MISSIONS IN CRISIS TEXAS BAPTISTS RESPOND

The past month (really three months) has been an incredible period in Baptist history. The North American Mission Board violated Baptist polity and threatened to withhold funds to the DC Baptist Convention. Morris Chapman violated Baptist polity and encouraged BGCT related churches to cut funds to Texas Baptist institutions and ministries. The North American Mission Board announced they would not endorse ordained women to be chaplains even though the federal government requires ordination to be a military chaplain. Finally, the International Mission Board reversed an earlier promise and asked all missionaries to sign the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, again violating Baptist polity and historic practices.

Texas Baptists, with great leadership from Charles Wade and our officers have responded to these horrible actions with responsible efforts to help those being attacked. The BGCT has not responded in anger, but with compassion for those affected by these actions and with ideas to further the Kingdom of God.

This newsletter is full of information regarding these events. Several Internet web sites also have excellent information. One can read about Texas Baptists responses further at www.baptiststandard.com or www.bgct.org.

Also Bruce Prescott, director of Oklahoma Mainstream Baptists, has done an incredible job on the Mainstream Baptist Network web site, Bruce has all the latest news and under a side heading of “takeover time line,” one can read a time line of events dating back several years.

As you read these stories, pray for Charles Wade and our BGCT leadership. Also, encourage your church to support these courageous actions taken by the BGCT to fulfill the Great Commission.

April 2002