local church. As individual Christians, we will need to However, how will we in the future evangelize the simplify our life so we can give more to advance this remaining 25% of the world’s population that is new expanded mission effort. We live in a great day in unreached with the gospel, if we do not have missionar- which the whole church is engaging in global missions ies there to make the initial converts and establish as never before, and to keep it going means we must churches? cooperate and sacrifice.

…“Covenant,” from previous page committed to social justice as well as evan- political leaders, they are not here in their Baptist Convention USA, one of the larg- gelism.” capacity as Democrats. They are here to- est African-American denominations. The 2008 convocation will connect par- day in their capacity as Baptists. We an- “We are looking for ways to put feet to ticipants with ministries and resources on ticipate that there will be many other Bap- our faith,” said Dewitt Smith, president of such topics as prophetic preaching, ecol- tists participating in this endeavor who also the Progressive National Baptist Conven- ogy, sexual trafficking, racism, religious lib- happen to be public officials that happen to tion, the African-American body founded erty, poverty, HIV/AIDS, religious diver- be Republican.” by Martin Luther King and others. “It is sity, public policy, youth issues, evange- McCall agreed: “I think it’s very impor- possible to be together and to differ on our lism with integrity, stewardship and the tant so that it doesn’t come off as a politi- opinions. When it comes to the things that spiritual disciplines. cal thing. It would be easy to interpret, will help humanity, we must take a pro- Leonard, the historian, said such col- with the two Democratic presidents, that it phetic stance — we must take a strong so- laboration for ministry “mirrors those [19th was a political thing. I think it’s important cial-action agenda and make it work. I be- century] societies that the Baptists founded, to find other Republican Baptists and bring lieve what is happening here today is an where they chose to work not so much on them into it.” indication that this will work.” the basis of how much they agreed but on “If this is seen as a Democratic agenda, “I was just glad to see Baptists do some- what they wanted to do.” that won’t benefit any of us,” said ABC’s thing together in a unified way and espe- While the Baptists who came together Medley. “And if it doesn’t do the pan-Bap- cially to set a positive image for who Bap- in Atlanta Jan. 9 were thrilled to have the tist thing, then it will have failed. I hope tists are,” said Emmanuel McCall, an Afri- support of two former presidents — both we do have conservative folk there, as well can-American pastor from Atlanta and Democrats — they also recognized their as progressive and moderate folk. Regard- BWA officer who currently serves as mod- movement will be limited if only moderate less of where we may be in political parties erator of the mostly white Cooperative Bap- and progressive Baptists, and only Demo- and things like that, these are things that tist Fellowship. crats, get on board. we’re committed to as the body of Christ, Daniel Vestal, national coordinator of Mercer’s Underwood told reporters at and that agenda is larger than a political the CBF, said the Carter initiative fills a the Atlanta announcement that Carter and agenda.” need for “a broader Baptist witness that is Clinton “are not here in their capacity as —Associated Baptist Press — 6 — Why I am Still a Baptist

This world desperately needs what we have to offer. Those who watch us are confused about why anyone remains a Baptist, given what they hear in the media and too often see for themselves. I believe we can show them a better way. We can lead into a future story that is yet to be revealed and may exceed even our expectations.

I’ve recently been involved in some lead- While the vision of a positive, authenti- ership coaching training that has taken place cally Baptist alternative to fundamentalism By Bill Wilson in a very ecumenical setting. My fellow is alive and well, I do not believe we have Pastor students have come from a wide array of fully arrived at the what God intends us to FBC, Dalton denominational groups, and it has been a be or do as we enter the 21st century. It is pleasure. Our recent time together coincided very possible that the best vehicle for car- thinks outside the box and that is unafraid with a large national Baptist meeting in rying us down the road of being an authen- of long odds and new methodologies. Our which the inane and insane proceedings that tic Baptist has not been created yet. seminaries have shown that shoestring bud- mark the larger Baptist family were on dis- I recognize many think that feeling this gets and no-frills programs are no hindrance play for all the world to see. One new friend way and saying this out aloud is akin to to excellence. Some of our universities are finally sidled up to me during a break in disloyalty to CBF, but I say this as one emerging as pace setters for us. CBF has our work and asked sincerely: “Bill, why who is committed to and grateful for the led the way toward a missiology that is do you stay a Baptist?” ministry of CBF. I believe the future ve- trend-setting, lean and future-oriented. ABP It turned into one of those “I’m this kind hicle for moderate Baptist life is yet to be is exploring innovation and networking that of Baptist, not that kind of Baptist” con- revealed and that it if it is to be a viable may well define a path forward for us. versations that we all know inside and out. future, we must be pliable and flexible with But what gives me the most hope is Later that evening, I began thinking more regard to structures and organizations. what is happening in local churches. Local deeply about his question, and I tried to dig I believe CBF will play a key role in churches are rediscovering their role as piv- deeper for an answer to the question. whatever that network or organization is, otal in the religious universe. The degree I ended up with three thoughts: but that “It” is still in the incubation stage of innovation, adaptation and proactive vi- Thought one: to quote my friend and and probably always will be. I hope and sioning that is taking place in local churches teacher, Jim Slatton, We’re right about so pray that we will be willing to see our- is the real story and key to our future. Lo- many things. Biblically and selves as a forerunner of what could be, cal churches are learning how to partner Christologically, we are right about soul rather than a finished product even willing and network in a way that has always been freedom, religious liberty, pastoral author- to diminish ourselves if something greater done for us. What we thought was a bur- ity, church autonomy, ethics, missions, emerges. den has become an opportunity, and the evangelism, education, governance—to That takes a level of maturity and a big- resulting vitality and energy that comes name a few. We have inherited a proud picture approach thinking that is too often from that process is literally capable of turn- tradition of thoughtful, heart-felt, intense, lacking among us. My concern is that we ing plateaued and declining churches open-minded, fervent faith. It is a gift I simply continue to do what we are doing around. cannot walk away from. and that our impact wanes and our pla- Why stay a Baptist? We have inherited As grateful as I feel for our past, I must teaued status turns into one of retreat. Some an amazing heritage, and while it is messy, tell you that my second thought was this: I of us have not given up on the idea of a our current setting offers us an opportunity am concerned about where we are today. growing, expanding, broadening moderate to create a future that is unlike anything we The plateau we find ourselves on, the Baptist/Christian movement in America and have seen or known to date. What we need waning energy I sense around the moder- beyond. is courage, vision, humility and flexibility. ate world, the concretizing of institutions Having visited the past and the present, This world desperately needs what we and methodologies, the devotion to vehicles my third thought turned to the future, and have to offer. Those who watch us are con- over vision has me worried. Too many of I must tell you that I feel a growing hope fused about why anyone remains a Baptist, us have ”married” our young institutions for the future of Baptists like us. The seeds given what they hear in the media and too and organizations, to the detriment of be- of a dynamic, nimble and relevant future often see for themselves. I believe we can ing able to envision a new and more ex- are in this room. show them a better way. We can lead into pansive future. I believe it is time for us to The groups I know best cause me to feel a future story that is yet to be revealed and refocus our attention on vision and give great anticipation as I think about tomor- may exceed even our expectations. less of our attention to vehicles. row. BCE has modeled an organization that That is why I remain a Baptist. — 7 — Passing the Torch for Church-State Separation

Their [Baptists] contention has been, is now, and must ever be, that it is the God-given and indefeasible right of every human being, to worship God or not, according to the dictates of his conscience; and, as long as he does not infringe on the rights of others, he is to be held accountable to God alone, for all his religious beliefs and practices — George W. Truett

Many historians believe that advocating in America and the colony of Rhode Is- the separation of church and state is the land. Rhode Island’s charter, granted in brightest light that Baptists have shed upon 1636, made it the first colony in the new the advance of civilization. Baptists were world to guarantee religious liberty for ev- by Bruce Prescott certainly among the very first to carry the ery citizen. Williams founded the colony torch for religious liberty. Among them was after he was banished — without provi- Constitution until a Bill of Rights was added Balthasar Hubmaier, a German Anabaptist. sions, in the dead of winter — from the to guarantee that church and state would be In 1525 he wrote one of the first pamphlets Massachusetts Bay colony. He was ban- separate. In fact, John Leland and Virginia on religious liberty. He titled it, Concern- ished for informing the magistrates that the toBaptists exerted considerable pressure on ing Heretics and Those who Burn Them. government had no right to require unifor- James Madison to assure that an amend- In it he argued that even atheists should be mity of faith and worship. Fortunately, na- ment guaranteeing religious liberty for all given religious liberty. Hubmaier wrote, tive American Indians showed more civil- Americans would be added to the Consti- “No one may injure the atheist who wishes ity than the early Bostonians. They kept tution. After the First Amendment was nothing for himself other than to forsake Williams from starving and freezing. If they adopted, Leland rejoiced that the Constitu- the gospel.” That was a truly radical posi- hadn’t, the world would have been deprived tion made it possible for “a Pagan, Turk, tion to take nearly five hundred years ago. of another classic writing on religious lib- Jew or Christian” to be eligible to serve in It was more than even John Locke thought erty, William’s Bloody Tenent of Persecu- any post of the government. permissible more than 160 years later. For tion. In it he wrote, “True civility and Chris- In 1802, when he wrote to Baptists in good reason, the Baptist wing of the refor- tianity may both flourish in a state or king- Danbury Connecticut, Thomas Jefferson mation was labeled the “radical” reforma- dom, notwithstanding the permission of di- knew well that he would have a sympa- tion. Unfortunately, radical reformers gen- verse and contrary consciences, either Jew thetic audience for his succinct summari- erally had short life spans. Hubmaier only or Gentile.” zation of the intention of the First Amend- survived for three more years before being Williams was but the first Baptist to be ment as “building a wall of separation be- burned at the stake. His dying words were, persecuted for his faith in America. In 1651 tween church and state.” Whether Jefferson “Truth is immortal.” John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes and John knew it or not, many Baptists knew Roger From Hubmaier the torch of religious Crandall were arrested for conducting a Williams had used the same metaphor to liberty passed to . Helwys worship service in a home on the outskirts advocate for a “hedge or wall of separation founded the first Baptist church in England. of Boston. Clarke and Crandall were fined. between the garden of the church and the Around 1610 he wrote a book called A Holmes was given thirty hard lashes with a wilderness of the world.” Short Declaration of the Mystery of Iniq- three-pronged whip. The ongoing commitment to separation uity. He addressed his book to King James On the eve of the revolutionary war, of church and state among Baptists was so I — the one who gave us the KJV Bible. several Baptist preachers were arrested in strong and sustained that in May of 1920, Helwys boldly told this king that he was a Virginia for “preaching the gospel contrary when Dallas pastor George W. Truett spoke “mortal man and not God, therefore had no to law.” One of them, James Ireland, faced to 15,000 Baptists from the steps of the power over the immortal souls of his sub- three attempts on his life while he was in U.S. Capitol, he could truthfully say: jects.” He argued for complete religious jail. Attempts were made to kill him with “Religious Liberty is the nursing mother freedom saying, “Men’s religion to God is explosives and to suffocate him with nox- of all liberty. Without it all other forms of between God and themselves; the king shall ious fumes. When that didn’t work, a phy- liberty must soon wither and die. The Bap- not answer for it, neither may the king judge sician and his jailer collaborated to poison tists grasped this conception of liberty in between God and man. Let them be her- him. Not surprisingly, they destroyed its full-orbed glory, from the very begin- etics, Turks, Jews or whatsoever, it apper- Ireland’s health, but not his independent ning. Their contention has been, is now, tains not to the earthly power to punish spirit. and must ever be, that it is the God-given them in the least measure.” Helwys was With a history of open dissent like this, and indefeasible right of every human be- also too radical for his age. King James it should come as no surprise to find that ing, to worship God or not, according to had him arrested. He died in prison about Baptists eagerly enlisted in the war for in- the dictates of his conscience; and, as long five years later. dependence and stood at the forefront of as he does not infringe on the rights of From Helwys the torch of religious lib- the subsequent struggle for civil liberties. others, he is to be held accountable to God erty passed to Roger Williams. Roger Wil- For them, the battles were one and the same. alone, for all his religious beliefs and prac- liams founded both the first Baptist church That is why Baptists refused to ratify the tices.” — 8 — Truett’s characterization of the Baptist “Religious Right” are giving up on what A Pastor’s Column on commitment to religious liberty held true the apostle Paul called, “the foolishness of until thirty years ago when W.A. Criswell, preaching” that would transform society by the New Baptist Convenent the man who succeeded Truett in the pulpit changing individual lives. Jerry Falwell at First Baptist Dallas, began to declare once critiqued this historic Baptist under- W. David Sapp that separation of church and state was “a standing of social and spiritual transforma- Pastor of Second-Ponce de Leon figment of some infidel’s imagination.” tion saying, “That’s a correct premise. In Baptist Church—Atlanta Since that time the nation’s largest Baptist reality, it doesn’t work out that way.” In The newspapers just never seem to get organization, the Southern Baptist Conven- his eyes and in the eyes of the leaders of it right when it comes to Baptists. This tion, has been taken over by Fundamental- the “New” SBC and of many in the “Reli- morning’s Journal-Constitution (this will ists who, along with others in the political gious Right,” the way social transforma- be old news by the time you get this!) car- and religious right, are determined to: 1) tions really “work out” is by elections, leg- ried a front-page article announcing that a revoke the First Amendment by reinterpret- islation, adjudication, and by a very doctri- number of Baptist groups in North America ing it, 2) utilize the Judeo-Christian reli- naire “home school” education. They in- are forming a new Convention called the gion to define and unify culture, and 3) tend to make the United States a Christian “New Baptist Convention.” Not true. establish the supremacy of biblical law nation by political action and legislation. What is true is that representatives of within this nation. Politics is their main mission field. Getting the majority of Baptists in North America The impulse and goals of the “New” “values voters” to the polls has become the (twenty million of them) met to talk about SBC and of the “Religious Right” are modern equivalent of fielding armies for ways they can heal breaches, some of which diametrically opposed to the original im- crusades to reclaim the holy land. Only now are older than the Civil War, and to find pulse and goals of the historic Baptist the land being claimed is American. some new ways to work together. What is faith and vision. That so many Baptists Should the “New” SBC and the “Re- also true is that this was a gathering of people who wish to move forward and put Americans of minority faith increasingly perceive that their the differences of the past behind us. May own government is treating them as second class citizens. their tribe increase! If we can overcome the divisions be- Americans across the religious and political spectrums are tween black Baptists and white Baptists, if complaining about the erosion of even the most basic of we can overcome divisions between North- human rights. ern Baptists and Southern Baptists, if we can overcome divisions between more mod- are caught up in the Religious Right, and ligious Right” achieve their goals there erate Baptists and more fundamentalist Bap- leading it, is an indication that there is a will not be a happy ending for either the tists, I say that is a very good thing. If crisis of faith within the Baptist commu- church, the state, or the American people. Baptists across our land can unite their mas- nity — and within the broader evangeli- Already, the U.S. government is privileg- sive strength to oppose evil in our world, cal community that lays claim to being ing a majoritarian faith and subsidizing it should we not be blessing that effort? “born again” Christians. The crisis of with tax dollars for faith-based initiatives. The newspaper implied that this was faith is rooted in a loss of faith. The faith The integrity of some churches is clearly simply another step in the Baptist battles of that has been lost is faith that the gospel being compromised. Americans of minor- the last generation, and they quickly sought has sufficient power to effect meaningful ity faith increasingly perceive that their own quotes from the other side of the “Baptist transformations. government is treating them as second class wars.” In reality, most of the groups repre- Baptists claim to be “born again” Chris- citizens. Americans across the religious and sented at the meeting were not even in- tians. No one is born a Baptist. We are the political spectrums are complaining about volved in the Baptist battles. This is about ones who believe that each person must the erosion of even the most basic of hu- far more than that. come to faith personally by individual con- man rights. The importance of the meeting was un- viction and commitment. Baptists used to I hope that this information does more derscored by the presence of the two former believe that the gospel had power to win than alarm you. I hope it motivates you to U.S. Presidents who are Baptists: Jimmy hearts and change lives. We used to be- do something. Now, more than any time Carter and Bill Clinton. Mercer University lieve that a free and open hearing for the since the founding of our country, it is im- President Bill Underwood convened the gospel was all that was needed to effect perative for men and women of genuine meeting, along with President Carter. My lasting personal and social transforma- Baptist conviction to renew their commit- friends who were at the meeting assure me tion. That is why religious liberty was so ment to the full and equal right to religious that Republican Baptists will be involved important to Baptists. For historic Baptists, liberty for all Americans. A new genera- as well! real faith could never be produced by com- tion needs to take up the torch of religious The group that met this week plans to pulsion or coercion. For traditional Bap- liberty for all. The best place for Baptists have a Convocation of all of these groups tists, real faith could never be passed down to get started is with the Baptist Joint Com- in Atlanta on January 30-February 1, 2008. like an heirloom from one generation to mittee on Religious Liberty. Support their I plan to be there. I hope many of you will the next. For us, real faith must be accepted work. Sign up for their newsletter. Get in- be. I believe that this initiative is the most freely by individual commitment and con- volved in their activist network. Take up hopeful and least divisive effort I have seen viction. the torch for religious liberty and pass it on in Baptist life in very long time. The “New” Southern Baptists and the to another generation. Meanwhile, I’ll see you Sunday! — 9 — 2006 Religious Liberty Essay Contest— First Prize

The Wall of Separation: Its Distinguished Past and Questionable Future

By James Walker Gorsuch Arden, N.C. “Is it the duty of a deist to support that which he believes to be a cheat and imposition? Is it the duty of the Jew to support the religion of Jesus Christ, when he really believes that he was an imposter? Must the papist be forced to pay men for preaching down the supremacy of the Pope, whom they are sure is the head of James Walker Gorsuch the church?” argued John Leland, a leading crusader for religious liberty in America, The 2006 Religious Liberty in 1794. “Government has no more to do with the religious opinions of men than it Essay Contest, sponsored by has with the principles of mathematics.” Leland pledged his support to James the Religious Liberty Council of Madison’s Constitution and helped to ensure that both Virginia and Massachusetts the Baptist Joint Committee, would ratify it only with the promise of a bill of rights. The first of these rights was one that this Baptist minister held as the most important, one that had been the was established to engage basis of America since the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, freedom of and Baptist high school juniors and from religion. What would America be like today if the First Amendment had not seniors in church-state issues been included in the Bill of Rights? Would there be a government-sponsored and to generate student interest church or a cabinet position for church leaders? At first glance these questions from a diverse cross-section of seem unnecessary in America because of the protections granted by the First the BJC’s supporting bodies. Amendment as well as the examples set by our founding fathers, including Thomas This year’s topic was “Why the Jefferson’s famous call for a “wall of separation” between religion and govern- ment. However, growing support of legislation supporting faith-based initiatives, separation of church and state parochial schools, and religious agendas make these questions relevant in modern is necessary to ensure religious America. liberty for all.” Separating the government from any faith is crucial to religious liberty in The grand prize winner is America, as it has been throughout history. Throughout the last 2000 years, state- sponsored religion has led to the persecution and death of people of every faith. James Gorsuch of Arden, N.C., Whether in Rome as Christians were butchered for entertainment in the Coliseum, with an essay titled “The Wall during the Crusades, in Puritan settlements in Colonial America, or even in modern of Separation: Its Distinguished Islamic theocracies in the Middle East, government guided by one faith has invari- Past and Questionable ably stolen the basic human right of the freedom to worship any god or to worship Future.” Gorsuch received a nothing at all. For this reason, 17th Century English Baptist Thomas Helwys $1,000 cash prize and a trip to demanded full religious liberty of England’s King James. He stated, “Men’s Washington, D.C., in religion to God is betwixt God and themselves; the king shall not answer for it, neither may the king be judge between God and man. Let them be heretics, Turks, conjunction with the BJC board Jews or whatsoever, it appertains not to the earthly power to punish them in the meeting on Oct. 2. Gorsuch least measure.” Although Helwys was thrown into jail for the remainder of his life graduated in June from West for his sentiments, he is a key example of a dedicated Christian’s understanding of Henderson High School in the importance of religious liberty. Hendersonville, N.C. He America was envisioned by many of its founders as a place where the history of attends Elon University as the religious persecution would change, where every man would be free to worship in recipient of the Kenan Honors his own way. This is the reason the Pilgrims first came to the New World, and it is the reason that people of every faith have flocked to the United States for more Fellow Scholarship. He is a than two centuries. Freedom of religion was included in the First Amendment member of First Baptist Church because of the possibility that even a well-intentioned state religion could and of Asheville and is the son of almost certainly would result in the loss of religious freedom. Colonial America, Jeff and Brenda Gorsuch. however, often exhibited examples of state-sponsored religion that were later out-

— 10 — TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED lawed in the First Amendment. The Baptist pastor John Clarke arrived in P.O. BOX 3330, SAN ANGELO, TX 76902 Boston in 1637 with his wife Elizabeth. Like many making the journey from 325-659-4102 • FAX 325-655-3603 England in that time period, they had come to the New World to find religious www.txbc.org liberty. Instead they found taxes required to support ministers employed by (Currently Vacant) the state and the threat of civil prosecution for anyone excommunicated from Chair the church. This same John Clarke, in the following years, founded the LORENZO PEÑA second Baptist church in America and helped to found Rhode Island, the first Vice Chair of the colonies where religious liberty was granted to all. RON ELLISON Baptists and other devoted Christians throughout American history have Recorder recognized the necessity of guaranteed religious freedom if faith is to flourish. JOHN OGLETREE, JR. While writing the Constitution, James Madison was approached by such Treasurer figures as John Marshall, the federalist Supreme Court chief justice, to desig- DAVID R. CURRIE nate Christianity as a national religion. Madison, however, disagreed with Executive Director these men, arguing that religion would flourish more if not supported by the government, and that the government should not impose religion on its people. TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED “In the Papal system, Government and Religion are in a manner consolidated, BOARD OF DIRECTORS and that is found to be the worst of governments,” he wrote in a letter to the FOR 2006 Rev. Jasper Adams, who had asked him whether the country wouldn’t be Barbara Baugh, San Antonio better off if Christianity were acknowledged as the national religion. Michael Bell, Fort Worth In America today, religiously motivated legislation is becoming increas- Bill Brian, Amarillo ingly prevalent. Many believe that the government should outlaw such prac- Michael Evans, Mansfield tices as abortion and homosexual marriage based solely on their religious Joy Fenner, Garland beliefs. America has drifted far from the example of such wise Christians as Deborah Ferrier, San Antonio John Leland, Thomas Helwys, and John Clarke, men who understood that Clyde Glazener, Fort Worth when a government endorses a faith, religious liberty is impossible. Chris- Ken Hall, Dallas tians are battling to have the Ten Commandments displayed prominently in Charles Higgs, Stephenville courthouses and other government-owned buildings. The words “under God,” Bill Jones, Dallas added to the Pledge of Allegiance during the Cold War to distinguish America John Lilley, Waco from the Soviet Union, are now held by some as evidence of the government’s Phil Lineberger, Sugar Land Dan Malone, El Paso preferred faith, and public schools include prayers as part of football games Mike Masser, Tyler and graduation ceremonies. All of these actions show ignorance and con- Jaclanel McFarland, Spring tempt of the Constitution of the United States, which not only guarantees John Ogletree, Houston freedom of religion, but freedom from religion. The First Amendment to the Lorenzo Peña, Dallas United States Constitution says that “Congress shall make no law respecting John Petty, Kerrville an establishment of religion,” a statement made by learned men and dedicated Debbie Potter, San Antonio Christians because without the guarantee of the free exercise of faith, one of Roberto Rodriguez, Harlingen the basic principles of the founding of this great nation, religious liberty Bob Stephenson, Norman, OK cannot exist. Bill Tillman, Abilene Steve Vernon, Levelland Works Cited: Steve Wells, Houston * “John Leland on Separation of Church and State.” Separation of Church and State Home Page. 10 May 2006 http://www.members.tripod.com/candst/ tnppage/qleland.htm. * “James Madison on Separation of Church and State.” Separation of Church and State Home Page. 10 May 2006 http://www.members.tripod.com/candst/ Reserve your room tnppage/qleland.htm. and register today * “Madison’s Letter to Jasper Adams.” Separation of Church and State Home Page. 10 May 2006 http://www.members.tripod.com/candst/tnppage/ for the qleland.htm. * “Pastor John Clarke, M.D.” Lehigh Valley Baptist Church. 1996. Lehigh Convocation in Valley Baptist Church. 10 May 2006 http://www.lvbaptist.org/cameos/bc- Fort Worth! clark.html. * Prescott, Bruce. “Recovering the Baptist Legacy.” Mainstream Baptists. 17 See page 14 April 1999. Mainstream Baptists. 10 May 2006 http:// www.mainstreambaptists.org/mob4/recover_legacy.htm. for details

— 11 — For The Record

I’m thankful for a new year. The road a person ad nauseam about Hegel’s con- ahead is filled with hope and promise. And ception of Geist or Nicholas’ idea of God as 2006 recedes into the distance, I want to as the coincidentia oppositorium; but when take one last quick glance in the rearview it comes to parliamentary procedure, I have mirror. no problem yielding to the professionals. But, before we take one final look over Now, before we get too far afield, let By Michael Bell our shoulders, let me say that I’m writing me contextualize the setting. We have new this knowing that there are those who will governance documents that we are still be- his doubts that the motion would have spend too many hours and spill too much coming acquainted with and chances are passed. ink in an attempt to put a negative spin on that the parliamentarians’ reading of our I agree that the wording of the ruling what I say here. I do not intend to get new constitution and by-laws might have was bewildering and overdrawn, and, con- involved in a tête-à-tête with our been a bit too technical. But, that is really sequently, left the door wide open for mis- convention’s decriers, those who don’t have beside the point. There is an obvious chal- interpretation of its intent. The ruling was a “life wish” for the BGCT. lenge in the interpretation of a very human supposed to communicate that the proposed First, allow me to say what a marvelous document. In all fairness, the parliamen- motion was a replication. Given the ongo- job the Committee on Convention Busi- tarians have a few precious hours, from the ing dialogue precipitated by the finding, it ness did with the 2006 Annual Meeting of end of one session to the beginning of an- is obvious, that the wording was not as the Baptist General Convention of Texas, other, to research and script the answer to a tight and translucent as it should have been. held in Dallas. I attended the Weekend motion. They labor untiringly before and The result is that it gave birth to the mis- Fest’s Battle of the Bands and the music throughout the annual gathering. Even The taken idea that the ruling’s intent was to was as loud as I expected it would be and Baptist Standard editorial following the con- communicate that role of the convention- most of the audience was less than half my vention did not dispute the accuracy of the in-session had been usurped by the Execu- age and appeared to enjoy every minute of decision but called for better clarity to guar- tive Board. This was never the point of the it. The committee leadership, the BGCT antee that messengers have the right to vote ruling. staff, and a cadre of outstanding volunteers on such issues. Since I have already stepped out this who gave of their time, energy, and re- Does anybody remember the motion on far, let me add this caveat. The Executive sources to make the entire event happen page 9, of the Tuesday, November 14th Board is membered by very committed are to be commended and deserve our ap- bulletin? The motion was that the “Con- Texas Baptists and they’d met the morning preciation. vention ask for a criminal investigation into prior to the Convention being called into I have received so much support from the activities of the misuse of funds in the session, because, since the October 31st our Texas Baptist family in these weeks Rio Grande Valley by the FBI.” The Chair emergency Executive Board meeting, following the convention. Even those who ruled that the Executive Board had acted they’d heard loud-and-clear from fellow strongly disagreed with the chair’s ruling “with regard to the Valley Investigation and Baptists across the state that they should have done so amicably. In fact, many of specifically in special session yesterday di- step-up-to-the-plate. Those courageous my friends have told me that they had ques- rected the Executive Director, in consulta- men and women acted because they lis- tions about the ruling. But, the truth is that tion with the BGCT’s attorneys to evaluate tened to the folk they were elected to rep- even before the convention messengers and the advisability of referring the findings of resent and they did not want to come to the visitors heard the ruling, the BGCT execu- the October 31, 2006 report to any appro- Convention floor without having done what tive director expressed his desire to have priate government investigatory agency...” they were commissioned to do. the motion voted on. Initially, I agreed The ruling did not state that the Executive The good news is that our Executive with the executive director until I heard Board took priority over the convention Board officers and the officers of the con- one of the parliamentarians utter the words proper. The ruling did not state that the vention are presently working on a response no president can ignore: “It would set a Convention-in-session had no voice. The that will provide apparentness to its role in bad precedent.” And, believe me, no presi- parliamentarians’ reading of the motion was relation to the convention-in-session. dent wants to establish a benchmark that that it would have been redundant simply Now, although there’s much more for might hamper the good work of our con- because the very capable BGCT Executive us to look at in the rearview mirror, if we vention or any future BGCT officers. Board Chairman, in his report on the after- are to get to where God is leading us we Admittedly, I am not an expert in the noon of the first day of the convention, had must focus on the road ahead. The BGCT interpretation or application of Robert’s already posited the intention to do just what is worth our involvement, support, prayers, Rules of Order. I have, in my library, three the motion, offered later that night, asked and commitment, even though sometimes copies of Roberts and one of them is an for. For what it’s worth, even the maker of we forget to cross every “t” and dot every illustrated version. Frankly, I can talk with the motion would later, in writing, express “i” that we should. — 12 — Baptist Professor A RANCHER’S RUMBLINGS Offers Her Version of My Thoughts on Women in Ministry By David R. Currie, Executive Director totally unqualified to be ministers, which Dismissal Mary Jim Currie, my Mother, will be 90 is the true role of a deacon. So we just years old on March 27th of this year. She changed the name, and women led half of By Greg Horton still lives alone in Paint Rock, in the home the groups. Reprinted with permission of that my Grandparents-Dad and Mother In 2007, I continue to hear stories of EthicsDaily.com Currie-built in 1935. She no longer plays churches being kicked out of associations (RNS) A female professor of Hebrew the piano for worship and is no longer presi- for ordaining a woman to ministry. A denied tenure at a Southern Baptist semi- dent of the WMU, but she still attends wor- woman professor was recently denied ten- nary says she was told by the seminary ship services virtually every Sunday. I don’t ure at Southwestern Baptist Theological president that her gender was the reason think she still teaches Sunday School, but Seminary because she was female. I sim- for her dismissal. she still might. She no longer attends the ply do not understand it. Sheri Klouda, who is now at Taylor Uni- WMU house party and misses it deeply. The New Testament reflects the 1st-cen- versity in Indiana, was denied tenure at She still tithes. She still designates her mis- tury historical context in which it was writ- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary sion offerings to CBF. She goes to the ten. That does not mean that it is not true, in Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma pastor and blogger Wade BGCT annual meeting every year with me. but it does mean that we must interpret it in Burleson, writing Jan. 17 on his personal She has been a pillar of the First Baptist light of the culture in which it was written; blog, accused Southwestern President Paige Church in Paint Rock longer than anyone it does mean that we must bring the Apostle Patterson of gender discrimination. The there can remember. And you know what? Paul’s bold assertion-”in Christ there is no next day, T. Van McClain, chair of the There are thousands of Mary Jims in Bap- male or female”-to full understanding as a seminary’s board of trustees, released a tist churches all across Texas. foundational practice in our churches. statement in which he said Burleson’s blog But she has never been ordained a dea- Jesus treated women as equal to men, entry was “filled with inaccuracies.” con, and I think that’s a shame. even first revealing Himself to women af- Klouda has since agreed with Burleson’s At TBC, our official position has al- ter his resurrection and telling these women- version of events. “I suppose there could ways been that woman deacons or pastors whose word meant nothing in their culture- be inaccuracies in the entry, but with re- are a decision for the local church to make to go and tell the disciples the good news gard to me and what happened at South- and shouldn’t be a divisive issue. The roles that Christ had risen. western, Wade’s version of events is accu- of women in ministry or church leadership In San Angelo, we recently hired a rate,” Klouda said. should be up to each local congregation to woman as superintendent of schools. There Klouda said that 10 days after Patterson decide. There is no right answer-it’s up to are scores of woman governors, senators, became seminary president in 2003, he as- each local church. I agree with that posi- and congresspersons, as well as bank presi- sured her that her job was safe. “He made tion officially, because it honors a bedrock dents and others in positions of influential some pretty grim statements in press con- Baptist principle: local church autonomy. leadership. ferences following his appointment,” Now I’ll tell you what I really think. I So it is way, way past time that we rec- Klouda said, “but he told me in a meeting that I would not lose my job because of my think it is a shame that not every single ognize the reality that women are tremen- gender.” church that relates to the Baptist General dous leaders in our churches and that they On June 7, 2004, Klouda said, she was Convention of Texas has woman deacons. are highly qualified and, hear this—called told by a school administrator that Patterson I would rejoice if at least 500 BGCT of God—to be both deacons and pastors. would not recommend her for tenure. churches had woman pastors. Most of our Recently, I have even heard a few people “It’s no secret that the issue was my churches would not be half the church they say that Joy Fenner, former director of the gender,” Klouda said. “When I wasn’t as- are without their own Mary Jims. Texas WMU, should not be elected presi- signed any classes for the fall semester of I think of Mother’s sister, Aunt Jewette dent of the BGCT this fall, simply because 2006, Patterson encouraged me to tell my McLaughlin (that’s right, wife of Dr. she is a woman. That is very depressing to students that the decision was based on his Charlie), who served faithfully in First Bap- me. views and convictions about women teach- tist Church, Dallas for many years without They have said that some churches will ing men. He believes the local church is a ever becoming a deacon there. My cousin, not continue to support the BGCT if we paradigm for the school, and in the local W. A. Criswell (that’s right-his Mother, elect a woman as president. I find myself church, women may not be in leadership.” Anne, and my Grandfather, W. G. “Dad” wondering what kind of church it is to Klouda said she did not grant permis- Currie, were brother and sister) could not which these people belong and what kind sion for Burleson to post the information have ever had a better deacon than Aunt of church their church would be without on his blog, believing it “wasn’t the best Jewette would have been. the presence, contribution, and leadership place to address this issue.” The one church that I served as pastor of the WMU through the years. McClain refused to comment directly, did not have woman deacons, but when we Folks, it is way past time that we recog- citing the confidentiality of personnel mat- ters. However, in a written statement, he implemented the deacon family ministry nize what the Joy Fenners, Mary Jims, and said Burleson’s blog was inaccurate in say- plan, we called it the “Church Family Min- Aunt Jewettes have done for the Kingdom ing Klouda had been approved unanimously istry Plan,” because, although the deacons of God and welcome the opportunity for by the trustees, or that trustees were not were good men and handled the business them to serve wherever God calls them. fully informed about Patterson’s decision. matters of the church effectively, most were Jesus will be pleased with us when we do. — 13 — MAINSTREAM CONVOCATION PROGRAM Mainstream Baptist Convocation in the Dallas area February 23-24, 2007 We will meet at the Marriott Hotel and Resort, DFW Airport, 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, TX.

MAINSTREAM BAPTIST CONVOCATION PROGRAM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

1:30 p.m. Welcome and Invocation—Bob Stephenson 1:45 p.m. Theme Interpretation—David Currie 2:30 p.m. Joe Lewis—“Why I am Still a Baptist? A Virginia Pastors Perspective” 3:00 p.m. Break 3:15 p.m. Bruce Prescott—“Why I am Still a Baptist? Religious Liberty” 3:45 p.m. What is the New Baptist Covenant? A Dialogue with Bill Underwood, Tyrone Pitts and David Currie 4:45 pm. Adjourn Afternoon Session 6:00 p.m. Banquet Special Music—George Gagliardi Hall of Fame Introductions 7:15 p.m. Bill Underwood—“Why I am Still a Baptist? Baptist Principles” Special music and offering 8:00 p.m. Tyrone Pitts—“Why I am Still a Baptist? The African-American Baptist Experience”

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

8:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:45 a.m. Suzii Paynter—“Why I am Still a Baptist? The Baptist Voice on Ethics” 9:30 a.m. Break 10:00 a.m. Scott Walker—“Why I am Still a Baptist? A Texas Pastor’s Perspective” 10:30 a.m. Closing Concert—George Gagliardi 11:00 a.m. Adjourn Convocation

Note: George Gagliardi will sing throughout the convocation between speakers.

— 14 — The speakers for the Mainstream Convocation will be excellent and include:

Bill Underwood President of Mercer University, Georgia

Tyrone Pitts General secretary Progressive National Baptists

Joe Lewis Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia

Scott Walker Pastor, First Baptist Church, Waco, Texas

Suzii Paynter Director, Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission

Bruce Prescott Director, Mainstream Baptist Oklahoma

— 15 — I want to join A NNUAL M EMBERSHIPS Yes! Texas Baptists Committed Benefactor $5,000 and above Senior Patron $2,500–$4,999 Name Lay Person Church/Denominational Worker Patron $1,000–$2,499

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Home Phone ( ______) Member $35–$99

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