Declaration on Human Rights (Prepared by the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Freedom, Justice, and Peace and presented by the Commission's chairperson, William W. Pinson Jr., to the Congress on July 11, 1980.) We the Commission on Freedom, Justice, and Peace...
WHEREAS terrorism as a technique of dealing with political or ideological conflict has dramatically increased during recent years, and
WHEREAS indiscriminate attacks against civilians through bombing of airplanes, highjacking, kidnapping, harassment and murder are direct attacks against the sanctity of human life and contrary to the will of God, and
The Baptist World Congress, meeting in Los Angeles, CA, July 2-7, 1985, declares its belief that racism and the Christian Gospel are incompatible. We ground this conviction biblically in the doctrine of creation whereby every human person is given dignity as made in the image of God (Genesis 1 :27) and in the doctrine of redemption whereby we proclaim salvation in Christ, crucified and risen, for people of all races and colors (Colossians 3:11), and the external purpose of God to unite all creation in him (Ephesians 1 and 2).
We who have come together for many countries for this 15th Baptist World Congress 1985 praise God together for the good news of the Congress theme, “Out of Darkness into the Light of Christ.”
We believe this to be an essential message for this world stricken as it is with the darkness of death and disease, war and want, ignorance and unbelief, sin and disobedience.
This 15th Baptist World Congress 1985 takes note of the 40th anniversary of the United Nations this year and records with gratitude the many UN activities in addition to seeking peace which are directed to improving the quality of life among the nations of the world.
BWA World Congress Resolution 1980.8 Appreciation Realizing that the 75th Anniversary is a peak experience for our growing and dynamic Baptist World Alliance, we offer our sincere appreciation To the Baptist Federation of Canada and its leaders for their outstanding...
Recognizing the grave world shortages of oil and many other sources of energy,
We urge on all governments and all members of our churches the need for careful and responsible husbanding of such resources, having in mind the effects of these shortages on the economies, especially of developing countries, and the requirements of succeeding generations.
Feeling the deepest disquiet over the plight of the homeless peoples of the world,
We plead with all governments to give care and human rights to the dispossessed peoples within their jurisdiction so they may live with hope and security within their own country.
Recognizing that the world is far from achieving peace and justice and that vast sums are spent on armaments while much of the world goes hungry or suffers from lack of education and medical care,
We affirm that we stand for peace and reconciliation among all nations.
Realizing that many of the world’s peoples are threatened by starvation caused by famine, war, and natural disaster, we recognize the gospel mandate for Christian people to be involved in meeting this urgent human need, and, therefore,
We encourage mission agencies and related church bodies to assist peoples to increase food production and to engage in teaching good nutrition, particularly where people are undernourished.