We are pleased to share with you the entire set of Resolutions, Manifestos, Messages and Proclamations approved by delegates attending the Baptist World Alliance World Congresses from 1905 through 2015 (the 2020 Congress was postponed to 2021 due to the global pandemic).
Additionally, we are offering the Resolutions and Manifestos approved by the BWA General Council, which meets yearly. The online collection includes the years 1976-2019. The BWA Executive Committee Resolutions are currently being compiled, and a limited number are already accessible. The collection will be expanded over time.
Each Resolution document is in PDF format and seeks to reproduce the original text as closely as possible. This means that language and punctuation may be archaic and not in accordance with contemporary standards of discourse. Spellings of words sometimes are in British English and have been preserved as they were originally published. I am solely responsible for any typographical errors in reproduction, and I would deeply appreciate it if you would share with me any that you may discover.
It is the BWA’s hope that this collection will be useful to scholars, historians, denominational leaders, and clergy. Each document now contains a unique identification number, topical keywords, and four types of citations for academic purposes.
The range of issues covered by the collection is comprehensive, and many of the Resolutions speak to contemporary concerns (such as racism, antisemitism, poverty and war) with multi-cultural wisdom, spiritual integrity, and intellectual depth. Readers seeking to learn how Baptists on a global scale and across time have addressed the human condition in all of its variations (moral, social, economic, political, etc.) will be rewarded as well as challenged.
In Baptist polity, Resolutions and other collective statements are not binding on Baptist individuals or churches. They intend to share wisdom and raise consciousness rather than to demand or coerce conformity or hinder the soul freedom and responsibility of people to follow God according to the dictates of their own Christ-led conscience. In the foreword to the 1955 Golden Jubilee World Congress Official Report (p. 6), BWA General Secretary Arnold T. Ohrn stated this principle well:
If you should need any further assistance in utilizing this online historical archive, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer,
BWA Historian (Click here to contact)
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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
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
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.
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.
World Evangelism
From the beginning of our history Baptists have been a missionary people. We are grateful to God for the sacrifice and commitment of many missionaries. A new day is dawning in world evangelization. The former receiving churches are becoming sending churches. The task of world evangelization is now for every Baptist convention and union.
World Peace and Reconciliation
BWA World Congress Resolution 1970.1 We, the representatives of the Baptist World Alliance, assembled in Tokyo, Japan, in July, 1970: Reaffirm the deep devotion of Baptists to peace and reconciliation for all humanity on this earth under God; Restate our realization...
Reconciliation and Racial Discrimination
At Berlin in 1934, at Atlanta in 1939, at Copenhagen in 1947, at Cleveland in 1950, at London in 1955, at Rio de Janeiro in 1960, and at Miami Beach in 1965 the Baptist World Alliance registered its opposition to racial discrimination and its parent, racism, which is the evil of looking at men in terms of their differences of color or culture rather than their oneness as children of God.
1970 BWA World Congress Message to the Churches
We who have the privilege and joy of attending the Twelfth Congress of the Baptist World Alliance at Tokyo greet you, the members of churches in fellowship with the Alliance. In this written message we cannot convey the wonder of the inspiration felt in worship, prayer, and fellowship with so large a gathering of representatives from so many countries, meeting for the first time in Asia.
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2023 Global Impact Day
Global Impact Day Celebrating the Lord's Work through the Baptist World Alliance2023 Global Impact DayWhat a joy it is to serve alongside faithful Baptist brothers and sisters around the world! We greatly value your prayers and faithful partnership with us, and we...
Baptist World Congress Logo Unveiled
In partnership with Australian Baptist Ministries and Queensland Baptists, the BWA is pleased to unveil the 2025 Congress logo designed by a First Nations artist.
BWA Holistic Mission Guide Webinar Registration (Part 3)
Holistic Mission Webinar: Part Three Baptist World Alliance Webinar SeriesBWA Commission on MissionIn response to the global impact of COVID-19 on the mission of the church, the Baptist World Alliance developed and released a Holistic Mission Guide earlier this year...
Baptist World Alliance Appoints Director of Ministries
The Baptist World Alliance selected Jenny Stewart of Australia/United Kingdom as its first Director of Ministries and Chief Operating Officer.
BWA Women to Host Global Day of Prayer Service
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA - October 14, 2022) For more than 70 years, Baptist women around the world have united every November for Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer. This year a new tradition will be added to the historic event as Baptist World Alliance Women (BWA...
2022 BWA Annual Gathering Focused on Racial Justice
(BIRMINGHAM, AL – July 22, 2022) The thematic focus and content development for the Gathering was largely facilitated by the BWA Racial Justice Action Group launched in October 2020 with unanimous affirmation from the BWA Executive Committee. Co-chaired by BWA General Secretary Elijah M. Brown and BWA First Vice President Karl Johnson from Jamaica, the Action Group embarked on a two-year journey
BWA Welcomes New Member Body
Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 12, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Council unanimously approved the Missionary Baptist Conference, USA (MBC), as the newest member of the global Baptist body.
BWA Presents 2022 Human Rights Award
(BIRMINGHAM, AL – July 17, 2022) On the final day of the 2022 Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Annual Gathering, the BWA presented the 2022 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award to Daniel L. Buttry. Established in 2006, the annual award is given by the BWA for...
BWA Commissions New Vice President
(BIRMINGHAM, AL – July 17, 2022) Samuel C. Tolbert, Jr. was unanimously elected Vice President for the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) at the global body’s Annual Gathering in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, on Thursday, July 14. The election comes after nominations...
BWA General Council Approves Four Resolutions
(BIRMINGHAM, AL – July 16, 2022) The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Council approved four resolutions during their final session of the 2022 Annual Gathering. The first two resolutions addressed the state of war, violence, and political unrest in the...
Baptist World Alliance Launches Global Evangelism Initiatives
Compelled by the Great Commission, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has a longstanding commitment to evangelism, rooted in the call to live out Gospel witness in every place and among all people groups in partnership with other believers.
Executive Committee Releases Statement on Ukrainian Crisis
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, USA – March 25, 2022) In conjunction with its Executive Committee meetings conducted this month, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Executive Committee has released a joint statement in response to the crisis in Eastern Europe. This is the first statement of its kind released by the Executive Committee in over 40 years.
School of Evangelism – Spanish
Hacer discípulos juntosToda la iglesia llevando todo el evangelio a todo el mundoLa pandemia del COVID-19 ha afectado a innumerables vidas en todo el mundo, una necesidad global que justifica una respuesta global. Al principio de la crisis, la Alianza Mundial Bautista...
School of Evangelism – Portuguese
Juntos Fazendo DiscípulosA igreja toda levando o evangelho todo para o mundo todo A pandemia da COVID-19 impactou inúmeras vidas em todo o mundo - uma necessidade global que justificou uma resposta global. No início da crise, a Aliança Batista Mundial lançou...
Baptist World Alliance Participates in UN Prayer Service
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, USA - March 5, 2022) As part of the Baptist World Alliance’s ongoing commitment to pray for peace in Eastern Europe, BWA leadership participated in a multi-faith prayer meeting entitled “Global Prayers for Ukraine: A Multi-Faith Service for...
Evangelism Month
The BWA leads with a passionate compelling commitment to Gospel witness, through this Evangelism Month in every place and among all people.
Baptist World Alliance Responds to Crisis in Ukraine
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, USA - February 27, 2022) The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) decries the violence in Eastern Europe and supports the Baptist efforts there to be the light of Christ. In response to the rising tension along the Ukrainian and Russian border, the...
The Scourge of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a growing crime that "involves an act or recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion or other means for the purpose of exploiting them, " as stated by UN Office on Drugs & Crime....
Major Steps Toward Reconciliation
BWA General Secretary Neville Callam has praised leaders of the Baptist Convention of Kenya (BCOK) for the courageous actions they took during a recent meeting at their national church office in Nairobi. After years of conflict and division, the leaders decided it was...
Baptist World Alliance to Host First Hybrid Annual Gathering
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – January 14, 2022) The Baptist World Alliance will partner with Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, to host the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering, a strategic time for Baptists worldwide to gather for prayer, fellowship, learning, and...
2022 Annual Gathering
Baptist leaders’ Annual Gathering from around the world will meet for this powerful time of prayer, fellowship, learning, and planning together.
Moving Beyond the Pandemic
Moving Beyond the Pandemic: Making 2022 CountBaptist World Alliance Forum for Aid and Development (BFAD)How can the church serve faithfully in its context and community in 2022?Many are slipping back into extreme poverty, national governments are weakening because of...
Baptist-Catholic Dialogue Convenes in Durham, North Carolina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, USA - December 16, 2021) Participants from around the world gathered December 6-10 for the Baptist-Catholic International Dialogue, a series of strategic bilateral conversations between the Baptist World Alliance (BWA)...
Baptist World Alliance Women Honors Moreen Sharp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – November 5, 2021) Moreen Sharp concluded her term of service as Baptist World Alliance Women (BWAW) Interim Executive Director on November 1. Stepping into the role in 2016, Sharp has helped the ministry navigate the...
BWA Women to Host Day of Prayer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – October 29, 2021) Baptist World Alliance Women (BWAW) will host the annual Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer on Monday, November 1. Each year on the first Monday of November, Baptist women around the world gather...
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