A SECOND LOOK
By Rick McClatchy

A disheartening story was released by ABP on April 23. On April 11, Eliu Camacho-Vasquez, executive director of the Caribbean office of the Home Mission Board, wrote a letter to Tomas Morales, moderator of the Baptist Association of Puerto Rico.

In the letter Camacho accuses CBF of promoting lesbianism and not believing the Bible. He goes on to warn that any Puerto Rico church that associates with the Fellowship will forfeit financial assistance from the Home Mission Board (HMB).

Camacho’s accusations against CBF are not true. CBF has refused to promote or fund any type of pro-homosexual agenda. CBF has also affirmed its belief in the Bible in its Mission Statement asserting, “We believe in the authority of Scripture. We believe the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, is central in the life of the individual church.” For Camacho to make such accusations is the result of sloppy research about CBF or simply deliberate lies. Either way he should do better.

However disconcerting Camacho’s accusations might be about CBF, the truly great tragedy is his threat to cut off funds to Puerto Rican churches for associating with the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship (KBF). Camacho’s action and attitude simply are not advancing the Kingdom of God in Puerto Rico. After visiting the island last year, the KBF had offered to help the Baptist Association of Puerto Rico build a camp in Moca. The association has the land but very limited funds for building the camp. The association accepted the offer.

Then Camacho threatened to cut off financial support to churches that cooperate with the Fellowship on the project. Daniel Juarde, the association director said, “I cannot understand why, if the association wants the camp, Eliu Camacho would act in a way to keep us from getting it.” Neither can I!

In the final analysis, Camacho’s attitude and actions may cost the Puerto Rican churches a chance to create a camp where people could be saved or matured in the Christian faith. It is horrible to let our differences in Southern Baptist life be exported to the mission field. We must take the high road and respect each other whether the funds or missionaries come from the FBM, HMB, CBF, or KBF. Anything less on the mission field is anti- Great Commission.

Rick McClatchy, Coordinator of the CFB of Oklahoma, is former pastor of FBC Mullin, Texas, and Woodcreek in Brownwood. His articles are always “on target” and we are pleased to share his words with Texas Baptists.

August 1996