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Peace in the Middle East (2024.3)
BWA General Council Resolution 2024.3 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, July 7-12, 2024: REMEMBERS the biblical call to be peacemakers (Nahum 1:15; Matthew 5:9; Acts 10:36; Romans 12:18;James 3:18). As followers of Jesus Christ,...
Religious Nationalism (2024.2)
BWA General Council Resolution 2024.2 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, July 7-12, 2024: LAMENTS the rise of religious nationalism around the world in all forms of government from totalitariansystems to democracies. Religious...
World Hunger (2024.1)
BWA General Council Resolution 2024.1 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, July 7-12, 2024: AFFIRMS as Christians, we are called to demonstrate our love for God by loving our neighbors, an ethicechoed throughout the scriptures...
Dignity and Justice for Indigenous Peoples (2023.1)
BWA General Council Resolution 2022.3 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Stavanger, Norway, July 2-5, 2023: ACKNOWLEDGES the Sámi people of the Sápmi region, some of which overlaps with themodern nation in which we gather. CELEBRATES the rich...
Restorative Racial Justice & Flourishing Freedom (2022.3)
BWA General Council Resolution 2022.3 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: ACKNOWLEDGES that since our last in-person gathering, a season of racial hostilities globally demands a renewed commitment to the...
Myanmar (2022.2)
BWA General Council Resolution 2022.2 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: NOTES on February 1, 2021, the democratically elected leaders in Myanmar were overthrown in a coup d’état by the military...
Ukraine (2022.1)
BWA General Council Resolution 2022.1 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: RECALLS the words and examples of the Old Testament prophets concerned to speak the truth of the word of the Lord into situations...
Slavery Reparations (2022.4)
BWA General Council Resolution 2022.4 The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 10-15, 2022: ACKNOWLEDGES important local, national, and global conversations about chattel slavery, its enduring generational impacts, and the...
Resolution on Ministry to Refugees
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
ACKNOWLEDGES the profound challenges created in many parts of our world by the massive flow of refugees and displaced persons,
Resolution Opposing Violence and Abuse of Women and Girls
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6:
AFFIRMS that women and girls are created in the image of God and invested with inestimable worth and dignity as gifts from God, and are essential to the health and vitality of families, churches, communities, and national life;
Resolution on Religious Liberty in the USA
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
AFFIRMS freedom of religion and belief as a core value borne out in Baptist history and opposes all forms of discrimination based on faith or religion;
Resolution on the Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
STATES its concerns at the climate of political and social instability and violence in Venezuela, which has led to deteriorating socio-economic conditions, including a shortage of food and medicines;
Resolution on Religious Freedom in Russia
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
REAFFIRMS our historic Baptist commitment to religious freedom as a gift of God to all people, regardless of denomination or religion; and that this same commitment is enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18, to which the Russian Federation is a signatory;
Resolution on Violations of Religious Freedom in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016:
RENEWS its concern about the continuing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria previously addressed by a BWA resolution in 2012;
Appendix II: Baptist World Alliance Resolutions Paper
1. The diverse worldwide Baptist family, represented through the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), is concerned about the contemporary religious, missional, social, cultural, political and economic issues that affect the global family.
2. One means of giving expression to the conclusions Baptists draw on issues of concern to them, and of bearing witness to this before the world, is through the preparation, adoption and sharing of resolutions proposed by member bodies, commissions, etc., for approval by the BWA General Council.
3. BWA’s approach to framing resolutions is informed by biblical teaching and predicated on Baptists’ trinitarian faith. The resolutions are shaped by the values and convictions generally affirmed by Baptists and are proposed by members of the Baptist family, or by the Resolutions Committee, which also considers, reviews and amends them where necessary for presentation to the General Council for consideration and possible adoption.
Situation in Ukraine
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
NOTES with concern that, in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine generally, the situation has led to increased religious persecution, especially against evangelical Christians;
Resolution on Refugees in East Africa
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
NOTES with appreciation the resolution titled “Ministry to Refugees” adopted by the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016;
Resolution on Freedom of Religion in the Lugansk Region in Eastern Ukraine
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6, 2018:
EXPRESSES concern that that the situation for religious communities is precarious in the eastern part of Ukraine – the Lugansk region. The region is part of a conflict area now widely understood to be under the control of Russia, which has recognized the area as “The Lugansk Peoples Republic (LPR).”
Resolution on Human Slavery and Trafficking
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5-7, 2017:
ACKNOWLEDGES that General Council has regularly reminded the global family of Baptists about the evil practice of modern slavery;
Resolution on Preserving the Primacy of Family in Immigration
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-6, 2018:
RECOGNIZES that the human desire to preserve and protect one’s family from violence, disease, economic depravity, and other threatening conditions is universal and drives millions of people to leave their homelands seeking better lives for themselves and their family members;
Resolution on Current Manifestations of Religious Intolerance and Religiously-Motivated Violence
The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Council, meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, July 7-12, 2019: EXPRESSES its deep concern over recent instances of religious intolerance and religiously- motivated violence around the world since its last meeting in 2018
Humanitarian Crisis of the Mass Migration of Unaccompanied Minors in the Americas
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance {BWA), meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES the human tragedy of the recent flood of unaccompanied minors to the United States who risk their lives in search of safety, economic resources and justice;
Recognizing and Affirming the Calling of Women in the Church
CELEBRATES the Baptist International Conference on Theological Education that met in Nassau, Bahamas, July 5-7, 2019, with the theme of “TOGETHER: Re-Imagining, Re-Reading HERstory in the Church,” with significant discussions of women in the church;
Resolution on the Paris Agreement and Climate Change
The Baptist World Alliance General Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, July 6-8, 2016: CONTINUES TO BELIEVE AND AFFIRM:
• God is the creator, sustainer, and Lord of all, delights in creation, and is committed to its care and renewal;
• The biblical teaching that the earth is God’s creation and we, also as God’s creation, are to nurture and care for it;
Resolution on Haiti
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
ACKNOWLEDGES that the Republic of Haiti was the first, and for a long time, the only state in the world to recognize equality of rights for all human beings regardless of gender, economic condition or any other consideration;
Kachin Crisis
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
LAMENTS the atrocities occurring in Rakhine, Chin, Karen and Kachin states in Myanmar;
Resolution on Corruption
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
ACKNOWLEDGES that every human being is created in the image of God and thereby has an intrinsic
value to God and to the world (Genesis 1:26-27);
Christians at Risk of Persecution
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014:
RECOGNIZES the very real dangers faced by many Christians in various parts of the world who experience intolerance and persecution from governments and authorities of different political, religious and ideological persuasions;
Child Sexual Abuse in the Church
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
AFFIRMS the intrinsic and inestimable value of children and young people as gifts from God and as the promise of future generations;
Encouraging Discipleship in Turkey
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Izmir, Turkey, July 9-11, 2014: RECOGNIZES the courage and faithfulness of the disciples of Christ in the nation of Turkey;
ACKNOWLEDGES the government’s efforts towards mutual respect and tolerance among different religious groups, which help promote peace and harmony among all of its peoples;
Current Crisis on the Korean Peninsula
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
NOTES, with concern, the nuclear test carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the escalation of rhetoric involving the DPRK, Republic of Korea and the USA of America, and the fear that this can lead to armed conflict in the region;
Human Rights Based on the Work of Anabaptist Richard Overton
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013, in honor of the Human Rights Advocacy award winner for 2013, Glen Stassen:
RECALLS the contributions of English Anabaptist Richard Overton who encouraged Christians to discover human rights by recognizing the rule of God as revealed in Jesus;
Resolution on Displaced Persons
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Ocha Rios, Jamaica, July 1-6, 2013:
REMEMBERS that the Bible honors displaced persons, including the people of Israel who lived as exiles for forty years before entering Canaan (Exodus 13ff.), and who later experienced displacement, loss and trauma when exiled to Assyria and Babylon (e.g. 2 Kings 24:10-16), and the Lord Jesus Christ who, with his family, experienced life as a displaced person (Matthew 2:13-23);
Prayer for Justice and Mercy for Nations and Peoples in Conflict
We express concern for nations and peoples who are caught in a terrible circle of hatred, violence, injustice, and suffering, who live in fear in police states where terrorist acts and military incursions are regular events.
We further recognize that the oppression and depravities by one group leads to anger and violence by the other which is then escalated by the first.
Racism
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting Havana Cuba July 5-8 2000
COMMITTED to the Decade of Racial Justice and affirming that in the Atlanta Covenant we condemn racism and ethnic conflict;
RESOLVES to encourage member bodies to promote programmes to combat racism and ethnic violence around the world;
BWA Centenary and Funding
THANKS God for the Baptist World Alliance, consisting of more than 44 million baptized believers in an extended community of some 100 million people;
ACKNOWLEDGES with appreciation its strategic ministry of calling persons to personal faith in Jesus Christ, defending human rights, advocating social justice, meeting human needs and training Baptist leaders and churches to deepen their impact for Christ in their communities;
Appreciation
NOTES with appreciation the work of Korean Baptists in hosting this 2004 meeting of the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance;
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of South Korea, its President, C. Y. Choi and General Secretary, S. S. Hong for their invitation to meet in Seoul;
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8, 2000
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptists of Cuba and the local congregations in Havana for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;
Children
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, July 8 – 13, 2002:
AFFIRMS that every child, from the time of conception, is of inestimable worth, having been created in the image of God, and possessing at an appropriate age the capacity to experience fellowship with God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
Violence Against Women and Children
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Recognizes that women and children are victims of violence that include exploitation in the sex industry, which includes sexual trafficking, labor exploitation, domestic conflict, recruitment into military conflict, rape, many other forms of violence because of precarious and vulnerable situations.
Sanctions
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Havana July 5-8, 2000
NOTES the pain and suffering endured by innocent persons as a result of the imposition of international economic sanctions;
RECALLS that at its meeting in Montego Bay in 1992 the Council took note of the “heavy burdens placed on the poor of … Cuba by the present trade embargo” and called for the “speedy removal of economic sanctions which impact leaders, while devastating the population at large”:
Children
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13 2002: AFFIRMS that Jesus Christ calls the church to proclaim the gospel to all nations (Matt. 28:18- 20);
COMMENDS our Division of Evangelism and Education for its leadership in promoting global evangelism;
Statement of Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Offers sincere thanks to the Mexico Baptist Convention for the invitation to hold this Annual Gathering in this wonderful city.
Climate Change
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Confesses that humans have often denied or ignored our interdependence with creation and abrogated our stewardship of creation, resulting in misuse of the earth’s resources, environmental degradation, and damage to ecosystems;
The Middle East
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13, 2002:
DEPLORES the continuing violence in the Middle East;
LAMENTS the absence of peace for all the people of the Middle East;
NOTES that the absence of peace for the Middle East contributes to suffering throughout the world;
HIV/AIDS Crisis
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Notes again the great urgency of the HIV/AIDS crisis and laments that 65 million people have been infected and more than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS in the past 25 years.
Involuntary Fingerprinting of Roma People in Italy
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Laments that the Italian government, without objection of the European Union, is practicing the involuntary fingerprinting of all Roma people within its borders, including children, which we regard as ethnic profiling;
Against Terrorism
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Seville, Spain, July 8-13 2002:
NOTES with profound sadness the continuing suffering and destruction caused by various kinds of terrorism;
EXTENDS its sympathy to all victims of terrorism and encourages initiatives to offer relief to such victims;
On Human Rights and Abuses in Myanmar
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Recognizes historic Baptists links with Burma [Myanmar] dating back to the work of Adoniram Judson and his colleagues in the nineteenth century.
Refugees and Immigration
BWA General Council Resolution 2008.7 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008; Recognizes the global growth of refugee migration and international relocation with more than 67 million current refugees and...
Congratulations to Former USA President, Jimmy Carter
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
RECOGNIZES the importance of the work of Baptists throughout the world, individually and collectively, to bring peace and justice to all of the people of God;
ACKNOWLEDGES the tireless efforts of former President Jimmy Carter to bring about peace and justice in the world;
On Sudan
Expresses concern about the ongoing armed conflicts which have resulted in more than 2,000,000 deaths and over 1,000,000 displaced persons and numerous other human rights violations. These violations are evident in Darfur, but exist throughout Sudan. Encourages further networking among Sudanese Baptist churches who are isolated by the effects of war.
Ministry of Reconciliation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Expresses deep sadness and regret over religious and ethnic conflicts that claim many lives and create deep scars in different parts of the world;
World Methodist Council
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
CELEBRATES with the World Methodist Council the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, founder of Methodism;
THANKS God for God’s blessings upon, and use of, the Methodist Church for God’s Kingdom work during these three centuries;
Evangelism and Missions
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Mexico City, July 3-8, 2006:
Reaffirms at the beginning of a new century of Baptist World Alliance life and witness our commitment to proclaim and demonstrate, through word and deed, our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Zimbabwe
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, July 20- 25, 2008;
Rejoices in the work God is doing among his people in Zimbabwe and in particular through the Baptist churches in Zimbabwe;
Upheaval in Africa
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7-12, 2003:
COMMENDS the Christian churches and missions in Africa, especially the Baptist congregations, for their commitment to the Great Commission of Matthew 28, which has resulted in some of the most vibrant and fastest growing Christian communities in the world;
200th Anniversary of the Passing of the Act to Abolish the Slave Trade in the British Colonies
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 2-7, 2007:
Resolves to commemorate in this historic setting the two hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the abolition of the slave trade.
Admits a long history of human enslavement that has broken families, robbed identities, stripped dignity and inflicted deep and inexpressible pain.
El Salvador
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4-12, 19922;
HAVING received a report from the Baptist World Alliance Human Rights Delegation to El Salvador in January, 1992, and also from our Baptist sisters and brothers in that troubled country;
The Ministry of Reconciliation
REJOICES with the world community at recent political developments where negotiation has opened the way to peaceful resolution of long-term hostility or oppression, in particular:
• the September 1993 accords between the Israelis and Palestinians
• the birth of a non-racial and truly democratic society through the April 1994 elections in South Africa
• the peaceful transition to democracy in Malawi in 1994 where Baptists and other Christian leaders played a crucial and courageous role;
Jubilee 2000
BWA General Council Resolution 1998.4 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting In Durban, July 5-11,1998 ANTICIPATES a special celebration of the anniversary of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the year 2000; AFFIRMS that "there is no other...
The Former Yugoslav Federal Republic
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4-12, 1992;
MINDFUL of the devastation and loss of life wrought by the recent and continuing conflicts in the countries of the former Yugoslav Federal Republic, and in accordance with its belief that God in Christ wills reconciliation in place of enmity;
Witness in a Secular Europe
CELEBRATES the widespread presence of Baptists through the nations of Eurasia;
RECOGNIZES that member bodies, such as the Baptist Union of Sweden, in their commitment to partnership with other Christians, without compromising their distinctive Baptist identity, provide a model of the sharing of work and witness called for by the Seoul Covenant;
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting In Durban July 5-11,1998
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of South Africa, the Baptist Union of Southern Africa, and the local congregations in Durban and vicinity for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;
Carribean
SURROUNDED by the beauty of this part of God’s creation and conscious of the lively heritage of its diverse peoples;
ECHOING the grave concern of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship for the present economic and sociopolitical realities of the region;
1995 Baptist World Congress: Celebrate Christ, the Hope of the World
BWA General Council Resolution 1994.6 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Uppsala, Sweden from 18-24 July 1994: ENDORSES preparations being made for the 17th Baptist World Congress to be held 1-6 August 1995 in Buenos Aires, Argentina;...
Balkans Reconciliation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999
ACKNOWLEDGES with gratitude the speedy and continuing response by Baptist World Aid, other Baptist agencies, and various non-governmental organizations in providing relief to the victims of this conflict in the spirit of biblical teaching including Romans 12:14-21;
Southern Africa
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4-12, 1992;
MINDFUL of the meetings of the General Council and the 12th Baptist Youth World Conference set for Zimbabwe in August, 1993;
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Uppsala, Sweden from 18-24 July 1994:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Union of Sweden for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;
Jubilee 2000 Developments
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999 RECALLS the 1998 General Council resolution endorsing the Jubilee 2000 initiative;
REJOICES in the developing success of this campaign, which seeks to encourage the forgiveness of debts by banks and government agencies to ensure a debt-free start to the next millennium for the poorest nations in the world;
Appreciation
BWA General Council Resolution 1992.8 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4-12, 1992; EXPRESSES to the Jamaica Baptist Union sincere appreciation and genuine gratitude for the splendid preparation and warm...
Evangelism
REAFFIRMS the priority given by the Alliance to evangelism; and
APPRECIATES the leadership already demonstrated by President Nilson Fanini and eagerly anticipates his continuing efforts in this area; and
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Dresden July 11-17, 1999
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Germany and the local congregations of Dresden and vicinity for their warm welcome and generous hospitality;
ACKNOWLEDGES the gracious welcome to the State of Saxony given by Herr Gunther Portune, state secretary in the ministry of culture;
The Evangelization of the Peoples of Africa
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe August 6-9, 1993,
ACKNOWLEDGES with gratitude to Almighty God the movement of the Holy Spirit seen in the dramatic expansion of the churches in the continent of Africa, and in particular the growth of BWA member churches of approximately 50% over the past five years;
Persecution of Christians
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Uppsala, Sweden from 18-24 July 1994:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Union of Sweden for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;
Anniversary of William Carey’s Arrival in India
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe August 6-9, 1993,
GIVES THANKS TO GOD for the missionary vision of William Carey and rejoices in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of his arrival in India;
Church Burning in the U.S.A.
NOTES with profound concern the continuing incidents of church burning, numbering in excess of 40 within the past 18 months in the United States of America, involving congregations with African– American membership; and
Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in. Harare, Zimbabwe August 6-9, 1993,
GIVES THANKS TO GOD for the life and witness of Martin Luther King Jr. in this 125th anniversary year of his tragic and untimely death;
Hong Kong
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Hong Kong, July 3-9,1996:
NOTES the approaching return of the territory of Hong Kong to Chinese control effective July 1, 1997; and
RECOGNIZES that some perceive this event as potentially traumatic, while others are more optimistic about a new experiment in plural socio-economic systems co-existing within a single nation; and
Prayer and Concern for the Eastern Part of Europe and the Soviet Union
THANKFUL to God for the positive changes that have taken place in Eastern Europe and the whole of the Soviet Union, including the increasing freedom experienced in many aspects of the life of these nations,
THANKFUL particularly for those places where greater freedom of religion has been evidenced and new opportunities for evangelization and theological education have been made possible,
Poverty and the Nations
EXPRESSES concern the effects of drought and patterns of international trade and aid have exacerbated conditions of famine, poverty and disease amongst the many poor and disadvantaged peoples of the nations of the South, not least in the continent of Africa.
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Hong Kong, July 3-9, 1996:
OFFERS sincere thanks to the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong for the warmth of their welcome and the generosity of their hospitality;
ACKNOWLEDGES the gracious welcome to Hong Kong given by President Cecil Chan; and
World Evangelization
REALIZING that over four billion people in our world do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and that one-fourth of the world’s population has never heard the Gospel,
ACKNOWLEDGING the commitment that member bodies of the BWA have made through the Seoul Covenant to world evangelization.
World Hunger
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Nairobi, Kenya:
1. Aware of the constant struggle for physical survival in this continent as well as in the world, the present conditions in the Sahel being one tragic example, would there draw attention to the statement quoted in the report of the BWAid Committee as follows…”
Reaffirmation
While we acknowledge that there are strong cultural and theological differences about the role of women in the church, we wish to affirm the teaching of Galatians 3:28 that in Christ, male and female are equal.
We encourage the churches to affirm this truth in the life and thereby reflect integrity in our Christian witness.
Hostages
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Amman, Jordan, July 5-12, 1987, affirms its belief:
— that all human beings are created by God;
— that human life is sacred and of value to God;
Sexual Morality
WHEREAS, humanity everywhere is undergoing a revolution in sexual morality as evidenced by changing mores, promiscuity, marital infidelity and a preoccupation of the media and advertising with a crass commercialization of sex, and
Fundamental Freedoms
Ever since the Baptist World Congress in Atlanta in 1939 the Baptist World Alliance has spoken out with regularity on behalf of religious freedom for all persons, and in more recent years on behalf of civil liberties generally.
Greetings
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in West Berlin, sends warm Christian greetings to the Lutheran World Federation meeting at the same time in Budapest. We pray for God’s blessing on your deliberations and on the work of your churches throughout the world.
Religious and Racial Minorities
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Amman, Jordan, July 5-12, 1987, l) welcomes the encouraging report of the Baptist Friendship Tour to China in 1986;
2) warmly supports the decision to plan further visits and contacts for learning and sharing with Chinese Christians; and,
An Appeal for Consistency in Living the Christian Life
WHEREAS the New Testament teaches that it is incumbent on every believer to life the Christian life in a consistent manner day-by-day, and
WHEREAS such consistency means applying biblical principles to life’s varied situations, and
Health and Education
We hold the conviction that our ministry to people should be holistic, inclusive of the all important spiritual, and also of the physical and moral.
We acknowledge with joy the work of Baptist churches, associations, unions and mission bodies in ministries of health and education and would strongly encourage bold new ventures in poverty areas.
International Year of Youth
WE CALL UPON Baptists of the world, in cooperation with other Christians, to make one of their evangelistic goals the winning of a whole new generation of young people for Christ, by sharing with them the Gospel of hope as the only answer to the many problems and dangers facing them — nuclear threat, unemployment, drugs, hunger, poverty, materialism, racism, violence, etc.
2000 A.D. — Year of Peace
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Amman, Jordan, July 5-12, 1987, welcomes the vision of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America for the year 2000 A.D. to be recognized as a Year of Peace to mark the beginning of the third Christian millennium.
Families
WHEREAS the family remains the God-ordained mainstay of society, as well as the center of intimacy and commitment for significant, ongoing relationships, and
WHEREAS many alternative lifestyles are replacing traditional family structures and roles in numerous cultures throughout the world, and
Peace and Peaceful Change
We express our grave disappointment over the breaches of international peace which have occurred in the past twelve months, especially but not limited to, the situation in the Falkland Islands-Islas Malvinas, and in Lebanon, Somalia, El Salvador and Afghanistan, among others.
Appreciation
This Council expresses its deep appreciation to the Union of the Evangelical Free Churches s in Germany (Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in Deutschland), to the Baptist Churches of Berlin West and to the city authorities, for their welcome and generous hospitality and for their careful preparations for these Council meetings. We also thank the officers and staff of the Alliance for their commitment and organization which have insured the success of the meetings.
The Millennium of Christianity in Russia
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Amman, Jordan, July 5-12, 1987, expresses its joy at the forthcoming celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Christianity in Russia in 1988 and gives God thanks for the contribution of Russian Christians to the world church.
Seoul Congress
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, August 1989, calls on all the member conventions and unions to pray for our world congress in Seoul.
Disarmament
We reiterate the conviction expressed by every Baptist World Congress form 1970 to the present, that the levels of fighting forces and armaments of the nations must be reduced. The arms race between the super- powers and the increased military readiness of all nations constitute a danger to peace and are an economic and social waste.
Human Rights-A Call to Action Against Torture
We reaffirm the fundamental Christian convictions expressed in Resolution 1983.4 of the Baptist World Alliance, adopted in July 1983 in the Republic of Argentina, namely that “human rights are God-given and that violations of human rights are violations of the laws of God.”
Appreciation
This Council wholeheartedly thanks the officers, members and churches of the Jordan Baptist Convention and the missionary personnel working with them for their warm welcome and generous hospitality and for the excellent preparations made for these meetings in Amman.
Appreciation
BWA General Council Resolution 1989.8 The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, August 1989, hereby expresses to the Baptist Union of Yugoslavia heartfelt thanks for its warm hospitality and the opportunity to meet in Zagreb, a...
Appreciation
Recognizing the historic nature of our presence in Africa, the Baptist World Alliance General Council and Study Commissions express our deep appreciation:
• To the government of Kenya for hosting our meetings, extending to us their welcome and visas to all participants.
• To the Baptist Convention of Kenya for their warm greetings and gracious hospitality.
• To the missionaries in Kenya of the Southern Baptist Convention and other local volunteers.
Greetings to the Southern Baptist Convention
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Singapore July 2-5, 1986, sends greetings to the Southern Baptist Convention and conveys interest in the well-being of the Convention through prayer that it may experience under the Lordship of Christ a strengthening of harmony and goodwill, and thereby continue to direct its total effort, out of the abundance of its resources in Christ and its churches, to the winning of people to Christ and the building up of the Church as the agent of peace and reconciliation in the world.
Openness in the Soviet Union
Today we commend Christians in the Soviet Union, and especially Baptists, for their positive contributions, faithfully made in season and out, to their country’s morality, culture and history.
For many years the Baptist World Alliance has appealed to the government of the USSR to permit a larger measure of religious freedom for its people.
Appreciation to C. E. Bryant
Recognizing the loyal and dedicated service of the Rev. Cyril E. Bryant, Lit.D., the BWA General Council expresses deep appreciation for
• twenty-five years of devoted ministry to the Baptist World Alliance.
• skillful editing of BAPTIST WORLD.
• comprehensive news coverage of happenings in the worldwide family of Baptists.
• creative feature writing, including his book, Operation Brother’s Brother.
Youth Ministry
he BWA General Council welcomes the report of the Youth Executive Committee on the value of the Asian Youth Leadership Training Conference in Singapore last week.
With them we thank God for the enthusiasm and commitment of the youth leaders who shared in this cross- cultural experience. We also acknowledge the support of those Unions and Conventions which made it possible for so many to attend.
Charismatic Movement
WHEREAS the Commission on Doctrine and Inter-Church Cooperation has for a number of years devoted some of its attention to the charismatic movement, we request the Commission to provide the 1978 BWA General Council such summary statement and guidelines for our Baptist fellowship as they deem appropriate.
Human Rights
WHEREAS the Commission on Freedom, Justice, and Peace has for a number of years devoted some of its attention to the issues of human rights, we request the Commission to provide the 1978 BWA General Council such summary statement and guidelines as they deem appropriate.
Testing of Nuclear Weapons
WHEREAS the Baptist World Congress, held in Tokyo in 1970, called for International “agreements for the limitation of both offensive and defensive strategic weapons” and for “immediate agreements to suspend the further deployment of all offensive and defensive nuclear strategic weapons systems, subject to national verification or such other measures of observation and inspection as may be appropriate,”
Message to Baptist Churches Throughout the World
The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of almost 29 of the 33 million Baptists in the world. They represent many nations and widely differing cultures and ways of life and thought. It is neither within its power nor its function to direct, or rule on the internal affairs of the political or economic procedures of its constituent bodies or of their countries.
Theological Training and “The Seminary Fund”
Carl W. Tiller had been asked to prepare a report for the Council on efforts made in past years by Baptists of the world to provide theological training and to establish a theological seminary in the heart of Europe. His written report contained a history of a seminary fund for training in the Slavic languages, begun in 1908 by Baptists.
The Dispossessed
The Baptist World Alliance General Council expresses the deepest disquiet over the plight of the dispossessed and homeless peoples of the world.
We plead with all governments to avoid discriminatory policies against any of the peoples within their jurisdiction.
World Hunger (1979)
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, realizing that many of the world’s peoples are threatened by starvation — by famine, war and natural disaster which have contributed to their desperate plight — we cannot help but recognize the gospel mandate for Christian people to meet such urgent human need.
Religious Freedom and Human Rights
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, believing in the inherent right of all people to freedom of religious faith, practice, and propagation, and recognizing the rights of governments to require that such freedom shall be exercised responsibly, wishes once again to express its deep concern over present attitudes in many countries with respect to religious believers, involving in some cases, strong legislation against them.
Sources of Energy
We, the General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, 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 Third World countries and the requirements of succeeding generations.
Appreciation
MOTION was made and seconded, and carried
32GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, meeting in Melbourne, Australia, resolves
Appreciation
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance wishes to express its appreciation of:
1. The royal welcome of our British Baptist brothers and sisters, whose thoughtful kindness has further endeared them to us. We will take back to our homes their gift to remind us of these days while life shall last.
Appreciation
MOTION by W. A. Criswell was seconded, and carried 33GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance resolves to place on record, as the European Office of the Baptist World Alliance is transferred from London, England, to Hamburg, Germany, its sincere and warm appreciation of the significant contribution made to the Baptist World Alliance by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland from its inception and throughout its history,
Relief and Development Programs
MOTION by Roy Bell was seconded, and carried
34GC76 that the following resolution, and all pending amendments, be referred to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Since certain governments engage in programs of relief and development beyond their boundaries, and in so doing use their own and other governmental agencies, national voluntary agencies, but do not use international voluntary agencies; and
Food Aid as a Political Instrument
MOTION by W. A. Criswell was seconded, and carried 35GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance, believing that the feeding of the starving and the undernourished ought not to be limited to people whose governments are closely allied to donor governments, and recognizing that some governments have used, or have been under pressure to use relief,
Peace Conference
5 MOTION was made, seconded, amended, and carried 36GC76 that the following resolution be adopted:
The General Council, having learned of the preparations to hold a World Conference in 1977, involving representation from all the major religions of the world, entitled “World Conference of Religious Workers for Lasting Peace, Disarmament, and Just Relations Among Nations,”
Appreciation
BE IT RESOLVED that we show our appreciation to the Baptist people of Miami, especially the staff and congregation of the Central Baptist Church of Miami, and the Miami Baptist Association for their fine hospitality.
Appreciation
WHEREAS the General Secretary and staff of the BWA have served the meeting with outstanding efficiency and courtesy, thereby facilitating the speedy and effective work of this Council,
Man’s Stewardship and Survival on This Earth
The Twelfth Baptist World Congress, meeting in Tokyo, Japan, during July 12-18, 1970, notes with deep concern the continuing and increasing lack of economic self-sufficiency suffered by the majority of the inhabitants of the world, particularly those who are citizens of the developing countries.