ATLANTA

During its Feb. 20-22 meeting, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s 50-member Coordinating Council ratified a historic, new partnership agreement with the Hispanic Baptist Theological School and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, which represents 1,100 Hispanic Baptist churches.

The landmark agreement calls for CBF and the Hispanic convention to start 400 Hispanic churches in the United States during the next eight years, and for CBF and the Hispanic seminary to train 400 new Hispanic Baptist pastors and church leaders. Now approved by all of the partners’ governing bodies, the partnership must be voted on by the full membership of each organization. The final votes will take place at the CBF General Assembly and the Hispanic Baptist Convention at their respective meetings in June.

“This partnership is about the future,” said Antonio Estrada, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. “The Hispanic population in this country continues to grow, and I don’t want to offend you, but studies show that our Anglo Baptist brothers are aging. That’s why this is so important. We have a future together.”

Estrada spoke eloquently and passionately about the nature of the partnership, leading a delegation of guests at the Coordinating Council meeting. Micaela and Rudy Comacho of the Hispanic convention and Baptist General Convention of Texas respectively, Javier Elizondo of the Hispanic seminary, and Bernie Moraga of CBF’s Hispanic network all made compelling cases for how both parties would benefit from a partnership.

“Our students need to know the kind of Baptist that CBF is, and CBF needs to know our students,” said Elizondo, academic dean for the seminary. “I see it as a justice issue. You believe in justice. Hispanics deserve the best in theological education. I look forward to reaching that goal together.”

Through the partnership, the Hispanic theology school will provide training and leadership development for Hispanic pastors and churches as well as continuing educational opportunities for those already serving. The seminary also will lead conferences on how to reach Hispanics.

The Coordinating Council voted unanimously to ratify the church planting partnership and recommend its approval to the full CBF membership.

“I’m here with CBF because CBF is about love and building,” said Moraga, coordinator of the CBF Hispanic network. “God brings people together for a reason. Who knows? Maybe God brought us together for a divine appointment.”

The Fellowship has long maintained a network of Hispanic churches and has partnered on several projects among Hispanic Baptists. This agreement represents a formalizing of long-standing relationships.

“A partnership has to be good for everybody, or isn’t good for anybody,” said Bill Bruster, CBF coordinator of networks and partnerships. “This partnership can be a win-win for everybody.”

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice.

The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.

Hispanic Baptist Theological School to grant baccalaureate degrees

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has certified Hispanic Baptist Theological School in San Antonio to grant baccalaureate degrees.

Albert Reyes, president of the school said, “This landmark decision is significant in the life of the Hispanic Baptist Theological School because it is the first time in our 56-year history that we are authorized to grant a baccalaureate degree on our own merit.”

The school will award bachelor of arts degrees in biblical/theological studies to graduating students at its May 2003 commencement.

April 2003